Home security & break-ins
What actually makes a lock high-security?
A heavy lock is not the same as a high-security lock. The difference is mostly inside the cylinder, and in who is allowed to copy the key.
By Timmy Creighton, founder and licensed locksmith · Major Key Locksmith · October 2026
Three ways a lock is defeated without force
- Picking. Manipulating the pins one at a time until the cylinder turns. Takes skill and patience, and it is more common on television than on front porches.
- Bumping. Using a specially cut key and a sharp tap to jump the pins. It works on many ordinary pin-tumbler locks and needs far less skill than picking.
- Copying a key. The one nobody thinks about. Any standard key can be copied at a hardware counter or kiosk in a minute. If someone borrows your key for an afternoon, they may still have it.
What a high-security cylinder adds
High-security locks use extra or more complex pin arrangements, hardened parts and tighter tolerances, which make picking and bumping far harder. Just as important, the better systems use a patented keyway. Key blanks are not sold to the public, and copies are cut only by an authorized locksmith, usually on proof that you are the owner of the system. That is called key control, and for most people it is the most valuable part.
Why we fit Mul-T-Lock
We supply and install Mul-T-Lock high-security deadbolts because they combine strong pick and bump resistance with real key control. A deadbolt installed on its own visit is $825; added to another job on the same visit it is $575. More on the high-security page.
Who actually needs one
- Anyone who has lost track of who has keys and does not want it to happen again.
- Homes with frequent staff, contractors or rentals.
- A door you worry about: a side entrance out of sight, a basement door, an office at home.
- Businesses that need to know copies cannot be made behind their back.
Most homes do not need one on every door. Put it where it matters, and keep the other doors keyed to match where possible.
Questions people ask
Is a high-security lock pick-proof?
No lock is. A high-security cylinder makes picking and bumping far harder and slower, which is what deters anyone who is not a specialist.
Can my high-security key be copied at a hardware store?
Not on a patented system. Blanks are restricted and copies come through an authorized locksmith.
Can a high-security deadbolt match my other keys?
A high-security cylinder uses its own key. If you want one key for the whole house, the other locks need high-security cylinders too.
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Any price mentioned here is the one published on our pricing page as of October 2026. The final price is always confirmed with you before any work begins. More answers from the blog →