All Questions
31 questions
2
votes
1
answer
689
views
Swapping a lock for a double cylinder
This is a european style lock where you turn the handle up for the strike to come out and then turn the little knob underneath to lock it. Can a DIYer convert this lock into the type where a key is ...
- 31
2
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Adding another lock to my exterior door? Any issues structurally
I have a house that was built in 1975, and I plan to add another lock, a deadbolt lock, to my front door. Since the door has glasses on them, I wanted to know if it is structurally sound to add ...
- 129
0
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Is there a replacement mailbox lock that is more pry-resistant?
The communal curbside mailboxes at my townhouse frequently are pried open. (The unit is a Salsbury Industries, Aluminum 3504ASU Surface Mounted Vertical Mailbox with 4 Doors and USPS Access).
I know ...
- 133
-1
votes
1
answer
646
views
Securing a basement suite with door to main floor
I live in a basement suite and the door to the main floor has a lock on the landlords side.
Is there a simple way to secure it from my side?
user118870
0
votes
0
answers
222
views
Deadlock convert (or mod) to smart
I want to convert my entry door to a smart lock, but I haven't found any that are compatible with a jimmy proof deadlock. I've attached an image of my deadlock, and I was hoping someone could point me ...
- 101
5
votes
2
answers
331
views
Question about outswing door on attached toolshed
I have a toolshed attached to my garage with an outswing door. The door appears to be screwed into the moulding instead of the stud. Is this typical for an outswing door (see photos)?
Photo album
I'...
- 153
2
votes
5
answers
13k
views
Is having all locks with the same key a bad idea?
My partner and I have recently bought a house.
I'm going to get new door lock cylinders for the front and back door. I'm not sure whether to get them keyed alike.
Is it a bad idea to get them so ...
- 214
0
votes
2
answers
87
views
Battle of the British Standard BS3621
I am replacing the locks on a property and want to change the deadlock. Firstly there are two depths to the locks: 64 mm (2.5") and 76mm (3") under the same BS3621.
After returning the first lock I ...
- 103
0
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Should I replace a knob lock when replacing a matching deadbolt? [closed]
I've got three external doors with Callan knob lock and deadbolt sets. The deatbolts on two of the doors have failed due to a part on the inside that has deteriorated.
I was hoping to replace the ...
- 167
-1
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Hardware to lock an internally opening door from the outside
Key Question: How to lock an internally opening door from the outside. I know that I could use a security hasp (image) or I could change the doornob but I am trying to avoid these two options.
Why ...
- 276
2
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Jack and Jill bathroom locks
What kind of locks do I get for a jack and jill bathroom so that you can have privacy in the bathroom as well as in both bedrooms?
- 21
2
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Lock can be opened with credit card even when deadlatch is fully depressed
I just installed a standard deadlatch, very much like this:
The problem is, it can be opened from the outside with a credit card.
Of course, a properly installed deadlatch should make this ...
- 121
0
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Key stuck in Security Door
My home door is a Security Door using this type of mechanism . The lock itself is about 20 years old and i now have a key stuck in it.
The key is on the inside and will rotate almost 90° in both ...
- 103
0
votes
0
answers
47
views
Searching for replacement keys for specific window lock
I have this window lock on two of the windows in my flat:
The key required for this is hexagonal, and it has a pin hole in the centre.
Here is the lock in context:
Does anyone recognise the lock, ...
- 111
1
vote
1
answer
5k
views
How can I adjust a door latch so that it engages securely?
My cousin has an external door with a knob lock and a double-deadbolt lock. She prefers not to keep the deadbolt locked. If she goes out through that door, she normally turns the knob, leaving the ...
- 305
2
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Backyard shed with keyed hasp same as house key [closed]
Anyone know if there's a solution for locking a backyard shed, that would let me rekey it to be the same as a normal house key.
The shed is a Tuff Shed with double wood doors like this:
Currently ...
- 121
0
votes
2
answers
653
views
Multi point door lock security and can I use wood screws near it?
I've had a break-in so looking to improve my security. I have what I believe is called a multi point lock - see pic. Basically when you lock the door there are pins at the top and bottom of the door ...
- 145
0
votes
1
answer
3k
views
What are the best option to Rekey My New House?
I'm closing on my first house on Tuesday and I'm interested in seeing if rekeying my locks is worth the effort. I think my options are: new locks, rekey it myself, and get a locksmith to rekey it. Any ...
9
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Door lock and unlock based on authorized user proximity
I want to install an electronic lock on my office/workshop that only a specific individual(s) can unlock. I want it to lock every time the door is closed and the room is empty but I do not want to ...
- 576
1
vote
4
answers
44k
views
How can I secure an outwardly opening front door without damaging anything?
This is a rented house in Japan (single room).
It has an outwardly opening front door. The resident (a single woman) has fear of intruder breaking in. Also, damaging/modifying the door or the wall is ...
- 111
2
votes
1
answer
755
views
Which cylinder door lock shield design is most secure?
I'm planning to place a shield on my front door and would like to know which of the 3 shield designs is the most secure option and why.
Basic design characteristics:
Top Left:
the outside part of ...
1
vote
1
answer
4k
views
Is it safe to oil a lock? [duplicate]
I have a very sticky door lock, is it safe to oil it with standard household oil?
Will oil degrade the security of the lock in any way?
If it's safe, how should I apply the oil?
- 777
2
votes
3
answers
16k
views
Can someone unlock a locked door and lock it back again without the key?
Is it possible for someone to unlock your front door get into your house and then lock the door again without being supplied with a key?
- 21
1
vote
2
answers
878
views
Are garage door locks that cannot be opened from the outside available?
I would like to replace my garage lock with a lock face that does not permit opening it from the outside. I don't have a key to it anyway, and right now it's the weakest link of my home security.
I'...
- 481
9
votes
6
answers
20k
views
How can I fit a Schlage lockset in my front door?
I moved into a condo with a Kwikset lockset in the door. I wanted to replace it with a Schlage lockset, but the actual bolt portion of the deadbolt was too large to fit into the pre-drilled hole. If ...
- 233
4
votes
4
answers
12k
views
Where do I buy a weather proof combination padlock?
I have a shed that I use a padlock to secure. The last lock I had lasted a year before failing. It cost about $40. My wife prefers combination so she won't need her keys just to work in the yard.
I ...
- 233
2
votes
2
answers
18k
views
How do I install a chain lock on a steel door?
I'm tring to install a chain lock on the inside of my home. I've tried millions of things to get a hole in the steel door. Is a 12 volt drill not powerful enough?
2
votes
1
answer
775
views
what parameters should I look for when choosing an electric deadbolt?
I am looking for electric deadbolts for external steel doors - to place several of them on a door - one on each side (top, bottom, left, right) for extra security.
I want to buy just the deadbolt ...
- 259
17
votes
7
answers
43k
views
How to tell if your locks are bump proof?
I was reading about lock "bumping" where burglars buy 'bump' keys and can open locks very quickly. I was also reading that some locks are bump proof (double chamber perhaps?). My question is: how can ...
- 453
10
votes
2
answers
9k
views
How long do batteries typically last in electronic deadbolts?
I'm considering getting a Schlage Plymouth Keypad for our front-door but was curious how long the 9V battery typically lasts. The web site says "3 year battery life" but I'm... skeptical. =)
Has ...
- 8,163
13
votes
7
answers
51k
views
Is it worth having two locks in exterior doors? [closed]
I've noticed that some places have a lock in the knob and a deadbolt in the exterior doors, and some places have a knob without a lock and just a deadbolt. Is there a benefit to having a lock in the ...
- 1,300