As a fellow homeowner and renovation enthusiast, I know you want to keep your property and family safe from unwanted entry. It can be unsettling to think that a copied key could allow a stranger access into your home. But there are ways we can work together to prevent that from happening!
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing your home against unwanted keys. I‘ll explain how locks can be compromised, share helpful stats on break-ins, and provide tips on choosing the right locks, deterrents, and smart home devices based on my experience.
Let‘s work together to keep you and your loved ones protected.
How Criminals Can Compromise Locks
To understand how to thwart unwanted key usage, it helps to first understand how locks can be compromised. Most door locks that we use in our homes utilize a simple pin and tumbler mechanism.
This lock contains a cylinder where you insert your key, which is connected to an inner mechanism aligning several small "pins". When the correct key is turned, the pins align at just the right position, known as the "shear line". This allows the inner mechanism to turn, and the lock opens.
But the vulnerabilities in this basic design mean that anyone who can replicate the pattern of your key can also unlock your door. There are a few ways this can happen:
- Duplicating your key: Keys can be stolen and duplicated at a hardware store or locksmith. Intruders may also "impression" your key by studying the imprint left on a soft surface.
- Decoding your key: With some effort, criminals can determine the cuts of your key just by looking at it. They can then cut a duplicate key.
- Lock picking: Using special tools, an experienced lock pick can manipulate the pins inside to unlock the door without a key.
According to police reports, around 30% of break-ins nationally involve forced entry without a key. But a concerning 40% involve unlawful use of a key to gain access. Even high-security locks can be compromised. But not to worry, there are ways we can work together to guard your home.
Stats on Break-Ins That Will Inspire You to Take Action
Before we dive into solutions, understanding the risk is important. Here are some troubling stats on break-ins in the US:
- A home burglary occurs every 26 seconds, adding up to around 2 million per year.
- Up to 30% of homes will experience a break-in over the lifetime of the home.
- The average loss per burglary incident is around $3,000.
- Only 13% of burglaries nationally are solved by police.
Knowing these stats will hopefully inspire us to proactively improve the security of our homes. The good news is there are many ways we can work together to do this!
Upgrading to High-Security Locks
One of the best ways to stop that unwanted key is to upgrade your locks to stronger designs that resist picking and impressioning. Here are some great options to consider:
Install High-Security Deadbolts
I always recommend installing a deadbolt lock on exterior doors. Deadbolts provide an extra layer of security that a standard doorknob lock just can‘t match.
When locked, a deadbolt extends a solid metal bolt deep into the door frame, making it extremely tough to pry open a door. Go with a deadbolt at least 1 inch long made from hardened steel. I prefer a double cylinder model where a key is required from both sides.
You‘ll also want to make sure the strike plate is reinforced with long screws securing it firmly into the wooden frame, not just the surface layer. Installing a high-grade deadbolt properly can make a huge difference in protecting your home!
Upgrade to Keyless Locks
Replacing your existing cylinder locks with keyless models can also offer more security. Here are two great options:
- Keypad locks require you to enter a code to unlock your door. No physical key is needed, so there‘s nothing that can be duplicated or stolen. Just make sure your code isn‘t too obvious.
- Smart locks take keyless access even further. You can lock and unlock your door from anywhere using your smartphone and an app. They also provide detailed access logs so you‘ll know if someone tries to use a key.
Consider High-Security Cylinder Locks
If you want to stick with traditional keyed locks, at least upgrade to high-security ones with special features to prevent duplication, picking, bumping, and drilling. Brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA, and Primus offer patented designs.
I like to recommend Medeco locks which use a unique "biaxial" mechanism and custom angled cuts that makes picking them nearly impossible. But these do come at a premium cost.
Testing Lock Security
When shopping for new locks, look for the following marks of quality:
- ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 certification – this signals the highest standards for lock strength, durability, precision, and security against forced entry. Grade 3 locks are more basic.
- UL Listing – The Underwriters Laboratory checks locks for proper operation, defects, and resistance to picking and key duplication. A UL listing means the lock meets the highest standards.
- Patented or proprietary lock designs – As mentioned before, patented elements like on Medeco locks help prove the extra effort that went into designing high-security features.
Installing upgrades like high-grade deadbolts and reinforced strike plates can go a long way to securing your home. But combination of multiple protections is always best.
Deterring Intruders With Alarms
Installing a visible home security system, complete with alarm warning signs and window stickers, can help deter potential intruders from even attempting to use a key on your locks.
Burglars don‘t want to leave behind evidence that could incriminate them, so they often prefer quick and quiet break-ins. Setting off an alarm makes unwanted entry much riskier.
I recommend looking for a system specifically designed to detect break-ins, with door and window entry sensors. Glass break sensors also enhance protection.
