Having secure and reliable locks on your apartment door is crucial for keeping your home and belongings safe. There are several types of locks that can be added to an apartment door to improve security beyond the standard doorknob lock. The best locks provide extra protection, are easy to install, and don’t require changing the existing door or frame.
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Doorknob Lock
The doorknob lock that comes standard on most apartment doors provides basic security. A key is used to lock and unlock the doorknob from the outside. On the inside, a small button or switch can lock and unlock the door. However, a standard doorknob lock can be compromised by several methods:
- Lock picking – A skilled lock pick can manipulate the lock’s pins and unlock it
- Bumping – Forced air or a bump key can dislodge the lock’s pins and turn the cylinder
- Drilling – The lock cylinder can be drilled out and replaced
- Snapping – Enough force applied to the door can snap the cylinder housing and break the lock open
While the doorknob lock prevents casual entry, someone determined or skilled with lock picking can usually get past it. Upgrading to more secure locks provides better protection.
Deadbolt Lock
Adding a deadbolt lock above or below the existing doorknob lock is one of the best ways to improve door security in an apartment. A deadbolt has a solid metal bolt that extends at least 1 inch into the door frame when locked. Compared to a doorknob lock, this makes it significantly more resistant to forced entry. There are two types of deadbolts:
Single Cylinder Deadbolt
This deadbolt locks and unlocks with a key from the outside. On the inside, a thumb turn or switch can retract the bolt to open the door. Single cylinder models are common for apartment doors. They provide good security while allowing easy exit from inside without a key.
Double Cylinder Deadbolt
A double cylinder deadbolt requires a key to lock and unlock from both sides. There is no interior thumb turn. This makes the lock extra secure, but means you need a key to exit. Due to fire safety concerns, double cylinder deadbolts are often prohibited by apartment building and residential codes.
When installing a deadbolt, pay attention to the door frame. Replacing the frame strike plate with a reinforced, extended plate provides more strength. For maximum security, choose a grade 1 or grade 2 deadbolt with a bolt length over 1 inch.
Security Bar/Door Guard
A security bar, also known as a Charlie bar, is an effective and affordable additional lock. Security bars install on the inside of the door and slide or pivot into brackets mounted on the floor and door frame or wall. When in place, the bar sits snugly against the door and prevents it from being opened. Security bars are available in a range of configurations to fit different door types.
Common types of security bars include:
- Slide bar – Extends across the door and locks in place
- Swivel bar – Rotates into position
- Removable bar – Fits into brackets temporarily
Security bars provide several benefits:
- Prevent forced entry by reinforcing the door
- Allow a visual deterrent and extra peace of mind
- Portable designs can be used on multiple doors
- Easy to engage and remove from the inside
For apartments, removable security bars tend to be the most convenient option. They can be taken down easily when not needed. Models rated for at least 700 lbs of force provide optimal strength and security.
Door Reinforcement Lock
In apartments with hollow core wood or weak frames, reinforcing devices can strengthen the door against kick-ins and forced entry. Two common types are door reinforcers and jamb/frame armor:
Door Reinforcer
A metal or high-strength polycarbonate plate with extra long screws to secure the lock side of a door. Some have an integrated deadbolt built in. Reinforcers fit any door and require no permanent modification.
Jamb Armor
Jamb armor is a long metal strike plate attached to the frame with 3-4 inch screws. This spreads force from impact across more door frame surface area. Jamb armor will require drilling into the frame.
Proper installation is key for reinforcers and jamb armor. The long screws need to reach past the door frame molding deep into structural framing. Correctly installed, these devices can make a door up to 3 times more resistant to forced entry.
High Security Strikes and Reinforcements
Upgrading apartment door locks often requires modifying the door frame’s strike plate to fully utilize the improved security. Standard strike plates are small and only secured with short screws into the door frame molding. These can tear out under force. High security strike options include:
- Extended length strike plates – Cover more surface area for screws to grab
- Heavy duty strike boxes – Wrap around frame edge for more screw contact
- Strike reinforcers/double strikes – Parallel plates on both sides of frame
Using longer 4-6 inch screws anchors the strike solidly into the door frame’s inner structure. Paired with a grade 1 or 2 deadbolt, this significantly improves resistance to forced entry. Proper installation into framing is important, as improperly attached strikes will negate the benefit.
Door Security Bar
A door security bar braces a door by wedging diagonally against the floor. Similar to security bars, door braces provide additional strength against forceful entry and impacts. Lengths from 16-46 inches are available. The angled position reinforces the door and prevents opening. Strength ratings of 500-1,000 lbs are typical.
