How Much Time Burglars Spend on Different Lock Types

When it comes to home security, time is one of the biggest deterrents for burglars. Most intruders aren’t looking for a challenge — they’re looking for quick and quiet access. If a lock delays entry even by a few extra minutes, the risk of detection increases, making burglars more likely to abandon the attempt. This is why understanding how long different lock types can resist intrusion is essential for evaluating your home’s security. The amount of time a burglar spends on a lock often reveals whether your hardware acts as a barrier or an invitation.

Why Older Locks Don’t Meet Today’s Security Standards

Why Time Matters More Than Lock Appearance

Many homeowners judge locks by their appearance, assuming heavier or shinier hardware equals better security. In reality, burglars assess locks based on resistance and effort required to bypass them. If a lock can be defeated within seconds, it offers little protection regardless of its design.

Security experts often refer to the “delay factor” — the amount of time a lock can withstand tampering or forced entry. Even small increases in resistance can discourage burglars, who typically want entry within one to two minutes to avoid attention. Locks that extend this timeframe significantly reduce the chances of a successful break-in.

Entry-Level Knob Locks: Seconds of Resistance

Standard knob locks, commonly found on interior doors or older exterior doors, provide minimal protection. These locks are primarily designed for privacy rather than security and are often vulnerable to picking, bumping, or forced entry.

Burglars can usually bypass basic knob locks in under 10–30 seconds using simple tools or physical force. In many cases, the door itself fails before the lock, especially if paired with weak strike plates or short mounting screws. This makes knob-only security one of the most common vulnerabilities in residential properties.

Traditional Deadbolts: Basic but Not Foolproof

Deadbolts are a step up from knob locks and remain a common choice for exterior doors. A properly installed single-cylinder deadbolt can resist casual tampering and provide moderate delay against intrusion attempts. However, not all deadbolts offer the same level of protection.

Lower-grade deadbolts may be picked or bumped within one to two minutes, particularly if they lack anti-tamper features. Forced entry methods such as kicking or prying can also defeat weak deadbolt installations quickly, especially when door frames aren’t reinforced. While better than knob locks, basic deadbolts still leave room for improvement.

High-Security Deadbolts: Creating Meaningful Delay

High-security deadbolts are specifically engineered to resist advanced intrusion methods. They incorporate hardened materials, reinforced bolts, and complex pin systems that make picking, drilling, or bumping far more difficult.

These locks can delay burglars for several minutes or longer, depending on installation quality and door strength. Even experienced intruders often avoid high-security locks because they require specialized tools and increase noise and time on site. The added resistance transforms the lock from a simple barrier into a powerful deterrent.

Smart Locks and Electronic Systems: Convenience With Variable Security

Smart locks have grown in popularity due to their convenience, remote access, and monitoring capabilities. However, their resistance to burglary varies widely depending on build quality and installation.

Well-designed smart locks with reinforced mechanical components can offer security comparable to high-grade deadbolts. Poorly constructed models, however, may focus more on digital features than physical strength. Burglars typically attempt physical bypass methods first, meaning the mechanical integrity of the lock remains crucial even in electronic systems.

Should You Upgrade Locks After a Neighborhood Break-In?

Multi-Point Locking Systems: Extended Protection Across the Door

Multi-point locking systems secure a door at multiple locations — typically top, middle, and bottom — distributing resistance and making forced entry significantly more difficult. These systems are commonly found on modern entry doors and high-end security installations.

Because force must be applied across several locking points simultaneously, burglars often spend far longer attempting entry or abandon the effort altogether. When properly installed, multi-point systems can extend intrusion attempts well beyond typical burglar tolerance levels, providing one of the strongest residential security options available.

Factors That Influence How Long a Lock Can Resist Entry

While lock type plays a major role, several additional factors determine how long a burglar may spend attempting entry. Even the strongest lock can fail quickly if surrounding components are weak.

Key influences include:

• Door material and structural strength
• Quality of installation and alignment
• Reinforcement of strike plates and door frames
• Visibility of the entry point from neighbors or cameras
• Burglar experience and tools available

These elements work together to determine real-world resistance, highlighting why a holistic approach to door security is essential.

Why Burglars Often Abandon Time-Consuming Locks

Contrary to dramatic portrayals, most burglars operate under time pressure. The longer they remain at a property, the greater the chance of being noticed by neighbors, cameras, or passing vehicles. If a lock resists initial attempts or creates excessive noise, intruders frequently move on to easier targets.

This behavior underscores the importance of delay-based security. A lock doesn’t need to be invincible — it simply needs to create enough resistance to make the risk outweigh the reward.

Strengthening Your Locks Beyond the Hardware Itself

Upgrading locks is an effective step, but true security comes from reinforcing the entire entry system. A strong lock paired with a weak frame or hollow door still leaves vulnerabilities. Homeowners can significantly increase resistance by improving surrounding components alongside lock upgrades.

Reinforcement strategies include:

• Installing heavy-duty strike plates with long screws
• Strengthening door frames and hinges
• Using solid-core or metal doors for exterior entry
• Adding security plates to prevent prying
• Incorporating lighting and surveillance for visibility

These measures enhance the effectiveness of any lock type by addressing structural weaknesses that burglars often exploit.

Final Thoughts: Security Is About Delay, Not Perfection

No lock is completely burglar-proof, but the goal of residential security is to create enough resistance that intruders reconsider their efforts. Understanding how long different lock types can delay entry helps homeowners make informed decisions rather than relying on assumptions. Upgrading from basic locks to high-security options, reinforcing door structures, and adopting layered security measures all contribute to meaningful protection and peace of mind.

Want to Upgrade to Locks That Truly Resist Intrusion?

If you’re unsure whether your current locks can withstand real-world burglary attempts, a professional assessment can provide clarity. Brothers Locksmith offers expert lock inspections, high-security installations, and door reinforcement solutions designed to maximize resistance and deter intruders. Our skilled technicians help homeowners choose locks that don’t just look secure — they perform when it matters most.

Contact Brothers Locksmith today to schedule a security evaluation and strengthen your home’s protection with locks built to last.