uPVC Lock Information
Falcon Locks are uPVC lock specialists and we wanted to offer some uPVC lock information. Including advice about the different types of uPVC locks available. Thereby, helping you to choose the right option for you. With dozens and dozens of different specifications to choose from we think this information will be useful to home owners and businesses alike.
British Insurance Approved
There are so many different manufacturers of uPVC locks. Avocet, Coldseal, Era, Ferco, Fullex, Maco, Mila, Millenco, Saracen, Winkhaus and Yale to name but a few! It is important that you ensure that the locks on your door are British Insurance Approved. This means that you have to check with your individual insurer to ensure your locks meet the specification laid down in the insurance policy. Generally speaking if a lock has been British Standard Approved (currently to BS3621 or higher) then it will be British Insurance Approved. But it isn’t always the case so DO DOUBLE CHECK WITH YOU INSURER.
British Standard
BS3621: 1998 is the current minimum standard for a BS authenticated lock. Any BS approved product will bear the kite mark symbol as well. Giving you peace of mind that the lock has been rigorously tested and checked.
High Security uPVC Lock Options
Locks at risk of lock snapping include the Europrofile Cylinder set with 2 double cylinders and one single cylinder (left) and the screw to secure the cylinder
Many older style uPVC doors do not have high security locking mechanisms. If your door was fitted more than 5 years ago it would be worth checking that the locks fitted to it are sufficiently secure. They may not meet the specification needed to satisfy your insurance policy.
Anti-bump, anti-snap and anti pick cylinder locks are now available to fit to your uPVC doors. These high security options are much more secure for your external doors.
Lock Bumping or lock rapping
A method of opening a door that has a cylinder lock and relies on the use of a bump key. A bump key is a key that has been cut so that the valleys (indentations) on the key are as deep as possible. The key is carefully inserted into the lock so that the impressions of the teeth interact with the pins inside the locking mechanism. It requires skill and patience to master the technique.
Cylinder snapping or lock snapping
This occurs when the correct amount of force is applied to a certain kind of cylinder lock (Europrofile locks are particularly prone) and this removes the external element of the lock. This in turn exposes the inner lock mechanism, which can then allow opening of the door with simple tools.
Lock picking
This is a method of opening a lock without a key by studying the mechanism and moving the inner pins of the lock with the use of tools. In an ideal scenario, the lock can be manipulated so that it opens without damage and can therefore still be used afterwards. If the key to the lock has been lost, the lock can then be re-keyed for future use.
Having an anti-bump, anti-snap and anti-pick lock fitted, helps to protect your door from the methods highlighted above. All of which are potential burglary risks against your property.
If you require any further information regarding choosing your uPVC lock, then please do not hesitate to contact Falcon Locks, for a fast and friendly response on 0161 858 0050.