Why Your Front Door Lock Might Be Useless—And What You Can Do About It

Most homeowners assume that a locked door means a secure home. But what if we told you that your front door lock could be defeated in seconds with a basic tool—or even a credit card?

This isn’t just scare talk. After 35+ years in the locksmith industry, we’ve seen firsthand how common locks fail to provide real protection. Here’s why your current lock might be useless—and what you can do to secure your home properly.

The Problem: Doorknobs Aren’t Enough

Walk up to any standard front door in New Jersey and chances are you’ll see this setup:

• A simple doorknob with a lock
• Maybe a deadbolt—sometimes, not even that

Here’s the issue: doorknob locks can be bypassed. A thin object (like a credit card) can slide between the frame and latch to “pop” the door open. Even worse, many doorknobs can be easily picked, bumped, or forced with minimal tools. They’re simply not built to withstand real break-in attempts.

What Makes a Lock “High Security”?

There are three types of lock hardware you’ll typically see in residential setups:

High-security locks—like Medeco—come with:

• Pick and bump resistance
• Drill protection
• Restricted keyways (your keys can’t be copied at any corner hardware store)
• Solid metal construction that resists force attacks

Real Story: One Lock Away From a Break-In

A homeowner in North Bergen recently called us after a break-in attempt. The intruder had tried slipping a card into their door to no success—only because they had a proper deadbolt. But their back door? That one just had a knob lock—and it gave in.

Luckily, no one was hurt. But it was a wake-up call.

We upgraded all of their locks to Medeco high-security systems the same day, and they’ve had peace of mind ever since.

How to Check If Your Lock Is Secure

You don’t need to be a locksmith to do a quick lock audit:

✅ Does your door have a deadbolt?

✅ Is the strike plate reinforced with 3-inch screws?

✅ Can your doorknob be pushed open with a card?

✅ Are your keys easily duplicated at a kiosk?

If you answered “no” to #1 or “yes” to #3 and #4… it’s time for an upgrade.

Upgrade Your Home Lock Security (The Right Way)

We recommend every homeowner installs:

• Grade 1 deadbolts (ANSI/BHMA certified)
• High-security lock cylinders like Medeco
• Smart locks or keypads only if paired with strong mechanical hardware
• Reinforced strike plates and longer screws

Not sure what you need? We’ll evaluate your doors, check for weaknesses, and recommend hardware that makes sense for your home and your budget.

Why We Recommend Medeco High-Security Locks

We’re a certified Medeco dealer for a reason—they’re the real deal. Medeco locks offer:

• Key control (you control who can duplicate your keys)
• Superior pick and bump resistance
• Options for both residential and commercial use
• Lifetime durability backed by warranty

Whether you’re protecting your apartment, single-family home, or vacation property, Medeco is what we trust for serious security.

Get a Free Home Lock Security Survey

Not sure if your current setup is secure? Let us take a look.

We’ll inspect your front and back doors, assess your hardware, and walk you through your best upgrade options—no pressure, no gimmicks.

🛠 Call Alert Locksmiths Inc at (201) 555-1234 to schedule your free lock checkup today.