Oops me bad, I took a closer look and the condition I described only occurs
if the lock is 1/2 turned. I inadvertantly didn't notice that the lock was
this way the first time I inspected it. The handle does appear locked in
this state and is easily left that way if one is careless nonetheless when
the lock is fully locked or unlocked, I cannot depress the release tab.

A modist security problem now, not as bad as I thought. Forgive me for the
false alarm.



"PipeDown" wrote in message
ink.net...
The rant about locksmithing below reminded me of this.

I just installed a lockset on my back door. It is the kind with the lever
style handle. While installing it I noticed that to replace the locking
core, you needed to depress a tab and the handle would slide off exposing
the core to be removed and replaced. I was shocked to realize that the
tab was on the outer handle (key side) and that anyone could easily remove
the handle and actuate the lock with any handy tool like a needle nose
plier. The handle was Kwikset but a trip to the store showed that
virtually all (consumer / residential) locksets with this style handle
suffered the same flaw. Round handle door locks do not seem to have this
problem.

Who cares if the lock is pick resistant when you can remove it with your
fingernail!!!

I recommend that no one install this type of handle on an exterior door
unless you also install a deadbolt and use it. I kept the lock and do use
the deadbolt.

http://www.kwikset.com/Products/defa.../Details/Lido/ (exterior
locks)
http://consumer.schlage.com/main/prodcat/prodcat.htm (residential lever)