Recommendations for restricted lock cylinders

I can't help with the key, but it sounds as though a CCTV system might be a wise investment if there isn't one already.

I've already got a CCTV system; and outside office hours there's a shutter over the door and an alarm system.

But thanks for the recommendation: it's true that a front door lock alone is not everything.

Just become acquainted with ABS locks -

We have six of their locks and they seem to work fine. But so they should - they are all new. They have a restricted copying program - and the keys actually have magnets in them. Price not known!

I know this isn't compatible with Eurolocks, but how about something like this?

Abloy is another one.

I have those too. They are still working fine after a few years.

They are about £30 each and you need the card to get keys cut.

They get a three star security rating without needing reinforced handles like the yale ones do.

a lock with a swipe card reader or a combination lock would prevent unauthorised copying.

ABS +1 you get a ABS key code which can be used to order more keys online. Also can be used to get additional locks keyed to the same key.

Mul T Lock BS TS007 3 Star Integrator Euro Cylinder can't be copied by your local lock smith.

I have just bought several from lockandkey.co.uk

You can ring them up.

The original Mul T Locks now can be copied.

Any 'proper' locksmith can supply a Euro cylinder with security keys. The key blank is only available to that particular locksmith, nobody else can get the blank to cut the key. High street key cutter wouldn't know where to start. The locksmith will only cut a spare key with written authorisation from you.

Euro cylinder around £60 - £80, keys around £8.

Trust your local professional locksmith with regard to make or brand.

I'm looking for a simple mechanical lock really, as they seem more secure with less chance to go wrong.

Thanks for that. Abloy's lock and key system looks like a very good solution.

That sounds like it would work.

That's a reasonable price.

I should add that we used Abloy at work for years with no problems.

This was a college/hall of residence with nearly 600 student rooms, and a load of offices and teaching rooms. I never came across a key being copied. And, if you need it, mastering. I had two master keys that handled the lot (one for student rooms, one for the rest, because we needed to restrict access to one or the other).

Both our front door and patio doors have keys that are different from traditional keys, in that they are inserted flat into the lock, and they have dimples drilled out in places along their length.

One set is by Yale, Superior series See

Both are supposed to be anti-snap, anti-bump and pick-resistant, but I found this rather alarming video

I can't get my head around this master key thing. I look after two adjacent houses converted into 19 flats (they are huge Victorian houses).

Each resident has a key that will open the front door of the house he lives in and his flat door, but nothing else.

I have a key that opens both front doors and any flat!

The communal area cleaner has a key that opens both front doors but nothing else.

How the 'kinell that works I don't know!

Looking at the ABS web site it all looks very good until one tiny weenie problemette surfaces : The lock is designed to snap off leaving it in the locked state, and is fitted with multiple anti-drilling rollers 'making drilling impossible' however the lock can still be unlocked FROM INSIDE with the key. What the heck happens when Mr Naughty sheers the lock off when no-one is inside with a key - is the house sealed like a tomb for eternity !

Andrew

Easy. Mankind has thought about that. A wreaking ball on a JCB will get into most places ...

Cut hole in door panel with your cordless angle grinder* to reach in and unlock?