The Door Hardware Federation (dhf) estimates two-thirds of the UK’s 45 million residential doors are vulnerable to attack. Here Sarah Knight, Product Manager at ERA, explores the latest hardware available to locksmiths working on lock replacements, and the benefits of recommending and installing complementary decorative furniture and hardware to secure upselling opportunities.
As 2023 gets underway and individuals’ lives continue to return to normal post-COVID, the amount of time they spend away from their property is increasing. However, their fear of burglary is also rising.
The 2021 Neighbourhood Watch Crime and Community Survey identified that 67% of respondents were worried about becoming a victim of burglary, and that this type of crime remains their greatest area of concern.
As a result, individuals are looking to improve the security of their homes to deter potential burglary attempts.
Three is the magic number
Here the 3* cylinder is undoubtedly the most popular choice for providing the highest possible standard of security, with the Sold Secure Standard delivering complete protection. Compliant with all of the dhf’s TS 007 tests, including drilling, picking, bumping and lock snapping, the 3* Sold Secure Diamond Rating ensures the cylinder has surpassed the TS 007 testing requirements, in addition to being accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association.
ERA’s new High Security 3* Euro Profile Cylinder has received the Sold Secure Diamond status, whilst also being accredited by Secured by Design’s Police Preferred Specification scheme. To support locksmiths in proving its longevity and reliability to homeowners, the cylinder is supplied with a £2,000 anti-snap guarantee.
Featuring a unique patented cam design, which ensures the cylinder remains locked, the 6 pin cylinder is anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-bump and anti-drill, providing exceptional resistance against the most common types of attack. The addition of an external snap line ensures the internal side of the cylinder stays intact, even when the external half of the cylinder is broken, so that individuals can continue to use the cylinder from the inside after an attack.
Whilst delivering complete security is the main priority for a cylinder, style shouldn’t have to be compromised. That’s why the new High Security 3* Euro Profile Cylinder is available in single, double or thumbturn sizes and is supplied in four colour options – satin chrome, polished chrome, satin brass and dual coloured to suit a diverse range of handle types with a Euro profile design.
Paired keyed alike cylinders are also available from stock to suit front and back door applications, which is particularly useful for locksmiths who may be upgrading all of the exterior doors on a property.
For locksmiths who may be replacing an existing 1* cylinder on a property, the addition of a new high security 2* Door Handle can create a 3* solution that offers homeowners complete protection and peace of mind. By storing such pieces of hardware on their van, locksmiths can quickly and easily upsell, whilst achieving complete customer satisfaction.
This includes handles such as the new Fab&Fix TS 007 Berwick High Security 2* Door Handle, which has been expertly designed to resist unwanted attacks and prevent potential snapping of the cylinder.
This is due to the handle’s sculptured backplate, which discourages unwanted attention from mole grips, whilst the hidden strengthening plate helps prevent the removal of the external handle.
Independently tested and certified in accordance with TS 007-1: 2014 +A2 Corr 2 and compatible with all euro profile cylinders, the handle is available in both 44mm and 70mm versions to accommodate a wide variety of PVCu and composite door profiles. Supplied with all fixings, including high strength security M6 screws, locksmiths can easily and quickly install the handle as part of a lock replacement.
For homeowners who may be particularly security conscious, locksmiths can further bolster the level of security they provide by recommending TS 003 certified Door Restrictors and Chains. Designed to limit the initial opening of the door for safety, these solutions ensure the door is protected against extreme and repeated force or abuse up to 100N.
Whilst these pieces of hardware are designed solely for additional security, that doesn’t mean aesthetics have to be compromised. The new ERA TS 003 Door Restrictor and Chain are available in five unique Hardex finishes and can be discreetly and conveniently stored on the back of a locksmith’s van.
The complete package
When upgrading existing door locks and handles, locksmiths have an additional opportunity to secure further sales by also stocking a wider package of certified door hardware on their van that not only complies with the dhf’s latest technical standards, but is also available in a complete range of suited finishes to suit each homeowner’s specific tastes.
This is particularly important for customers who have just moved into a new property and may be looking to update the exterior of their new home to create kerb appeal.
By working with a hardware provider that offers a certified suite of high-security solutions that are compatible with a variety of door types and available in a range of finishes and designs, locksmiths can ensure they meet the tastes of every customer.
For example, by stocking TS 008 certified letterplates on their van in the same finishes as the TS 007 Berwick High Security 2* Door Handle, locksmiths can instantly provide an effective update to existing entrance doors, whilst securing those all-important sales.
The new Fab&Fix TS 008 certified letterplate is supplied in separate internal and external sections, allowing homeowners to choose different finishes to complement both interior and exterior door colours. The letterplate is independently certified to the latest TS 008:2015 standard, which requires a restricted flap to prevent access through the letterplate via fishing or reaching, without constraining access for postal items.
The TS 007 Berwick High Security 2* Door Handle and TS 008 Letterplate are both available in eight distinct finishes, including Hardex Bronze, Hardex Chrome, Hardex Graphite, Hardex Gold, Antique Black, White and black. The TS 003 Door Restrictor and Chain are also available in Gold, Hardex Chrome, Hardex Bronze and Hardex Graphite for a complete suited finish.
With over 200 perfectly matching hardware products within the extensive Fab&Fix portfolio, locksmiths can further extend their offering by stocking additional door furniture, such as knockers and numerals, in the same finishes and styles to stand apart from competitors and go the extra mile for homeowners. This includes knockers in popular styles such as bull ring, horsetail, spire and urn that suit a diverse style and age of properties.
Playing the long game
For homeowners looking to add real value to their properties, it is crucial the hardware not only looks good but continues to provide the same high quality finish for their entire lifetime. Here locksmiths should choose hardware from manufacturers that have invested in anti-corrosion testing to deliver the highest possible standards of durability and longevity.
Going above and beyond neutral salt spray testing, ERA’s prohesion testing process includes an electrolyte spray sequence with drying cycles at high temperatures to concentrate salt deposits, achieving real world accelerated testing. As a result, the Fab&Fix unique Hardex finish is supplied with a 10 year function, finish and security guarantee.
ERA’s new Certified Solutions range has been independently tested to the latest standards and fulfils all of the necessary security and functionality requirements required for timber, composite, aluminium and PVCu doors.