Anti-snap locks – What are they? And should you install them in your home?
You may have heard people mention getting ‘anti-snap locks’ but not really know what they are or how they work. Perhaps there may have been a break-in in the area and you heard recommendations to upgrade your locks to these but are not sure where to start. Key Access Locksmith can explain what these are and how they function that makes them beneficial and recommended so widely.
No matter where you live, there is unfortunately always a risk or worry of someone breaking in to your home. Considering doors are the primary access point for burglars (around 73% in fact!), ensuring you have reliable locks on your doors is the first point to look at to secure your home. There has been a significant increase in the lock snapping method being used in burglaries and is becoming the preferred entry method on houses that have conservatories, UPVC, composite and French Doors.
Generally, when burglars are on the prowl, they will assess the property based on if they believe they can break the lock to gain access. Anti-theft locks all have a star rating engraved on the front known as a ‘kite mark’, locks without these have an increased probability of snapping.
Lock snapping attacks focus on cylinder locks that are weak at the centre, it involves snapping this particular type of cylinder in two by applying the right amount of force. With the correct tools, intruders can gain access to your property using this method in under 2 minutes!
In order to do this, the intruder must first remove the outside part to expose the locking mechanism. Most often standard UPVC door handles are hollow and brittle which means that if enough force is applied, they will break. When a burglar attempts a break in, they will remove or destroy the handle, most likely with large pliers or similar grips. Once removed they will then use the relevant tools to enable them to apply enough force to break the cylinder in half. As soon as the lock has been snapped, the broken piece can be removed and a small piece of metal can be used to manipulate the mechanism and unlock the door.
It is also worth noting that although you may think you have multi-locking points on your door to make it secure, it is important to realise that they are all operated by the cylinder. Therefore, once the cylinder has been compromised, this results in the rest of the locking points being useless.
The difference with anti-snap locks compared to the standard cylinders on the market, is that they have a strong reinforced centre, this centre is designed to prevent the risk of snapping. Some versions of these locks have sacrificial end pieces that will break away at the featured anti-snap lines. So rather than the lock snapping at the centre making it vulnerable, it snaps on the ‘anti-snap line’ leaving the locking mechanism intact and secure. This means the burglar has little option but to abandon their attempt.
Anti-Snap locks are recommended widely, and with the increasing rates of this method being used for intruders, it is worth considering to add to the security of your home. There are many ‘anti-snap’ locks on the market today, and some are very secure while others are not. Key Access Locksmith can assist with the options available and offer recommendations to secure your home. It is also recommended to get them fitted by a professional approved locksmith, as even an anti-snap lock can be vulnerable if not fitted correctly. Key Access Locksmith can assist from start to finish and ensure the lock is the right size and fitted correctly to ensure the security of your lock is at its highest.
