One often speaks of a “European key” to refer to the punched keys which are used on many security locks. In reality, not only is the name “European key” technically inaccurate but – above all – this type of key does not necessarily indicate a high security lock. Continue reading
Double bolt padlocks are less common than those with a single bolt, but in some situations they make a real difference in terms of ease of use and security. Padlocks with dead-bolt type locking, like those for roller shutters, normally have only one dead-bolt and a single slot. Continue reading
As we have seen, electric strikers allow remote opening of a door fitted with a common mechanical lock, where you cannot or do not want to install a normal electric lock, such as in the case of French doors and interior doors. But how does it open? Pressing a button to trigger a lock seems such a simple action that it would not leave much room for choice. Continue reading
Apartment blocks, condominiums, offices, shops, medical centres or professional studios in general… there are many situations in which it may be convenient to open a door remotely without needing to reach it physically every time, just as one does regularly with gates and doors when they are opened by pressing the button on the intercom. Continue reading
There has been much talk recently of “European cylinders”, especially since the old double bitted locks have shown their vulnerability, and many people have recommended replacing them with this type of cylinder. But how is a European cylinder made exactly? Continue reading
28The first enemy of a padlock are potential attackers, but, especially if used outdoors, immediately afterwards they are rain, salinity and dust, which in the long run may corrode it, let it rust and block it, such as to render it useless. Continue reading
We use electronic products every day, and increasingly more every day. Yet in some cases the question of their reliability outlives old prejudices, almost as if we were talking about an old valve radio, which occasionally needed some well-aimed blow in order to start working again. In the field of security safes, for example, there is always someone willing to swear that “mechanical ones are more reliable”. In fact, nowadays, it is possible to manufacture electronic safes which are as reliable as the mechanical ones, but easier to use and more secure. It is true, however, that not everyone is able to do so. Continue reading
Some people call them “snakes”, or merely “cables”. They consist of a series of cylinders through which a steel cable passes, so this is why their technical name is “armoured twisted cables” For several years they have been one of the most popular solutions for locking up bicycles and scooters, even large powered ones. At first glance they seem very strong, but is that really the case? Continue reading
It is a common situation when you return home. A large bunch of keys is extracted with difficulty from your pockets or bag, you look for the key for the front gate and the gate is opened. You stop in front of the garage door, you take out the large bunch of keys again, you search for the right one and the door is opened. After leaving the garage you reach the security gate and then the main entrance door, and each time you have to use the large bunch of keys.
Even after entering the house you again have to search for the right key if there are security grilles on the balcony or windows. Let’s hope you haven’t forgotten the wine in the cellar, otherwise once again you will have to take the large bunch of keys and look for the key to the cellar. But does it have to happen like this? Continue reading