Locks - key only or key & turn cylinder?

[JohnBishop]

Hi All,

I hope you are well.
I am thinking about replacing the locks and have a big dilemma regarding what kind of cylinder to go for.
I think for the front and back doors key & turn cylinder makes more sense however is this secure considering that someone clever could turn it through the letter hole?

Also for a clear glass back doors if burglars manage to break in by smashing the glass turn cylinder would make their life easier as then they can open the doors from the inside without a key.
What do you think?

Edited 2 hours ago by JohnBishop

[ProDave]

Inside turn for us.  Can't be bothered fiddling with a key to lock doors from inside.  (if I had to the key would remain in the lock)

 

If the weakest link to entry is breaking a triple glazed glass unit, you are not doing bad.

[-rick-]

17 minutes ago, JohnBishop said:

Is this secure considering that someone clever could turn it through the letter hole?

 

If it's an issue you could always get a letter box that contains the post (prevents access to the turn cylinder). Will stop stuff dropping on the floor as well which saves bending down to get it. These have downsides too so depends on your circumstances whether it works for you but is an option.

[saveasteading]

34 minutes ago, JohnBishop said:

What do you think?

Insurers generally want a 5 lever mortice.

So as long as you dont leave it within reach through letter box or broken window, they wont be able to use it.

I like to have a 'yale' too just for night time security and ease, but use the mortice when going out.

[-rick-]

4 minutes ago, saveasteading said:

Insurers generally want a 5 lever mortice.

So as long as you dont leave it within reach through letter box or broken window, they wont be able to use it.

I like to have a 'yale' too just for night time security and ease, but use the mortice when going out.

 

Mortice is the minimum. Modern euro cylinder locks (assuming you get the right spec) are considered superior (and accepted by insurers in all locations AFAIK) especially if it's installed in a multipoint lock. I would always prefer the eurocylinder as they are easy to change if you ever need to change the keys. Can be keyed alike all round the house and if you want to get really fancy you can get a master keyed set with grouped or independent locks for the doors (allowing you to give some people limited access and others full access).

 

Obviously the more sophisticated setups are more for commercial use but there are uses at home and you can order sets online for not huge money.

Edited 2 hours ago by -rick-

[Super_Paulie]

I've got the thumb turner on my porch inside composite door. No letterbox so it was a no-brainer. Never lock the "front door" to the porch as we get deliveries to it all the time, but that's a normal key lock each side.