November 23, 2025
Are You Falling for These Lock Myths? Here’s What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
When it comes to securing your home, locks are one of your first lines of defense. However, many homeowners believe common myths about locks that could actually leave them vulnerable to break-ins or theft.
In this post, we’ll break down some of the most widespread lock myths and explain why they could be putting your home or business at risk.
Reality: There are many different types of locks, each with unique security features. A basic spring latch isn’t nearly as secure as a Grade 1 deadbolt or a smart lock with encryption.
Deadbolts (especially single-cylinder and dual-cylinder deadbolts) are much harder to break or tamper with compared to regular doorknob locks.
Smart locks provide remote monitoring, keyless entry, and audit trails, adding a layer of security that mechanical locks simply can’t match.
👉 Want the best security for your home? Check out our deadbolt installation service.
Reality: While locking your doors is essential, locks alone may not be enough to prevent a break-in. Thieves are skilled at bypassing basic locks, using techniques like lock-picking, bumping, or even breaking the door frame.
Reinforced door frames and stronger strike plates are just as important as having a good lock.
Adding security cameras, motion detectors, and smart lighting can greatly increase the deterrent factor.
👉 Learn how to reinforce your doors and frames.
Reality: This is one of the biggest security mistakes you can make. The previous homeowners or tenants may still have copies of the keys, or even worse, they could be holding on to the code for a smart lock.
Rekeying your locks or replacing them after you move in ensures that only you and your trusted family members or tenants have access to your home.
This is especially critical if the home was previously rented out, or if it’s an older property.
👉 Need to change your locks after moving in? Contact us for rekeying services.
Reality: Factory-installed locks often come with basic security features—and sometimes, they’re not even up to the latest standards. Many builders use cheaper locks as part of their construction package, leaving homeowners vulnerable.
Upgrading to higher-quality locks is one of the best ways to ensure better security.
In addition to lock upgrades, consider installing smart locks that come with advanced security features like two-factor authentication.
👉 Get your locks upgraded with our security experts.
Reality: While a deadbolt is certainly a strong lock, it’s not foolproof on its own. Criminals know how to exploit weaknesses in your door hardware, such as:
Weak door frames that can be kicked in.
Lock bumping or picking techniques that target old or outdated deadbolts.
Combining a strong deadbolt with other security measures, such as reinforced frames, smart locks, and security bars, can greatly increase your home’s security.
👉 Find out how we can reinforce your doors and upgrade your locks.
Reality: While losing your keys is an obvious reason to change your locks, there are other situations that warrant lock replacement or rekeying:
After a break-in or attempted break-in.
If you’ve had a roommate move out or if you’ve recently fired an employee (business owners, this one’s for you!).
If your locks are old or worn out, they may no longer offer the protection you need.
👉 Learn about rekeying and lock change services.
Reality: While no lock is 100% unbreakable, smart locks are often more secure than traditional locks due to their advanced encryption, two-factor authentication, and remote monitoring capabilities.
Reputable smart lock brands use military-grade encryption, making it far more difficult for hackers to gain access.
If you follow proper security measures like using strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication, smart locks can be a very secure option for your home.
👉 Discover our smart lock installation and maintenance services.
Reality: Many people believe that if they’re home, they don’t need to lock their doors. However, most home invasions occur when homeowners are present—whether while they’re sleeping or moving about the house.
Lock your doors when you’re inside—especially front and back doors. It’s also wise to keep windows locked when you’re home.
Always secure the garage door and any secondary points of entry.
👉 Get a free consultation on home security solutions.
Your home’s security should never rely on myths or misconceptions. By understanding the truth behind these common lock myths, you can take proactive steps to ensure that your home or business is as secure as possible.
At Integrum Locksmith & Doors, we offer expert advice, lock installation, and security upgrades tailored to your specific needs. Don’t let myths put your home at risk—reach out to us today for a professional assessment of your locks and security measures.
📞 Contact us for a consultation.
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The first locks were wooden and brass pin mechanisms used by the Assyrians, Egyptians and Romans lockly.com. They operated on the same principle as today’s tumbler locks: pins of varying lengths prevented the lock from turning unless they were lifted to the correct heights by a specially cut key. Although rudimentary, these devices allowed the wealthy to protect goods without posting a guard. As the Roman Empire spread, the idea of the key developed into a status symbol – Romans wore keys as rings to indicate they owned valuables worth locking away.
Wooden pin locks appeared in Mesopotamia circa 4000 B.C., employing pins of different lengths lockly.com.
Egyptians improved the design by using brass instead of wood lockly.com.
Romans and Greeks adopted metal keys and locks; Roman elites wore their keys as rings to signal wealth lockly.com.
