Lock Smiths: Opinions on Simplex push button combination entry lock set please.

[jptbay]

Moving to a new home that has two of the pictured Simplex push button entry dead bolt lock sets.

We have an appointment with a lock smith to have the combos changed, and to re-key some other locks, but would like some other professional opinions on the quality and security of the Simplex dead bolts.

@jeffmoss26

Thanks!

 

[Firebrick43]

First off, not a pro, just a well informed owner.

The simplex are very secure and durable locks with only one possible flaw. Some older models can be unlocked with a very powerful rare earth (as in palm sized which is dangerous to carry around in its own right) Newer locks were redesigned with non ferrous and there fore non magnetic piece. I don't know when or know how to tell if yours is upgraded.

Recombination is a DIY proposition. http://jpmangione.com/files/manuals/simplex1000l1000changingthecode.pdf

 

[captaindiode]

I have one on my house and love it. No batteries to fool with and it works well. Seems well made.

 

[dogdog]

I know the older square ones are very susceptible to strong magnetic attack... and it can be opened in 2 seconds, not sure about these newer curved ones..... Not sure if you needed a lock smith to change the combo on these things... It's probably easily DIY-able.

 

[jptbay]

Found a youtube video and printed re-coding instructions from Kaba. Looks super simple to re-code.

Thanks for the replies. Looks like quality units.

 

[35mm]

I used to manage movie theatres and we used a bunch of the older square ones. Tough as nails.

Not sure if this is the case now or not but the default code on all of these used to be 1 and 5 at the same time then 3. I used to try the code on doors I saw in the wild, it often would open the door.

 

[killahog]

That is an excellent lock, it is great for kids who can't kept track of keys.

 

[LifeLongWNYer]

As an ex-security consultant, I ran into a lot of the Simplex locks at clients sites. Generally, they were "adequate" but definitely not superior.

There is, posted on the internet, instructions to figure out an unknown combination for these locks, by manipulating the buttons and pressing others. While this is easily available, I have not yet found anyone who could perform the job in a reasonable amount of time. Usually, there were other ways into the area, which worked faster than figuring out the combination, with the internet instructions.

This is not a problem for an individual using one of these locks at home, BUT, the most common compromise to these locks was that in about 60% of the places where we found them in use, we found the actual combination written on the wall, or under a picture, or on a nearby fire extinguisher tag, nearby. ( we found this even in government areas ) Someone wanting to get in, need only scour the walls, etc., in the vicinity of the Simplex lock, and often he could find the combination written down, someplace.

As far as my own garage, in my neighborhood, sure, I'd use them, but they aren't for use in high risk/high vulnerability locations.



.

 

[dogdog]

forget about combination.... this video... I think this is why they make it curved. internet contains a lot of weird info....

 

[CJ7VFR]

That is an excellent lock, it is great for kids who can't kept track of keys.

True, as long as the only lock you have, or use on the door is the deadbolt. If you have a regular doorknob, with a keyed lock, and you use it in conjunction with the deadbolt, then you would still have to have a key to get in the house.

Now, if you only use the deadbolt, then it will work like you said! Also, if the locksmith does change the combination, you should watch them do that so that you can do it again by yourself if need be.


Jim

 

[shoe1]

school here last couple year installed the types of lock on the shop doors then wrote combination on door frame. They got mad because kids were coming and going out of them couldn't figure out how they got the combo. lol