With the rise in burglaries, you might be concerned about the protection of your home. Thieves use different methods to break into houses that aren’t well secured. Lock snapping is one of the most common ways to access residential dwellings.
Should you be concerned about lock snapping? Well, the lock snapping is widespread, but it can be prevented. In this article, we’ll explain how burglars snap locks and the steps you can take to prevent it.
How Common Is Lock Snapping And How It Is Done
When pressure is applied to the exterior of the cylinder with mole grips or anything similar, the lock will snap. On normal cylinders, the center screw hole is the weakest part of the cylinder due to the lack of metal there. The cylinder can break from here. It then becomes straightforward for a thief to flip the locking mechanism and force the cylinder to open.
A hammer, mole grips, or anything that can directly grasp and take control of a cylinder is all that is needed to gain access, which is why lock snapping has become more common in recent years. Numerous web documentaries demonstrate the astounding power, speed, and simplicity of burglars’ methods to enter homes worldwide.
Lock snapping is more common in areas where standard cylinder locks are used. This type of lock is most frequently seen on UPVC doors but can also be found on aluminum and wooden doors. These doors have multipoint locking mechanisms, which are highly secure; however, they are controlled by the cylinder. The power of the multipoint locking system is only relevant if the cylinder is appropriate. If the locking system is weak and deteriorates quickly, it can give a burglar the best chance to enter your place and steal all valuables at hand.
Preventing Lock Snapping
Installing anti-snap locks is the most efficient approach to stop lock snapping. When a lock is broken, the inner mechanism is exposed, giving the intruder the power to control the lock’s opening. Anti-snap locks are made to safeguard this inner mechanism so your home will still be protected even if the locks are snapped.
When using a standard cylinder, the lock disengages from the internal mechanism, providing access to the door’s opening mechanism. An anti-snap lock has snap lines carved on it that, when a force is applied, will induce the lock to snap in a particular location. The inner locking mechanism is protected when these lines, which are located on either side, are broken.
Companies have engineered anti-snap locks to snap in a specific location and by doing so, the mechanism cannot be seen. This design can prevent a burglar from accessing your home by snapping the lock; however, once this happens, you will have to change the lock.
How Can You Find Out If You Have Anti-Snap Locks Or Not?
To prevent lock snapping entirely, you must ensure that your locks are anti-snap before installing them on your door. For this, you will have to inspect the lock’s structure thoroughly. Remove the door’s cylinder and check for the anti-snap lines to determine if your locking system is anti-snap or not. It is not advised to remove the lock yourself unless you are a locksmith or have similar training.
Therefore the best option is to call a Locksmith who can determine whether your locks are anti-snap or not, and change them for you if necessary. A locksmith can also detect a damaged lock and replace it to avoid extra damage or other unforeseen issues.
Lock snapping is undoubtedly an easy way to gain access to a property, and you should be concerned about it if your area has a high burglary rate. You can install anti-snap locks to prevent burglars from taking advantage of a standard cylinder lock. Additionally, we recommend taking extra measures to take your home’s security to a new level.
For instance, installing security cameras can discourage criminals from approaching your property. In addition, motion sensors and alarms can also be used to increase home security, ensuring that you and your loved ones are protected from harm at all times.
