Mechanical locks opposed to smart locks

In the last few years, smart locks have become quite popular in homes and commercial premises. These locks incorporate modern technology like iris and fingerprint scanners instead of keys. Naturally homeowners, assume that it’s a safer option but is that really true? 

The iris, the ring of colour around the pupil of each eye, is the most uniquely identifiable part of your body’s exterior.  Most iris-scanning systems work by snapping a high-res photo of your eyes, isolating the iris portion of the image, then running that through a matching algorithm to see if you are authorised to enter.

Which is the better, more secure option, mechanical or smart locks.

1.  Mechanical locks:
    The majority of mechanical locks work when a key is used to activate the locking mechanism, which will give it the ability to lock or unlock. Some very common examples of these mechanical locks are pin tumbler locks, rim locks, and mortice locks. Let’s take a look at the pin-tumbler lock for example.

     Pin-Tumbler locks are some of the most common locks used within residential properties. The locking mechanism in these locks features a series of spring-loaded pins that are in turn loaded into cylinders. The cylinders consist of a set of pins that are designated as the key pins and the driver pins. When the correct key is inserted into the locking mechanism the key pins are elevated, which pushes the driver pins upward.

     Once the proper key is inserted into the lock, the driver pins and key pins align at the shear line. Then the key can be turned in the lock, to unlock, and sometimes lock, the mechanism. If the wrong key is used, the misalignment of the pins will block the key from being turned because the pins will be bound at the shear line.

    The security levels that these locks give homeowners varies. For instance, the deadbolt is one of the most common exterior residential locks. There are usually two main types of deadbolts, single cylinder deadbolts, and double cylinder deadbolts. These locks are known to provide maximum security for homeowners but only if the right ones are used and if they are used in the right way.

     Mechanical locks can usually be enhanced by using solid metal strike plates and longer deadbolt throws. You can also invest in locks that are resistant to lock picking, lock bumping and other bypass methods. In addition to these methods, homeowners can make their locks stronger by using security pins within the lock cylinder itself that will make it much harder for anyone to tamper with.

      In order to determine how secure a traditional lock will be, a number of factors have to be taken into consideration. These factors include the placement of the lock, how often the lock will be used, as well as whether or not this lock is meant to function alone.

      Locks that are meant to be used primarily for exterior doors will function best when they are placed on exterior doors, but they will also work well for interior doors (bathrooms, ect). Although installing a Grade 1 deadbolt on your bathroom door is overkill. However, looking at the opposite spectrum of things, if you install a knob lock on your front door (without adding a deadbolt to it), then you are leaving your home vulnerable to attacks and burglars.

      In conclusion mechanical locks are pretty secure if they are used in the right way, and if homeowners have them installed with security in mind. Consult with Craigmore Locksmiths, they have the professional knowledge and foresight that will help homeowners get the best out of their locks.

2.  Smart locks:
    To put it simply, smart locks are the automated versions of traditional locks. They too consist of a lock mechanism however, they are operated electronically. 

     The reason why they are considered ‘smart’ is because they can be operated using smart phones. They also provide unparalleled comfort and ease, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are safer. 
Smart locks need electricity to run. This can be a problem in case of a black out. Furthermore, these locks are also susceptible to cyber attacks. 

     The issue of smart lock security was one that gradually made its way to the foreground of the conversation.  Smart locks made little architectural improvements to the basic design and components of traditional locks, so they each essentially start out on the same security threshold (in most cases). In this sense, most people would think that their smart locks are better than their traditional locks because they are being afforded the same level of security with added features, but this isn’t always the case. 

   The security of smart locks has been in question since before their inception. It did not become apparent to many people that this was even an issue until after homeowner’s started to acquire smart locks. This might have been because smart locks were not necessarily advertised for their security capabilities, but they were marketed by talking about all the new and cool things that a smart lock could do for an individual’s home. For instance, some smart locks give homeowners the ability to remotely monitor the status of their locks, as well as remotely operate their locks. These features are some of the things that make a smart lock truly unique and the reasons why some people flocked to them.

    At the end of the day, no matter which option you go for, you will need services of locksmith professionals. Craigmore Locksmiths offer residential and commercial locksmith services in Adelaide Northern suburbs. Call today for expert advice on both mechanical and smart locks for your home or office. 

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