Why a Deadbolt Installation is the Foundation of Home Security

When it comes to securing your home, not all locks are created equal. Many homes across Melbourne rely on simple handle locks, also known as spring-latch locks. While convenient for daily access, these locks are highly vulnerable to physical force, shimming, and jimmying. For robust security, a professional deadbolt installation is the single most important upgrade you can make to your external doors.

Deadbolts vs. Spring Latches: What's the Difference?

To understand why deadbolts are so secure, you have to look at how they operate compared to standard latches:

• Spring Latches: These locks use a spring to hold the bolt in place. The bolt has a curved edge, allowing it to slide back when the door closes. Because of this spring mechanism, they can often be bypassed by sliding a thin tool (like a plastic card) between the door and the frame.
• Deadbolts: A deadbolt does not have a spring. The bolt is flat and is manually thrown into the door frame using a key or a thumb-turn. Because it must be turned to retract, it cannot be shimmed or bypassed by pushing on the bolt itself. It offers massive resistance to crowbars and battering.

Single Cylinder vs. Double Cylinder Deadbolts

When choosing a deadbolt, you will need to decide between two main configurations:

• Single Cylinder Deadbolts: These feature a keyway on the outside and a thumb-turn latch on the inside. They are highly convenient for quick exit during emergencies (like a fire). However, if your door has glass panels, an intruder could break the glass, reach inside, and turn the latch to unlock the door.
• Double Cylinder Deadbolts: These require a key to lock and unlock from both the outside and inside. This prevents an intruder from reaching in to open the door, even if they break adjacent glass. However, they can pose a safety hazard in a fire if the key is not nearby. The recommendation is to leave a key in the inside cylinder only when you are at home.

Australian Standards (AS 4145.2) and Insurance Compliance

In Victoria, many home insurance policies mandate that external doors be fitted with key-lockable deadlocks or deadbolts. Installing cheap, non-standard locks from unverified online suppliers can void your insurance policy in the event of a break-in. Always look for locks that meet Australian Standards AS 4145.2, which ensures the hardware has been tested for durability, corrosion resistance, and physical attack security.

Professional Deadbolt Fitting

An incorrectly installed deadbolt is useless. If the hole in the door frame is too shallow or if the strike plate is secured with short screws, the door can easily be kicked open. A professional locksmith preps the door with precision templates and uses heavy-duty, long-threaded screws to anchor the strike plate deep into the wall framing studs behind the door frame, providing maximum resistance.

Ready to secure your home? Our residential locksmiths specialize in deadbolt installations and comprehensive home security audits. Contact Richmond Prime Locksmith today to book an upgrade.