Vista Lock & Safe

Some locks are designed to be anti-drill, or drill resistant. The manufacturer infuses the lock casing with hardened steel chips. If an intruder attempts to drill into the lock, these chips will tear up the drill bit.

It's common to call a locksmith to help you out when you lock your keys in the car. However, locksmiths offer a variety of automotive services, from duplicating a lost key to extracting a broken ignition key from the lock cylinder.

Did you know that simply replacing your hollow wood door with a solid wood or metal door is one of the best ways to keep burglars from breaking into your home? This makes it much harder for them to kick in your door.

It's a good idea to have a locksmith inspect all of the locks when you move into a new home. A trained locksmith can make suggestions to improve the security of your home.

Keep in mind that while you want your locks to be secure against unwanted intruders, safety is also an important consideration. If you decide to install a double cylinder deadbolt (keyed on both sides), then make sure you have an alternate exit plan in case of fire or another emergency.

Higher-graded deadbolt locks include beveled casings made of hardened steel. The hardened steel makes the lock resilient against blows from a hammer, and the beveling makes it difficult to grip the lock with pliers or a pipe wrench.

The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) requires members to go through a three-month waiting period while they undergo extensive background checks. Membership is only open to those who have been in business for two years or more.

The most common type of entryway door lock is the single cylinder lock. This type of lock has a keyed opening on one side and a knob that manipulates the lock on the other, which makes it easy to exit the home and/or let someone inside.

A few qualities you should look for in a theft-resistant lock are keyed deadbolts, saw-resistant bolts, and a bolt-assembly protector. These components make it much harder for burglars to get past your locks and into your home.

According to the FBI, nearly 40 percent of all house or shed burglaries involved doors that were not locked. Remember that some burglars watch neighborhoods to pick up patterns to make breaking into homes easier.

One of the most important aspects of a good lock is the strike plate, since this is what secures your lock to the doorframe. If possible, you should find a strike plate that has at least four screws that are three inches long.

A reputable locksmith will always ask to see your ID or proof of residence before working on the locks in your home. Most will also ask to see proof of ownership (such as an insurance card) before unlocking your car or duplicating a lost key.

The locks in your home are often the main line of defense from criminals. Have them checked regularly to keep them in top operating condition. That's much better than discovering a lock issue at midnight.