ATL: "Drill & Install"???
Ask The Locksmith Question:I am going to purchase a deadbolt lock from Home Depot and would like to have it installed. Your service rates show that would cost $45 + $35 per drill & install...
What does "per drill" mean?
Hi Barbara...
This is how you read it on our website: $45.00* Service Call + $35.00 per drill & install, or $20.00 for an install only.
In the context above, "per drill & install"... is specifically for the circumstances where there is not an existing hole in the door for the placement of a deadbolt, and the locksmith has to drill out, and create a hole and bolt hole, to install the deadbolt. This installation requires specifications, measuring, hole saws, installation, filing, sanding, and a sawdust pile on the floor (which we clean up ).
In the second example, "$20.00 for an install only" is specifically for the circumstance where there was a deadbolt there previously, and no new drilling or specification adjustment is required. This install is a "yank out the old, pop in the new" installation only.
Can you suggest the best burglar free lock to get?
As far as brand stability, security, integrity, and longevity, we always suggest Kwikset (AKA Titan) over Schlage. Schlage had a warranted reputation for many years as being the best, and many hardware stores will still try to insist on this, but from a locksmiths point of view, they simply no longer hold up, and have not for quite a few years. Kwikset uses stronger metal, better interior mechanisms, have more hardened steel, etc. We replace and repair considerably far more Schlage than Kwikset.
That being said, what you get for your deadbolt depends just as much on what you currently have your house keyed to, and whether you want to have one key for all locks, or have a different key for the deadbolt than the rest. If you currently have Schlage, and want to be on one key (have the existing key work the new deadbolt as well), you will need to buy a Schlage deadbolt. The same applies for an existing Kwikset setup, you will need to buy a Kwikset. You can tell which you have currently by the name stamped on any or all of the following:
For convenience, buy the same brand you already have. Schlage cannot be keyed to match Kwikset, and the same applies in the reverse.
As far a "burglar free". This does not exist in any "real" sense of the word. Any lock outside of a high security industrial grade type lock, i.e. Medeco or Primus, etc., can be picked with the right skills, and any deadbolt can be kicked in under the right circumstances. 9 times out of 10, the type of deadbolt on a house makes no difference to any crook trying to get in. They enter through windows, casements, garages, etc. Very rarely will a crook take the time, or take the risk of being seen picking a lock, or kicking a lock in. In the home security field we look at it more as an overall picture. Is there any glass in your entry doors (easily broken to get access to any lock)? Are your doors all locked and deadbolted both? Is your garage kept closed, and is the passageway between the house and the garage also locked and dead bolted at all times? Does the house look lived in? Are there lights on when you aren't at home, radios making sound, timers controlling lights, etc. These external, "someone's there" criteria are far more important to the mindset of a criminal than what type of locks are on the doors.
For overall residential security, in Schlage, get a or grade 2 strength deadbolt. In Kwikset (or Titan), get any deadbolt named and rated "Maximum Security" (also grade 2, but better hardware overall).
I know it's long winded, but I hope this helps. :) Please feel free to give a yell with any additional questions, or if you need clarification, or if you'd like to schedule an install.
Cheers!
Kim
We're not your normal locksmith company™... :)
