Update your locks

Here is a good idea for the new year, update the locks for your doors. It's not that hard and not too expensive either.

Many modern door locks use a standardised lock barrel called a "Euro lock". These parts can exchanged quite simply. The lock unit is held in from the side edge of the door by a single screw. Some lock barrels require the door handles are removed ( from the inside ) to facilitate sliding the new lock into place.  The euro lock units come in a selection of sizes determined by the measurements in mm to the middle rotating section ( in black below) from the outside and inside faces.

An example for sale  Yale Anti Snap 90mm Long Euro Cylinder Lock 50 x 40mm Bright Nickel

Look for features such as anti-snap, Anti-Bump and British Standard BS EN1303:2005 and Sold Secure Diamond Standard SS312 markings. One alternatives its the Avocet ABS Anti Snap Anti bump door lock security snap secure euro lock cylinder chrome or gold.

Expect to play about GBP 30 or GBP 200 if fitted by your 24H call out locksmith.  

Uprated Yale Euro lock uint.

Next up are the electronic locks to your doors; update your passwords.  This is also easy, for a quick measure just add at least 4 more character to your existing 6 letter password, include a number or special char from !@£$%^&*()_{}:"|?>< .  Be sure not to use the same password for your social and money sites. Avoid names and works, using the first letters from a phrase is a good way. The first letters from "remember my passwords so I can get in" = rmpsIcgi is just so much better than using Password.

For full advice and guidance on choosing a good password set check out this article.

Be safe out there ...

Gannett