Lock technology stagnated for centuries until European artisans began creating intricate mechanical locks in the Middle Ages. Warded locks – large metal mechanisms with distinctive grooves – secured monasteries and castles, though they could be bypassed with a skeleton key locksmithledger.com. The Industrial Revolution accelerated innovation: Robert Barron’s double‑acting lever tumbler lock (1778) required levers to be lifted to varying heights, making picking harder lockly.com. Joseph Bramah improved on this design in 1784 and famously offered a reward to anyone who could pick his lock; the challenge stood until 1851 when American locksmith Alfred Hobbs succeeded after 51 hours lockly.com.
Warded locks: medieval metal locks with unique grooves; easy to bypass with a skeleton key locksmithledger.com.
Lever tumbler lock (1778): Robert Barron’s design lifted multiple levers to different heights to release the bolt lockly.com.
Bramah’s challenge (1784): Joseph Bramah’s secure lock remained unpicked for decades until Alfred Hobbs did so in 1851 lockly.com.
Pin‑tumbler lock (1840s): Linus Yale Sr. perfected the pin‑tumbler mechanism, and his son improved it into the cylinder lock familiar today locksmithledger.com.
Combination locks: James Sargent invented the first key‑changeable combination lock in 1857 and the first time lock in 1873, which opened only at preset times locksmithledger.comlockly.com.
Mass production: The Industrial Revolution enabled affordable factory‑made locks; locksmiths shifted from hand‑crafting to repairing and customizing these products dawsonsafeandlock.com.
The 20th century saw rapid progress. Harry Soref patented the modern padlock in 1924, popularizing portable security carljarl.com. Walter Schlage’s push‑button cylindrical lock (1925) allowed doors to be closed from the inside without a key locksmithledger.com. Electronic advances followed: mechanical card locks in the 1970s let hotels issue programmable keys lockly.com. Biometric and electronic keycard systems entered mainstream use by the late 20th century, enabling keyless entry and audit trails dawsonsafeandlock.com.
Padlocks became commonplace, offering portable security but also encouraging criminals to learn bypass techniques carljarl.com.
Combination and time locks secured bank vaults and safe rooms locksmithledger.comlockly.com.
Push‑button and cylinder locks simplified daily use and remain widespread locksmithledger.com.
Electronic locks introduced programmable access and reduced reliance on physical keys dawsonsafeandlock.com.
The last few decades have transformed locksmithing. Today’s smart locks integrate Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi connectivity, biometric sensors, cameras and smartphone apps. Modern systems can automatically lock or unlock at certain times, send alerts, and provide one‑time codes for guests carljarl.com | locksmithledger.com. Fingerprint, facial recognition and voice control are no longer science fiction – they are built into consumer devices carljarl.com. Internet‑of‑Things (IoT) platforms allow locks to trigger lights, thermostats or even play music when you arrive home locksmithledger.com.
Yet digital convenience brings new challenges: wireless protocols like Bluetooth can be susceptible to hacking if not properly secured locksmithledger.com. Manufacturers have responded by adding encryption and authentication layers locksmithledger.com. Skilled locksmiths now need expertise in electronics, software and cybersecurity as much as mechanical skills dawsonsafeandlock.comlocksmithology.com.
Smart lock installation: Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth locks with app control and remote access locksmithledger.com.
Biometric and keyless entry systems: fingerprint and facial recognition deadbolts carljarl.com.
Access control and audit trails for businesses (e.g., keycard or PIN‑based systems) locksmithledger.com.
Security assessments: locksmiths now act as consultants, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending tailored solutions dawsonsafeandlock.com.
Emergency services: 24/7 lockouts, repairs and rekeying remain core functions locksmithology.com.
The next chapter in locksmithing will blend artificial intelligence (AI), IoT and possibly blockchain for decentralized access control. AI could learn your routines to grant or deny access; IoT devices will continue to integrate locks with other home and workplace systems. Some experts predict that digital identity will replace physical keys entirely, while quantum encryption may secure communications against hacking. Locksmiths will need to stay ahead of these trends through continuous training and collaboration with cybersecurity professionals locksandunlocks.com.
AI‑driven security that adapts to user behaviour and flags anomalies locksandunlocks.com.
Full IoT integration, where locks interact with lighting, HVAC and alarm systems locksmithledger.com.
Decentralized access control using blockchain or cloud‑based credentials, eliminating traditional keys.
Sustainable designs using recycled materials and energy‑harvesting technologies.
From wooden pins to biometric scanners, locksmithing has evolved alongside human civilization. Each leap – from Roman brass keys to Sargent’s time locks and today’s smart home devices – reflects our desire for safety and convenience. As technology accelerates, the best locksmiths will be those who embrace innovation while safeguarding against new vulnerabilities.
If you want to secure your home or business with the latest high‑tech solutions, work with a qualified locksmith who understands both mechanical and digital systems. Schedule a security assessment today to identify weaknesses, explore smart‑lock options and ensure your system remains up to date. Don’t wait until a lockout or breach to think about security – reach out now and stay one step ahead.
Feel free to contact us, and We will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.