Useful Home Security Terms

Home Security - A Do-It-Yourselfer's Prescription for Safety

Useful Terms

Deadbolt. Consists of a one inch throw with a case-hardened insert that cannot be jimmied or cut.

Deadlocking latch . See deadbolt.

Door lights. Window(s) immediately adjacent to a door.

Double cylinder lock. Lock for which a key is needed to unlock both inside and outside.

Hole saw. Drill accessory used in creating the space in which to insert the lockset into a door. Common sizes are from 1" to 2 1/2".

Mortise. A notch or hole cut out specifically to fit a full mortise lock; it cannot be removed from the door by force.

Polycarbonate. Shatterproof plastic said to be up to 250 times as strong as regular glass.

Spade bit. Drill accessory used to create a hole in the door edge in which to insert the latch set.

Spring latch . A throw which has no hardened insert and so is easily jimmied with a credit card.

Tempered Glass. 4 - 5 times stronger than glass. Made by heating regular glass almost to the melting point then chilling it rapidly, causing a skin to form around the glass.

What you will need

Time.

Making your home secure is not something one can set a time limit for. The process will involve different amounts of time for everyone. Installation of a deadbolt or lockset can be accomplished by one person in 2 to 4 work hours.

Tools

• Screwdrivers
• Wrenches
• Hammer
• Drill

Materials

• Set pins for hinges
• Tempered glass or polycarbonate
• Solid core wood or steel doors
• 3” hinge screws

Permits and codes

Permits are not generally required when improving security around the home. However, some areas require a permit if more than $100.00 worth of work is being done. Replacement of doors and windows may fall into this category. Also, electrical work for exterior lighting and alarm systems will require permits and inspections.

In some areas code does not allow the uses of a double cylinder key lock Check with the proper authority before installing this type.

Design

Although design should not be given preference over safety when securing the home, it is understandable that you do not want to take away aesthetics of the home when making it secure. Alter natives are given in each section which will allow you to make your home se cure without detracting from the visual continuity.

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