My interesting door lock

DRP

I phoned my insurance about the possibility of getting a key safe and they didn’t seem bothered at all. It sounded like they’d never been asked before 😀 

pieroabcd

Question can keys like these be easily duplicated? or would I be at the mercy of rip off prices?
Also, any reason to buy Yale rather than cheaper brand?
I wouldn't want to be sold a lock that can be opened by just anyone.
Finally, is replacing the cylinder easy to do wrong and remain locked inside/outside?

Thanks

ic

pieroabcd said:

Definire not offset

Have you tried taking your handle off and seeing if the spindle is a solid bar between the two handles, or if there's some other magic to it?

Reading the other posts here, I don't believe replacing the cylinder will resolve your original complaint that you can't get in without a key - you'll simply have a new cylinder and keys.

pieroabcd

ic said:

pieroabcd said:

Definire not offset

Have you tried taking your handle off and seeing if the spindle is a solid bar between the two handles, or if there's some other magic to it?

Reading the other posts here, I don't believe replacing the cylinder will resolve your original complaint that you can't get in without a key - you'll simply have a new cylinder and keys.

It's not for that, but for the problem that I had twice, when the key didn't turn smoothly and required some force

ashe

Albermarle said:

 the code order doesnt matter so all you need is the 4 numbers in the code, not the actual code itself e.g if your code was 1234 then 4231 will open the box too, 

Seems rather poor if that is the case.

Is that the same for a 4 dial combination ( typically used in padlocks as well), or one with a keypad with 0- 9 ?

not for padlocks because each number is its own spindle but theyre fairly easy to open too. for keypad ones that is generally how it works unless they are powered somehow, as it doesnt know which order youre pushing the buttons in, it just needs the 4 buttons pushed. there are still a lot of combinations, but its not 9999 and ones with A and B buttons on, its silly to use both (or maybe even any if youre using it to throw them off)

Slinky said:

ashe said:

We also have a key safe. You need to inform your home insurance and they usually specify that it must be police approved and out of plain sight - ours is hidden behind a planter by our garage.

I've never been asked any questions about external key safes for my home insurance.

We have our front door configured so we have to lift the handle to lock it externally so we can't shut ourselves out. Internally it has a thumb turn so is quick and easy to lock when coming in.  There's no letterbox in the door so it can't be reached that way.

I've never been asked any questions about that either, but there are some things that you are just meant to tell your insurer rather than expecting them to ask you.

DO KEY SAFES INVALIDATE HOME INSURANCE?

It’s always best to check with your insurer before you buy and install a key safe. Read through policy documents, and if you can’t see any explicit mention of key safes, then contact your insurer.

Some insurers may stipulate that any type of key safe will invalidate your insurance. Others may only approve certain makes and models.

Providers may also specify certain conditions. This might include a requirement that the key safe is installed by a professional or located in a discreet place, and that you only share your key code with a small number of trusted individuals.

it's one of those things that people just sometimes don't do or think about, like telling home insurance you bought a new TV.