How can you tell if your cylinder lock is secure?

[steveb1964]

Is there any way to tell if the cylinders in a UPVC door lock is secure or not, as in it's not cheap rubbish that can be snapped or bumped?

I've had a look at my UPVC doors fitted to my conservatory (2 years ago) and the only marking I can see on the doors is down the metal strip where the lock shoots out is LOCKMASTER. On the key it has Mila Hardware BS EN 1303:2005 Grade 6.

Are these locks any good or should I be looking to replace them?

Thanks

 

[Alarm]

What markings are on the key?

 

[steveb1964]

What markings are on the key?

On one side it says

Mila Hardware

On the other it has

BS EN 1303:2005
Grade 6
1600C60

No other markings

Thanks

 

[Alarm]

Basically a 6 pin cylinder, no anti snap, no anti bump.

Could be improved upon.

http://www.upvcspares4repairs.co.uk/anti-snap-lock-cylinder-35mm-60mm-brass-p-9049.html

 

[steveb1964]

Basically a 6 pin cylinder, no anti snap, no anti bump.

Could be improved upon.

http://www.upvcspares4repairs.co.uk/anti-snap-lock-cylinder-35mm-60mm-brass-p-9049.html[/QUOTE]

Thank you, I was given the impression from the installer that it was anti snap and bump but after a bit of googling and your comment it seems that they're not!

I will look to replace them asap. Are the ones in your link the best to go for or would any anti snap / bump be ok such as these?

Is it an idea to upgrade the door handles or is that going a bit OTT?

MAybe upgrade the cylinder and add some sash jammers?

http://www.handlestore.com/products/Anti-Snap-Bump-Cylinder-40-50/CS/

Although I see no mention of secured by design or PAS24 which I guess are the ones I need

Thanks

 

[Alarm]

Handles only if you want different ones.
The link you have has standard keys, duplicated anywhere. My links ones are "registered", ie you need proof of ownership before they are cut.

 

[Richard C]

If someone is intent on “doing you” they will get in regardless; burglars can be subtle but very rarely these days. Do you seriously think any sophisticated multi-point locking system with special keys & anti bump locks is of any use when most burglaries involve either smashing a window or kicking in/levering out a door; your security is only as good as the weakest they can find & that won’t be very good unless you fit steel shutters! All this stuff the insurance companies insist on is total crap & won’t stop you getting burgled if you’re targeted by anyone with even 10% of a brain. Your best option is a visible deterrent such as an active burglar alarm bell box; this will almost certainly encourage them to go next door where/if they don’t have one. If your property is breached then create as much noise as possible but most neighbours you don’t know will probably ignore it anyway & the Police won’t give a sheite. By the time they turn up, you could probably load the best contents of you property into a 7 tonne lorry & be long gone; nothing will stop you getting burgled if you’re targeted, the best thing you can do is to make your neighbour a better target & create as much noise as possible if not!

 

[Alarm]

Yep,of course your entirely right.

I`ll just shut up, only being a locksmith, electronic security engineer. Working in the industry for only most of my life.
From manufacturing to installation.

 

[foxhole]

Sorry to Alarm you but tend to agree with Richard , certainly as far as pvc door are concerned, broke into a friends house after they were locked out with nothing but a stanley blade and was in under 3mins .

 

[steveb1964]

Sorry to Alarm you but tend to agree with Richard , certainly as far as pvc door are concerned, broke into a friends house after they were locked out with nothing but a stanley blade and was in under 3mins .

I guess no door is secure!

Problem with wooden doors is that they are very easy to force open. I had to do for a friend when they were locked out. They had a hardwood door with a mortice lock on, was in within 30 seconds. Made a mess of the frame but it was probably cheaper than calling a locksmith out in the middle of the night after a night out!!

 

[Alarm]

Sorry to Alarm you but tend to agree with Richard , certainly as far as pvc door are concerned, broke into a friends house after they were locked out with nothing but a stanley blade and was in under 3mins .

I guess no door is secure!

Problem with wooden doors is that they are very easy to force open. I had to do for a friend when they were locked out. They had a hardwood door with a mortice lock on, was in within 30 seconds. Made a mess of the frame but it was probably cheaper than calling a locksmith out in the middle of the night after a night out!!

Not sure why you thanked me, my comment was tounge in cheek.

 

[Richard C]

Not sure why you thanked me, my comment was tounge in cheek.

 

[Alarm]

lol