The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) established three grades for door locks to help identify the quality and durability of locksets and deadbolts. Each product must pass operational and security tests, including cycles, door strikes, and weight test. One cycle consists of the knob or handle turning completely to retract the latch bolt and open the door, and then it is released, allowing the door to re-latch. ANSI Grade 1 is the best choice for exterior residential door locks.

 

Grade 1 – Best

Highest grade security available. Meets commercial building requirements and is available for residential uses via deadbolts. There are not standard knobs, handlesets or mortise locks that will meet ANSI Grade 1 certifications, only commercial lever handles.

• Knobs must withstand 800,000 cycles, 6 door strikes, and a 360-pound weight test
• Deadbolts must withstand 250,000 cycles and 10 door strikes (hammer test)

 

Grade 2 – Better

Meets light commercial building requirements; exceeds standard residential security and building requirements.

• Knobs must withstand 400,000 cycles, 4 door strikes, and a 250-pound weight test
• Deadbolts must withstand 150,000 cycles and 5 door strikes (hammer test)

 

Grade 3 – Good

Meets residential building requirements only and provides minimal residential security.

• Knobs must withstand 200,000 cycles, 2 door strikes, and a 150-pound weight test
• Deadbolts must withstand 100,000 cycles and 2 door strikes (hammer test)

 

Deadbolts

Deadbolt locks provide an extra layer of security on residential doors. The term deadbolt is used because these locks do not contain springs. A single-cylinder deadbolt is operated with a key from the outside and with a turn button on the inside, and a double-cylinder is operated with a key on both the inside and outside. Double-cylinder deadbolts can pose a danger during an emergency if the key is missing or not readily available.

 

This double-cylinder deadbolt ANSI Grade 1 lock is operated by a key on both sides. It has a fully adjustable latch and deadbolt to fit all standard doors. This single-cylinder round deadbolt Grade 2 lock can be paired with several knobs from the same collection.

 

Entry Locksets/Handlesets

Locksets and handlesets are medium-security entrance door locks often combined with a deadbolt. They have two doorknobs that can be locked from the inside and the outside. One doorknob locks from the inside by turning or depressing a small button, while a key must unlock the outside knob.
This knob and double cylinder deadbolt combo pack provides two locking points: keyed entry and a deadbolt.
This single cylinder handleset can be locked or unlocked by a key on the outside, or the turn button on the inside. It features a fully reversible interior lever that fits both right handed and left handed doors.

 

 

Keyless

For advanced home security and convenience, keyless locks can be used to replace any standard deadbolt on exterior doors. An anti-theft rolling code feature ensures the same code is never used twice, and certain models sound an alarm after the incorrect code is entered more than three consecutive times. Additionally, some systems are compatible with select garage door openers or home security systems.
This SmartCode touchpad electronic deadbolt is a one-touch locking motorized deadbolt, and it is battery operated, so hard wiring is not required. Its patented side locking bar technology offers improved security by protecting against lock bumping. The lock features customizable access codes for increased security, as well as a back-lit keypad for increased visibility.

 

Mortise Locks

Mortise locks are used on many types of residential doors, including storm doors, and stress convenience over security. The lockset consists of a flat, rectangular box that fits into a recess in the door from its edge and includes two faceplates with knobs and keyholes. The latch operates from either side except when the outside knob is locked, and the deadbolt operates by a turn of the inside knob. This lockset is constructed from steel and, the lock bolt is key activated from the inside and outside. The latch bolt is also reversible for right or left hand installations.

 

New Lock Technologies

Digital devices constantly overtake their analog counterparts, and now that includes the locks on our homes. Smart locks with Bluetooth-enabled deadbolts and fingerprint scanners are already on the market. Additionally, there are smart locks with a built-in camera that takes a picture of anyone activating the lock and sends a real-time picture alert to your mobile phone, providing you with visual confirmation of who is accessing your home.