Walk into any hardware store and you'll see locks labeled 'high security' — but what does that actually mean? Not all high-security claims are equal. Understanding what to look for can mean the difference between real protection and false confidence.
The American National Standards Institute grades locks from Grade 1 to Grade 3. Grade 1 is the highest, tested for 250,000 cycles and 10 bolt strikes. Grade 3 locks are the cheapest and weakest. For any exterior door, Grade 1 is the minimum you should accept.
Standard pin tumbler locks can be picked with basic tools. High-security locks use spool pins or serrated driver pins that create false sets and resist picking. Brands like Medeco and Abloy use patented pin designs that make picking extremely difficult even for experienced locksmiths.
Drill attacks target the shear line of a lock cylinder. High-security locks embed hardened steel inserts or rotating anti-drill plates that cause drill bits to slip and wear out. Look for this feature on any lock being used in a high-risk location.
A restricted keyway means keys can only be duplicated by authorized dealers, typically requiring a customer card or code. This prevents unauthorized key copies — critical for businesses and rental properties. Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and ASSA Abloy all offer restricted keyway systems.
For residential: Schlage B60N (Grade 1, widely available). For high-security: Medeco Maxum, Mul-T-Lock MT5+, Abloy Protec2. These cost more but offer significantly superior resistance to physical and technical attacks.