The spate of burglaries in the UK is increasing daily. According to the latest statistics published by the Office for National Statistics (UK), within one year (June 2018-19), there have been 687,000 incidents of domestic burglary. This grim report is enough motivation to get your locksmith to install the best available lock on your door. The primary purpose of your door is to serve as a security barrier and limit access against unauthorised entry. A heavy duty-steel reinforced door with an inferior door lock will still endanger you and leave you exposed to domestic theft and burglary. This shows the importance of getting a high-security lock. Locks are of many types and varieties today. One lock stands out: Banham locks. But are they worth the money?
Why Banham locks are worth the money
Banham locks are often touted as the most security-effective locks available. Certified and licensed by SBD (Secured by Design), the British police programme that seeks to reduce crime by increasing the building security. Furthermore, Banham door locks conform with the BS3621 lock standard, which indicates that a lock is burglary-resistant and of high quality. For this reason, insurance companies require or approve the use of high-security locks like Banham locks because using them will substantially reduce your risk of getting burgled and beef up the security of your house.
A visible feature of Banham lock is its trademark cylinder, which is reliable enough to provide you with quality security. Another reason for the hype surrounding the Banham lock is its drill-resistance pin. Some models of Banham lock have a self-deadlock that are saw-resistant, as seen in the Banham L2000 lock.
Types of Banham Lock
There are two major types of Banham lock, which are the mortice and rim locks. For clarity, some experts group Banham locks into three types – single and double cylinder locks, cylinder and lever locks and deadlock/deadbolts.
Let’s analyse them in details
Cylinder lock
The cylinder lock has a lock mechanism which consists of a keyhole located in the cylinder. This feature will prevent the lock from opening when one uses the wrong key. Cylinder lock uses various sizes of key and can be easily rekeyed.
Lever lock
This type of Banham lock has a lever – a metallic piece which is usually flat. A Banham lock usually has 3-5 levers. Usually, locks with more lever are more security-effective. A lever lock uses a bitted key to engage the lever to unlock the bolt. Many insurance firms today recommend five-lever locks because of its effectiveness.
Double cylinder locks
One peculiar feature of the double cylinder lock is that it requires a key to open – both outside and inside. This will prevent the use of thumbturn. Thumbturns are increasingly becoming prone to burglary.
Single-cylinder locks
Though the single-cylinder lock uses a thumbturn on the inside, it requires a key to open it outside.
Mortice locks
A mortice lock is another lock recommended by insurance companies. Doors with mortise locks are very difficult to break in because the lock is securely attached to the frame of the door. Its design is generally pleasing to the eyes because parts of its lock mechanism are hidden. The only visible part of the mortice lock is the keyhole and protective covering. A mortice lock is fitted into inside the door; it offers superior protection because it is fixed into the mortice cut out – a hollowed shape box
Rim lock
Rim locks are among the oldest types of lock. They are fixed to the door’s surface, unlike other locks that are fitted into the door’s edge. It is used for doors that do not have the thickness to accommodate the mortice lock. Unlike mortise locks, they are highly visible and use a night latch, in addition to the key cylinder mechanism and lockbolt.
Deadbolts
Deadbolt ( also referred to as deadlock) will need manual unlocking or locking, which means you have to rotate the key or turn knob. It is very secured and will be impossible to open without the correct key. Deadbolt locks are usually harder to pick.
Do Banham locks have any disadvantage?
Yes. Despite the high-security quality and aesthetical advantages, the Banham lock has one drawback which is worth considering – it can be very expensive.
But from our review, you will realise that the price is worth it, especially if you are willing to invest in high-security locks. If you are looking for something less pricey and budget-efficient, the price range of Banham lock may discourage you from purchasing it. Contact us, and we will recommend a cost-efficient alternative.
But isn’t it worth it to spend more on burglary-resistant locks with the rising rate of crime in your locality?
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