Did you know that around 1 million burglaries happen in the United States every year? While not all break-ins involve messing with locks, having good lock security is super important for keeping your home safe. You might be surprised that many people choose cheaper locks instead of better-quality ones to protect their homes and businesses. There are also “ethical lock-pickers” who make it a fun hobby to see if they can pick different types of locks.
In this post, we’ll talk about how ethical lock-pickers can help with security, based on a recent report, and why you should care about the locks on your home or business. Let’s take a closer look!
Lock Basics: What You Need to Know
Not all locks are the same. There are many different kinds of locks. While only a few break-ins happen because of lock picking, having strong locks is still a big part of keeping your home or business safe. Locks are meant to keep people and belongings secure, but they also buy time. The longer it takes for someone to pick a lock, the more likely they will get caught.
Locks come in three grades—Grade 1 is the strongest, and Grade 3 is the weakest. Grade 1 locks can handle up to a million open-close cycles and are tested against powerful tools. Sadly, many homes and businesses use Grade 3 locks, which might not be safe enough.
There are many kinds of locks, too. From deadbolts to padlocks and smart locks, you have lots of choices for securing your doors. Deadbolt locks are often seen as one of the safest options.
What is an ‘Ethical Lock-Picker?’
There’s a big difference between being curious and breaking the law when it comes to lock picking. Most places allow you to own a lock-picking kit, but it’s important to use it the right way. Ethical lock-pickers follow some rules, like:
- They never pick locks they don’t own.
- They always ask for permission before picking someone else’s lock.
- They don’t pick locks that are being used.
You can think of ethical lock-pickers as hobbyists. They enjoy lock-picking like a puzzle or challenge, and this hobby became more popular during the pandemic when people had more time at home.
How Ethical Lock-Pickers Help Lock Manufacturers
So, how do ethical lock-pickers make locks better? Their interest in lock picking helps make sure companies create strong and safe locks. They show their skills online, challenging manufacturers to improve their products.
Sometimes, ethical lock-pickers will contact companies and point out problems they find in locks. For example, one ethical lock-picker told Schlage about a problem in one of its locks, and the company made a fix for it. This kind of help makes locks safer for everyone.
How Ethical Lock-Pickers Open a Door Lock
Some people think picking a lock is like magic, but locksmiths are trained to do it carefully without breaking anything. Here are some good reasons why someone might need to pick a lock:
- Locksmithing: Professionals need to learn and practice. Picking locks helps them understand how locks work.
- Lost or Forgotten Keys: If you lose your keys, knowing how to pick a lock can save time and money instead of calling a locksmith.
- Hobby and Sport: Lock picking is now a fun hobby and sport called “locksport.” People enjoy the challenge like solving puzzles and even have competitions.
- Emergency Situations: In urgent cases, like if a child is locked in a room, knowing how to pick a lock can be very helpful.
- Home Maintenance: If a lock gets stuck or a key breaks, picking the lock could save money on repairs.
- Careers in Security: Jobs in security may need knowledge of lock picking to help make better locks and systems.
Contact Locksmith Gastonia NC for Better Security
If you want to upgrade your locks and make sure your home or business is safe, contacting Locksmith Gastonia NC is a smart move. They can help with digital lock installation, biometric security solutions, high-security lock systems, and other advanced options to keep your property secure.