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  3. Re: BS 3621 5 lever locks (UK)

Re: BS 3621 5 lever locks (UK)

  1. Just because lever locks are of 'old design' does not mean that their security is deficient. Even a good quailiy 100 year old lever safe lock is highly pick resistant by today's standards.
  2. The big beauty of lever locks is that the security mechanism is contained within the lock case, rather than separate cylinders which can be drilled, dremeled or forcibly removed.
  3. 1000 differs does seem small (the need for a symmetrical key to fit from both sides chews up many differs). However bear in mind that a key one cut different will not unlock the lock, even after significant use (One of the type tests in BS3621 covers just this aspect). Ordinary pin tumbler cylinders are more prone to a key one cut low operating them especially when worn.
  4. When there is forcible entry, it is the door and frame that fail, not the lock. Fitting two of these locks a reasonable distance apart further boosts strength.
  5. These locks are predominately used for residences and small businesses where unauthorised key duplication is not a particular issue. There is an alternative Chubb lever lock with a restricted key profile for where key control is an issue.
  6. A 7 lever variant is now available which would give over 5000 differs.

  1. Just think - why are lever locks still the preferred type for safes (apart from combination locks) and safe deposit boxes.

Reply to
Peter
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How many UK burglaries are ever done by manipulating the lock, and how many by kicking the door out of the frame ? If you want security, you'd be better going for fixed bolts on the hinge-side, not a complex lock.

I'm surprised by how little known the non-lever BS3621 locks are. Lever keys are a pain to carry around and a non-automatic deadlock is often inconvenient, yet so many people (and insurers) insist that the only solution is a lever.

Reply to
Andy Dingley

Probaly more done from opertunistic theives or brute force.

Reply to
James Love

There have been BS3621 double cylinder locks around for years usually Euro style cylinder mortice locks, and more recently Yale has produced an 'up market' nightlatch with inside locking and deadlatching facilities that meet BS3621 reqiorements.

Reply to
Peter

The problem with BS 3621 comes when you live in an apartment that is above the ground floor. Here, you have to comply with BS 5588 to meet building regulations, and you can't have compliance with both standards at the same time. My insurance company are still thinking about that one.

Have a look at

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- about half way down the page - it gives a good description of this conundrum!

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Reply to
Dave

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