While very effective, the diagonal position of a brace can make doors difficult to open from the outside when engaged. Usage is best suited for times when occupants are home. As an added visual deterrent, some braces have signs warning the door is protected. These are more suitable in commercial buildings than residential apartments.
Smart Locks
Smart locks incorporate electronic access control for convenience and improved security. They can be installed alongside an existing deadbolt to add keyless entry. Several types of smart locks work with apartment doors:
Keypad Locks
The lock has an illuminated keypad. Entering a code unlocks the deadbolt. This allows secure access without keys. Codes can be provided on a temporary basis for visitors or contractors. Keypad locks maintain the look of a traditional deadbolt.
Bluetooth/WiFi Locks
Locks with electronic components allow unlocking via smartphone. Using Bluetooth or WiFi, a signal from the phone temporarily disengages the lock. This offers convenient keyless entry. Locks may also integrate with smart home systems.
Smart Cylinders
Smart lock cylinders replace the lock cylinder on an existing deadbolt. This upgrades standard locks to electronic access. Cylinders can be controlled by smartphone or other wireless devices. Installation is simpler than a completely new smart lock.
Smart locks provide flexibility for managing access. Temporary codes or virtual keys can be assigned as needed. Features like activity logs, guest access, and remote operation offer improved convenience and accountability.
High Security Door Locks
For maximum apartment security, high security locks incorporate drill- and pick-resistant features. These make forced entry extremely difficult even for skilled burglars. Types of high security locks include:
Mul-T-Lock
Mul-T-Lock uses a pin-within-a-pin double cylinder design. Pins are mushroom shaped with a smaller pin inside that moves independently. This makes Mul-T-Lock virtually impossible to pick and drill resistant. It provides the highest level of mechanical lock security.
Medeco
Medeco locks also have a double cylinder where key cuts manipulate sidebars instead of top pins directly. The complex interaction between sidebar and top pins is difficult to manipulate for picking. Medeco provides very high security and is popular for apartments, businesses, and government facilities.
Assa Abloy Protec2
This pick resistant high security lock uses a patented disc detainer locking system. Rotating discs with mushroom shaped detainers engage a sidebar to lock and unlock the bolt. Protec2 offers excellent drill and pick resistance equivalent to Mul-T-Lock and Medeco.
While very secure, high security locks can be more expensive. The unique key systems may also not be compatible with existing apartment keys. However, they provide protection comparable to commercial grade locks.
Additional Door Lock Tips
When adding locks for apartment security, here are some additional tips to follow:
- Check lease terms and building regulations – Some locks like double cylinder deadbolts may be prohibited
- Review local fire codes – Locks cannot hinder emergency egress when occupied
- Do not block other locks – Ensure all locks can still be accessed and used
- Confirm proper operation – Test keys and locks after installing, ensuring a smooth fit and function
- Use appropriate tools – Avoid over-tightening screws and use care to not damage door or frame
- Consider appearance – Match finishes and styles for consistent look on door
Improving door lock security is one of the best ways to protect an apartment. While no lock can make a home completely burglar-proof, reinforcing the door with multiple types of locks will deter or slow the vast majority of break-in attempts.
Comparison of Door Lock Options
When selecting new door locks, it helps to compare the characteristics and benefits of different types. This comparison table summarizes the main lock options for improving apartment security:
| Lock Type | Security Level | Keyless Access | Interior Egress | Installation | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadbolt | High | No | Thumb-turn | Medium | $25-$150 |
| Security Bar | Medium | No | Removable | Easy | $25-$80 |
| Door Reinforcer | High | No | Standard Lock | Easy | $30-$75 |
| Smart Lock | Medium-High | Yes | Standard Lock | Medium | $100-$250 |
| High Security | Maximum | No | Standard Lock | Difficult | $200+ |
Based on their capabilities and cost, smart locks, deadbolts, and reinforcers tend to provide the best balance of improved security for most apartments. Considering the door and frame condition helps determine which options will integrate most effectively.
Conclusion
Enhancing apartment door security requires assessing your specific needs and conditions. While your existing doorknob lock provides basic functionality, adding reinforcements like deadbolts, jamb armor, and security bars thwarts the majority of break-in attempts. Modern smart locks also incorporate keyless convenience and monitoring. For older doors in poor condition, simple solutions like security bars and reinforcements dramatically boost strength. On newer solid doors, high grade deadbolts and smart locks integrate seamlessly for optimal protection. Proper installation is also key to maximize the effectiveness of any new lock. With the right additional locks installed correctly, you can make your apartment door highly secure.