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
What one generally requires from an electric lock is for it simply to open when the button is pressed and ideally to continue to do so for years without breaking. But a good electric lock can do so much more. Let’s look at 5 advanced features which make the best electric locks, such as Viro ones, easier to use and more versatile. Continue reading
It is now the summer time and even those who kept their beloved motorcycle or scooter in the garage during the winter months has now put it back into action. Whether you use it to go to work or, better still, for a ride round the countryside or to the beach, the problem is always how to make sure you find your two-wheeled friend again when you leave it anywhere. Disc locks are one of the most commonly used mechanical anti-theft devices as they are very practical, but, as we have seen, they must be used wisely.
The first precaution is without doubt to purchase a good quality disc lock, which is able to protect our precious means of transport against thieves as much as possible. As always, there are many solutions available on the market, ranging from 5 to 100 Euros, or even more. How does one navigate through such a vast and differentiated offer? Here are three details which indicate that we are looking at a good product. 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
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