Will a Rim Lock Provide Sufficient Security?
No, rim locks will not meet all of your home security needs, for several reasons. This style of lock is a very old type, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries in fact. For hundreds of years, they were a popular way of securing homes and castles all throughout England and Europe. Locksmiths were highly sought after, and many travelled all over Europe providing their services. However, what was once sufficient to secure a castle is now no longer enough for the average home.
Rim locks are attached to the inside of a door and a small rim is attached to the outside of a door. From within, a latch is pressed to open the door. Once the door is closed, the spring loaded lock automatically closes. From outside, you open the door by turning a lock in the key. Unfortunately, these types of locks are extremely easy to open by anyone with a credit card or even a butter knife! Because of this, they should never be used by themselves, but they should be considered an auxiliary lock that is used in conjunction with another lock, such as a deadbolt.
In spite of the fact that they do not provide homeowners with the best security, they are often very decorative and used to add to a home’s overall appearance and look. In fact some of the antique or reproduced Victorian rim locks are beautifully crafted and designed. Locksmiths of old were definitely true craftsmen, artisans in their own right who took great pride in their work.
If you want to add a touch of mystique to your home, or if you live in an older style home and you are going for a certain look, you may find that adding an older style rim lock to your front door makes your home stand out from the others, as far as style and décor goes. You can also use these type of locks inside if you want, for something a little different. A brass rim lock on the inside of a bedroom door can look fabulous, especially if your bedroom décor is older style.
However, if you do decide to dress up your external doors with rim locks, remember that it is necessary to also add additional locks for security. A simple deadbolt should be sufficient to keep most intruders out. You can even find some rim deadbolt locks which also provide great security, although these are not usually fashioned after older style locks, but are more modern and up to date in design.