The alarm should activate strobe lights and a minimum 120 dB siren that rings both indoors and outdoors when triggered by unauthorized entry. This will signal to the intruder that they‘ve been detected, and prompt them to flee before gaining entry.
Professional monitoring isn‘t mandatory, but can automatically dispatch police which enhances security even more. There are DIY systems available if you‘re comfortable setting it up yourself, which can save on monthly fees.
Making Attacks as Difficult as Possible
In addition to alarms, you can set up physical deterrents at your entrances to frustrate a potential attacker using a copied key. Here are some handy options I recommend trying:
Install a barricade pole – These sit in a small hole in your floor and spring a strong metal pole up against your door with the turn of a key. The pole prevents the door from opening and serves as a clear signal that you‘re home. Burglars want to avoid confrontation.
Add a security bar – Wall-mounted security bars made by Master Lock and other brands slide into brackets and brace firmly against your door when locked. Cheap but effective!
Use a hotel style door guard – These portable guards slip over the door when closed and jam into the floor. They won‘t stop determined intruders but certainly make attacks tougher.
Double-sided tape – Running strips of heavy duty sticky tape along the door frame can foul up and jam an inserted key. Every bit of frustration counts in deterring criminals.
Monitoring Windows and Other Entry Points
It‘s also important we work together to survey all possible entry points into your home. Burglars will often seek unlocked windows and alternative doors rather than dealing with tough locks on the front door.
- Make sure all windows have working locks and that you keep them closed and locked when not at home. Burglars target loose or broken window locks.
- Install dowels or track guards in sliding windows to prevent lifting them open from the outside.
- Consider applying security film on glass doors and ground floor windows to prevent smashing and entry.
- Check that patio doors, garage doors, basement doors, and yard gates all have functioning locks. Add auxiliary locks if needed.
Checking for weak points is all part of working together to fully armor your home.
Reacting to Lost Keys or Suspected Duplication
If you ever lose your keys or suspect someone may have duplicated them without permission, consider replacing the associated locks immediately.
This renders the unauthorized copied key useless. It‘s an expense, but vital for peace of mind. Going forward, restrict access to your keys to only trusted individuals. Avoid hiding spare keys outside, as burglars know all the best hiding spots.
You can also install a small key lock box on your property (away from prying eyes) to tightly control access to a spare key for guests. Only you can open the box with a code or key to retrieve the spare.
For shared properties like apartments, make sure any duplicated keys are tracked through a key log requiring signatures. This keeps tabs on who has copies.
Temporary Protection vs. Permanent Solutions
When it comes to blocking door locks from unwanted keys, both temporary and permanent solutions are options:
Temporary techniques:
- Lodging a strong object beneath the door
- Jamming glue into the keyhole
- Bracing a portable travel lock when home
Permanent options:
- Installing new high-security locks and deadbolts
- Attaching metal plates over cylinder locks
- Replacing compromised locks so copied keys no longer work
Layering both temporary and permanent techniques can provide complete protection.
Costs and Professional Installation
Improving home security represents an investment, but protecting your family is invaluable. Here are typical costs:
- High-security locks and deadbolts: $100-$800, depending on features
- Home alarm system: $200+ for DIY, $500+ for professionally installed and monitored
- Deterring devices: $20-$50 for simple door blocks, jams, and poles.
I always recommend having new locks and deadbolts installed by a professional locksmith, which usually costs $100-$200. This ensures:
- Proper alignment with manufacturer template
- Deadbolt fully extends into strike plate
- Reinforced strike plate secured to door frame with 3-4 inch screws
- No damage to door or frame during installation
- Adjustments to frame if needed to accommodate locks
For DIY installation, be sure to carefully follow all instructions. Hiring a locksmith is worth the cost.
Legalities of Blocking Door Locks
Generally speaking, it is legal for homeowners to add physical barriers that prevent key entry from outside the home. However, permanently blocking certain types of entry doors in rental units may violate fire codes if egress is hindered.
Temporary blocking should be acceptable, but check your state laws and lease terms to be sure. Unlawfully locking out a tenant could prompt lawsuits. The best solution for renters is adding layers of security like deadbolts on unit doors with management approval.
Let‘s Partner to Protect Your Home
Hopefully this guide has given you some clarity on how to fully protect your home against unwanted key entry. As your fellow home security enthusiast, I‘m here to help implement layers of smart locks, alarms, and deterrents that keep your family safe.
The issue of copied keys can create anxiety. But together we can proactively guard against it using the right mix of security upgrades. If you have any other questions, I‘m here to help you find the right products and get them properly installed. Let‘s keep in touch and partner to protect your home. Stay safe out there!
