I don't need mega security, but I would like to have one key open everything. I have about three deadbolts and five doorknobs I'd like keyed alike. I'd also like the company to exist in ten years when I need a replacement, and to be able to key that to match what I have. I don't believe I need locksmith grade stuff.
My doorknobs fail in the loose/rattly mode, so something that could stand up to this would be great.
Ideas!
help me pick locks for my house
- Thread starter eljefino
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I have and like baldwin. believe you can set the locks to operate off one key. After 15 years, i had a part break on my manchester handleset. I called and they sent the part at no cost.
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One usually only needs to pick locks for other people's houses.
Not any the house brands from lowes, or home depot, and not kwikset.
you were handed a pretty good straight line......
I like Schlage lock sets. The are built decent and aren't too expensive. I bought a kit to re-key all of the locks that was fairly easy to install.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2023
I like Schlage. They're not junk like Kwikset
Schlage stuff is OK.
Emtek will be an overall step up in quality feel. They offer lots of designs, too.
Also, to the OP,
Many locks use standard lock cylinder designs, so rekeying is generally quite easy for any competent locksmith. My local locksmith charges around $9 to do it.
A 6 pin Schlage might be a decent compromise, it gives you slightly more pick resistance than the standard 5 pin locks that you buy at Home Depot.
If you move into Medeco or Mul-T-Lock, you're looking at big bucks, but they have hardened cylinders to make it a little more difficult to drill, and are pretty close to impossible to pick or bump open.
Of course any lock won't keep you secure if the strike isn't installed correctly.
I personally worry less about picking , kicking in is the usual entry.
Originally Posted By: spasm3
I personally worry less about picking , kicking in is the usual entry.
JHZR2
Staff member
We have schlage. We bought matching serial numbers so that all deadbolts have the same key and all door handles/mortise locks have the same key.
My only complaint is that drawing the key out of the deadbolts has gotten very difficult recently, after about 7 years. Probably just needs some graphite...
Originally Posted By: dernp
I own several rental properties and have had very good success with Weiser locks. I use their deadbolts that you can re-key yourself. Very easy and very convenient for me when a tenant moves out. Home Depot up here has a great selection.
I would suggest a KEYPAD and have a locksmith disable the "backup key".
A door bell, and a entrance camera so you can see who is at the door.
Remember, insurance companies deny claims if there's no proof of forced entry!!
1) Go to a locksmith store, find the Schlage B60 or equivalent, usually $30-$50. Have the pins inside replaced with Mushroom Pins, which will prevent 'bumping'. Basically mushroom pins have a mushroom top, when bumped fall to the side grabbing it, and defeating the bump. Then have it re-pinned for a deeper, more complex keyset, the deeper/complex the pin layout, the harder to pick/bump. (6,4,9,5,7,9 or something) These come with anti-drilling protections, pick shields, and will suffice for the majority of cases. I know expert locksmiths that spend days and days in the shop trying to get through these. They aren't impossible to get into, but offer some pretty significant protection at a low price. OR buy them, then take them into the locksmith store, have ALL mushroom pins installed, and rekeyed to be higher security.
2) Purchase Medeco locks, or a similar high security brand. These are fairly secure, although not impossible to break, and nobody can just go get a key made. They come with a credit card that has to be used at a locksmith to 'authorize' a rekey job. But these cost $120-$300 depending on model. Also, when an agent, crook, or anyone else sees Medeco on the door, they think "This dude knows about security..", it's an alarm bell for them, they get scared, they don't know what ELSE you might have..
3) Purchase Schlage Everest locks off Ebay. Only pro locksmiths can make keys for these, and they are extremely hard to break into. They do not make them anymore, so any you find will be ones before production was stopped. They have side pins that prevent most picking, and prevent bumpjobs. Cost is quite low, about $50-$70 each on Ebay.
Remember, you can buy bumpkeys for 90% of all locks for $8.00 for a complete set on the internet. This ensures 1-5 second entry to virtually all homes.
DO NOT ASK ME HOW I KNOW! 
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I think it really matters what your needs are. The typical answer is to make it more difficult and the thief goes on to the next house.
If you have a million dollar art collection you need more than the average homeowner.
I do not think the average thief picks a lock. They either bump open a door and find an open window or break a window.
Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
One usually only needs to pick locks for other people's houses.
Originally Posted By: JustinH
Not any the house brands from lowes, or home depot, and not kwikset.
Based on the title, I was wondering if you lost your keys 
Originally Posted By: Clevy
Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
One usually only needs to pick locks for other people's houses.
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