PVC Door Lock - Security!!!!!!!

cheggers

Had some firm round last week and they said my PVC door was not very secure as the some of the barrel of the lock pops out of the door and was ripe for Key Bumping or just grapping the lock with snipers and breaking the barrell of the lock, said a burglar could be inside within 20 seconds.

They have recommend an new lock and door handle going to set me back £120 anyone know anything on this subject.

hardpressed

Did you invite them to come round or did they just knock on the door? If it was the latter I'd be very suspicious.

BagOfSpanners

If they turned up unannounced, that's a bit dodgy.

PVC doors with Euro-cylnder locks are often vulnerable to a particular kind of brute-force attack, particularly if the exterior end of the lock cylinder stands proud of the handle backplate.

You can buy new cylinders for no more than £40 per door which will prevent this kind of attack. They are very easy to fit yourself, but make sure you order the correct length for your door:

http://www.screwfix.co.uk/cats/A358161/Security/Euro-Cylinder-Locks/6-Pin-Euro-Cylinders

http://www.ciaalarms.co.uk/break_secure_cylinders.htm (I have some of these)

I reckon that in most cases fitting one of these cylinders will be sufficient, and fitting a reinforced handle probably won't add much more security.

moonrakerz

Most cylinder locks are held in place by one screw, if there is enough of the lock protruding from the face of the door it is relatively easy to break the screw and gain access.
Lock Bumping is a totally different thing, "master" keys are available off the web which will allow someone to open your door as easily as you could with the correct key. It does not damage the lock - this leaves you with the problem of convincing your insurers that you really were burgled and just didn't leave the front door open !

I would be careful of anyone "cold calling", if you need new locks go to a decent locksmith.

ukwoody

If the cylinder of the euro cylinder protrudes less then about 10mm they have very little chance of snapping it. I know - I do it for a living. It should be almost flush with the face of the handle plate. Even if it is more than about 10mm it is still tricky without specialised tools. It is extremly hard using mole grips and damn nearly impossible using pliers.

Bumping can be done, but takes a lot of practise as does using jiggler keys and rakes. Even with an electronic pick, it varies so much from lock to lock it takes practice.

If you purchase an expensive cylinder they will contain Mushroom tumblers and steel tumblers to help prevent all of this. They can also have two stainless steel pins which are anti drill right at the front. many also have anti snap (sheer) features.

The company I do call outs for fit brilliant cylinders which you can only get key for through them. They cannot be got anywhere else. They contain all the above mentioned security features and if I came out to fit you would be looking at no more than about £80 approx. There is no need for a new handle.

To charge £120 is too expensive and makes you wonder if they are any good anyway.

I have no connection to them other than as a contractor locksmith but have a look here. Highly recommended.

http://www.locksonline.co.uk/resources/he/lol_cylinder.php

woody

cheggers

hardpressed wrote: »

Did you invite them to come round or did they just knock on the door? If it was the latter I'd be very suspicious.

They were round invited as they were servicing my alarm

cheggers

BagOfSpanners wrote: »

If they turned up unannounced, that's a bit dodgy.

PVC doors with Euro-cylnder locks are often vulnerable to a particular kind of brute-force attack, particularly if the exterior end of the lock cylinder stands proud of the handle backplate.

You can buy new cylinders for no more than £40 per door which will prevent this kind of attack. They are very easy to fit yourself, but make sure you order the correct length for your door:

http://www.screwfix.co.uk/cats/A358161/Security/Euro-Cylinder-Locks/6-Pin-Euro-Cylinders

http://www.ciaalarms.co.uk/break_secure_cylinders.htm (I have some of these)

I reckon that in most cases fitting one of these cylinders will be sufficient, and fitting a reinforced handle probably won't add much more security.

I like the look of http://www.ciaalarms.co.uk/acatalog/Mul-T-Lock_Break_Secure_Cylinder_Double.html

How do I measure the size of my exsisting lock, how do I take the lock out and fix a new one

ukwoody

Cheggers check yourt messages, I have answered that in the PM you sent me.
woody