Business Security Information

This is a mechanism built into the door latch which prevents the latch from being pried or pushed back into the door. If you look at the key-in-the-knob latch in the picture, you can see that it would be fairly easy to slip the latch open using a shim or what is also called a shove knife. These type of devices can be easily bought or made, and it usually only takes seconds to bypass the latch-type lock. A credit card can also be used on some latches.

In the picture, there is a space between the door and the door frame, and this space allows the criminal to use the shim to push the latching mechanism back into the door. The anti-shim latch, if part of the lock, prevents the latch from being pushed or pried into the door and in turn does not allow the door to open.

The basic key-in-the-knob latch noted in the picture does not provide much security, even with the anti-shim latch, because the length of the latch going into the door frame is usually fairly short and can be defeated by prying the door, wrenching the knob, kicking the door, or spreading the door frame. Deadbolt locks should also be installed if you are using a key-in-the-knob locking mechanism on exterior doors. Make sure there is not a fire code restriction in your area before adding the deadbolt lock.

Related posts:

1. Security Lock Plate
2. Strike Plate
3. Security Door Plates