In this fourth and penultimate article of the series dedicated to the characteristics which distinguish high security European profile cylinders we will conclude the analysis of the measures which obstruct opening with dexterity, focusing on systems which can deal with an increasingly widespread and insidious technique: key bumping. Continue reading
Let’s continue our journey to discover the features which, in spite of the common outside shape of the body, make the various European profile cylinders very different from one another, especially in terms of reliability and resistance to attacks.
After seeing in the first two articles the features which allow European cylinders to withstand brute force attacks, which are the most frequent types of attack, let us now begin to see how a European profile cylinder should be made to withstand opening by lock picking, which is less common, but more insidious. Continue reading
In the first article of this series we have seen how, even though the external shape of the body is basically the same for all, the European profile cylinders are very different from each other with regard to their technical features and, therefore, also in terms of the security level which they can provide.
We therefore know that the main feature of a high security cylinder is its ability to resist brute force attacks, which are the most widespread type. In the previous article we looked in detail at the role played by anti-drill and pull-resistant reinforcements. In this article we conclude the study of solutions which improve the resistance of a European profile cylinder to withstand brute force attacks. Continue reading
Having anything to do with large offices, as a user, can be frustrating. But it is also a headache for whoever must handle the security arrangements. One of the problems is to ensure that the various rooms can only be accessed by authorised persons. Continue reading
All condominiums are different from each other, but they always have one thing in common: there are one or more doors which must be opened by all the residents, whilst there are other doors which must be opened only by a single individual/family. The former are all the shared entrances/halls/corridors, such as the access doors to courtyards and garage areas, pedestrian gateways, doors to main stairs and cellars. The latter are the accesses to private areas, such as doors to apartments, individual garages and personal storerooms.
Having several locks normally also means having multiple keys. And these keys are in addition to those for the car, office, home, bicycle… At first glance there are 2 possible answers: either many small bunches of keys, with the risk of leaving them somewhere by mistake, or one large bunch which is awkward to carry and difficult to use. But, as we have already seen in the case of shops, this does not necessarily have to be so. Continue reading
Summer: the time for travelling and holidays, but, unfortunately, also for possible thefts. Homes left vacant for days become an attractive target for thieves, even for the less skilled ones. There is nothing that puts security more at risk than the possibility for a thief to act undisturbed for as long as he needs, and this is precisely what is likely to happen during the summer months when entire buildings are empty for several days.
A fairly widespread solution to deal with this risk is that of retractable gates, or “extendable” gates if you prefer. It is a system that offers various advantages: Continue reading
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
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
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