How Strong Is Your Door Lock Hardware? In one of my favorite movies, the heroine seemed hopelessly locked in a basement. The lock on the door was strong, and someone would need a blow torch to get through it. However, someone else came along and simply removed the hinges and the door was opened. The door lock hardware was strong, but it was no match for a little imagination. If you are worried about your family safety, which almost all of us live in an area where that is somewhat of a concern, you should think about all aspect of your door construction. The hinges on many doors are not quite as easy to remove these days - as they were in the above movie - but they can be a problem if you have older doors on your home. Those people with older doors tend to focus on adding new door lock hardware without considering the age of the rest of the door. They also forget that a thick bolt does well for some door lock hardware, but if connected with screws into a old and weak wood, it can easily be breached if someone really wants to get into the home. Another aspect to think about, other than your door lock hardware, would be the amount of glass that you have in your entry doors - both front and back. Most think about the front door but fail to consider that the entry for most who would break in will not be in plain sight but somewhere else on the home. You have to think about how big the glass is, how easy it is to break, and even the view of your home it provides from the outside. No amount of heavy door lock hardware is going to help if the glass breaks and there is room to slide a hand in to unlock. If you have decided that your doors are secure in structure, hinges, and glass, you can then concentrate on getting the very best of door lock hardware. If you think about where you live, you may already have some ideas. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you live in a very nice place so you have nothing to worry about. That can actually be the opposite case. Your door lock hardware should be sturdy and appropriate no matter where you live. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. When deciding on your new door lock hardware, consider all aspects of each type of lock. How does it attach to the existing door? Would it hold under ramming and other pressure? How easy is it for you to use? Do you need more than one type of door lock hardware? Answer those questions and consult with someone at the store when choosing and you will make the best choice for your particular needs and situation. Summary Spring cleaning should involve taking stock of your house and yard, inside and out. One area which you may not pay attention to is the door locking mechanisms of entry doors. Locks wear just like any other type of hardware and need to be checked periodically. If you have doors with large window glass, consider replacing it as thieves have an easier time breaking in. Related Articles Security Door Locks Best Locks Door Locks Related Sites