When you’re choosing a new lock for your home, it’s easy to assume they’re all the same. After all, a lock is a lock, right? Unfortunately, that’s not exactly the case. While some locks can withstand even the most determined burglar, others will give out in a matter of seconds. That’s why the locks are put through a series of security tests before they can achieve recognised security standards. Understanding how locks are tested and what the security standards mean can help you make better decisions about your security, which is what we’re all about as locksmiths.
Why do Locks Need Testing?
On the surface, locks have a fairly simple job. Keep intruders out, and keep working well enough to let the right people in and out every day. But modern burglars use modern techniques to break into properties, which means lock manufactures need to make sure their locks are up to the job. Security testing allows manufacturers to understand how well their products can withstand these attacks, and how they perform under different conditions. If they do well, they’re given the ‘seal of approval’ with a recognised security standard. Which is great for marketing, and for customers, who get peace of mind knowing they’re buying a great product.
What Happens During Lock Testing?
Security testing is designed to replicate the types of ways a burglar might attack a lock when they’re trying to break in. Since there are a lot of different ways this can be done, including:
- Picking
- Drilling
- Pulling and twisting
- Bumping
- Forced entry using hand tools
- Snaping
- Durability and wear testing
The goal of all this isn’t just to see if the lock can be opened. It’s to assess how long the lock can resist attack, and whether it still functions afterwards. A lock that survives an attach but doesn’t work properly afterwards doesn’t meet required testing.
Testing for Everyday
It’s important to realise that security is only part of the process. Locks are also tested to make sure they stay reliable under constant use. After all, locks are something that’s used multiple times a day, every day, so they need to be able to stand up to a lot of wear and tear before they need to be replaced. Lock tests involve stress testing for this as well as security, by doing things like putting them through thousands of locking and unlocking cycles, just to make sure they’re up to the job.
Understanding Security Standards
When you’re looking to buy new locks, you’ll probably see a few references to ‘standards’ along the way. These standards are designed to help you choose locks that have been independently tested against certain criteria and judged to be secure. They’re a useful shortcut when trying to figure out what to buy. The most common two are:
TS007: One of the most widely recognised standards for euro cylinder locks. It was introduced in response to the growing problem of lock snapping (something that became very popular with burglars targeting uPVC and composite doors. During testing, cylinders are subjected to a range of attacks designed to see what their resistance is to forced entry. Locks that pass are given a star rating. A three-star cylinder, and a one-star cylinder used alongside a two-star security handle. Both combinations are designed to provide an appropriate level of protection against common attacks.
British Standard Kitemark: Most locks sold in the UK are tested to British Standards, and carry the Kitemark. The Kitemark shows that products have been independently assessed, and that they meet the relevant requirements for security and performance. Different lock types have different standards depending on how they’re used, but if they bear the Kitemark, you know they have met their standards.
Commonly Asked Questions
How are anti-snap locks tested?
Anti-snap cylinders are specifically designed to resist lock snapping. They’re tested by applying significant force to the cylinder to determine whether it can be broken in a way that would allow access to the locking mechanism. High-security cylinders often include sacrificial sections that break away in a controlled manner, protecting the critical components inside the lock. So even if part of the cylinder is damaged, the burglar can’t get in easily.
Can any lock be picked?
In theory, yes, Most locks can be picked by the right person under the right conditions. However, the time, skill and specialist tools needed vary quite significantly, which is why some locks are harder to pick than others. For example, higher quality locks will usually have extra security features that make picking much more difficult and time-consuming. Since time is a major factor for most burglars, the longer a lock takes to pick, the more likely they are to give up and move on. Rigorous security testing helps manufacturers determine how resistant a lock is to picking and manipulation.
Does a higher price always mean better security?
Not necessarily. While premium locks often come with all the bells and whistles and advanced security features, price alone isn’t a reliable indicator of performance. Some of the most expensive locks on the market include features that might be convenient, but they don’t really improve your security at all. Which is why the recognised testing standards are so important.
Most people never see the rigorous testing that happens behind the scenes, before the locks even reach the market. From picking and drilling attacks to durability and anti-snap testing, modern locks are subjected to accurate and thorough testing to make sure they can stand up to real-world use. Understanding how locks are tested and to what standard isn’t just something that’s nice to know. It’s something that can help you look past the marketing claims and focus on what really matters: proven security, reliability and peace of mind. If you don’t know how your locks measure up, or if you want someone to install something more robust in your property, we’d be happy to help. Just get in touch with the team at My Locks Locksmiths, and chat to one of our experts.