Increase Home Security with Door Locks, 
Deadbolts, and Window Security Hardware

Sadly, in this day and age, security is on everyone’s mind.  However, the level of security that any lockset offers depends on how that lockset was manufactured.  It is important to understand that any lockset also known as the dropbolt, uses a key in the knob or handle provides only marginally resistant against a burglar, as these can easily be manipulated and unlocked.   The typical dropbolt and rim lock is not as secure as a deadbolt lock.  If a dropbolt or rim lock is used, then selected, make sure the lock is mounted on the door with through bolts.  If through bolts are not used, a forced entry can separate the lock from the door.

To increase your home’s security significantly you should also have a deadbolt that is made of casehardened steel that has at minimum a 1-inch throw (a bolt that extends at least 1 inch beyond the door's edge).  

The following are other features to look for in a door lock:

•       Security Strike Plate - Although a strike plate comes with every lock and attach to the weakest point of the doorframe, they often times are for cosmetic purposes only and are not intended to increase the amount of security.  Security strike plates often come with a heavy gauge metal reinforcing plate, which is mounted underneath the cosmetic strike plate.  The security strike plate is also secured with 3" long screws that attach the strike to the wall framing, as well as to the doorframe jamb.  In addition, the screw holes are staggered so that the screws don't penetrate into the same grain of wood, which decreases the chance of the wood splinting if the doorframe or wall framing are impacted. 
  
  

•       Saw-Resistant Bolts - Saw-resistant bolts have pins that spin freely inside the bolt.  This makes it difficult for anyone trying to break in by sawing off the deadbolt. 
  
  

•       Captured Key Deadbolt - Captured key deadbolts have a thumb turn that can be removed from the lock.  The captured key deadbolt was created because many burglars would gain entry by simply breaking the glass in the door light or sidelight, then reaching in, and simply unlocking the door.  Sadly, many homeowners place their family in danger by installing double cylinder deadbolt locks with keyholes on both sides of the door.  In the case of a fire, you must not waste time searching for the key to unlock the door.  In many states, building codes do not allow this type of lock on doors that are used to exit the house for this very reason.
  
  To solve this problem between family safety and security, the captured key was developed.  The interior thumb turn can be removed from the lock, leaving a keyhole.  In addition, the thumb-turn can also be used as a house key.  It is important that whenever anyone is in the home that the thumb-turn is left in the lock at all times.
  
  

•       Hardened Cased Steel and Beveled Casings - the outside housing of the lock is referred to as the "casing" or "case.”  To provide increased security many lock manufacturers use hardened steel to make the casings in addition, they also make the casing beveled, which make it for anyone trying to use pliers or pipe wrenches to twist it loose.
  
  

•       Anti-Drill - Just as the name implies, anti-drill locks are made with hardened steel chips within the lock housing.  This will prevent a burglar from breaking into the home by drilling out the deadbolt.  When the drill bit hits these steel chips, it tears up the drill bit.
  
  
  

Window Security Hardware:

Windows and sliding glass doors are not as easy to secure as a hinged door, as windows and sliding doors can be forced open or lifted off their tracks, and glazing can be broken. 

To secure windows and sliding glass doors, you can replace all the ordinary glass, which is at easy access to an intruder with tempered, laminated, or wire-reinforced glass or you can install a perimeter alarm systems. However, there are several other ready-made security devices that make it very difficult to pry open a window and/or removing a sliding glass door from its track.  

The following information describing the differing locks has been provided by the National Crime Prevention Council website at http://www.ncpc.org/:

• Casement Windows - the best way to secure casement windows to remove the window crank when the window is cranked tightly shut.  You can also purchase locks that are specially made to use with casement windows, which can be attached to the sash rail. 
  
  

• Sliding Glass Doors and Windows - there are several security products available for sliding doors and windows such as metal pins, screws, and lag bolts.  However, because of the risk of fire or other emergency, do not use any lock, which makes it difficult for you or your family to exit.  
  

In addition to these products, you can also do one of the following:

•       Insert screws along the upper track above the window/ door.  If the track is hollow behind the center of the track, then the screws should be installed slightly to the side so that they can be anchored into the frame.  Make sure that you leave enough space for the window/door to slide but not enough space for it to be lifted out.
  
  
  

•       Adjust the rollers so that the door/ window cannot be lifted off the track.
  
  
  

•       Place a metal bar or piece of wood in the track of the closed door/ window.  This will prevent the door or window from being opened if the lock is forced opened.
  
  
  

•       Use a pin lock or you can drill a hole into the frame and insert a nail or pin part way through the frame, this will allow you to remove the pin in case of emergency.
  
  
  
  
  

Louvered Windows - are difficult to secure as each pane can be easily removed from the outside of the home.  To make removal difficult, you can apply a two-part epoxy resin to each pane of glass.  However, because louvered windows are difficult to secure, it is recommended that grilles or grated be used especially for vulnerable window such as those that are concealed from view or that are at ground level.  If using grilles or grates, make sure that they are equipped with a quick release feature for emergency exits.

Double Hung Windows - usually have a small thumb-turn lock located in the center, but you should not rely on these to adequately secure your windows against break-ins as they can easily be pried open or easily unlocked once the burglar has broken the glass pane.  However, special key locks are available for windows.  An inexpensive method to secure your windows is to drill an angled hole through the top frame of the lower window partially into the frame of the upper window, then insert an eyebolt.  This will prevent the window from being opened until the eyebolt is removed.  Eyebolts can provide strong resistance against jimmying. 

You can acquire more help in increasing your homes security through your local police department.  Many Police departments have a crime prevention unit that will come out to your home and examine your home.  In addition, you can also employ an experienced locksmith to help you select the right products.