How to Choose a Deadbolt -
The Deadbolt Guide
At Doorware.com we carry a large selection of
Deadbolts.
This door hardware article discusses how to choose the best one for your home.
Security is why you would install a
deadbolt
in the first place; but selecting the right lock for your front door can be confusing.
There are four main factors that determine a deadbolt's over-all level of
security and quality: ANSI grade, UL listing, function, and key control.
ANSI GRADE
The American Nation Standards Institute (ANSI) grading system for deadbolts was developed by the Builder's Hardware Manufactures (BHMA).
This grading system ranges from 1 (the highest grade) to 3 (the lowest grade). It factors in longevity of the lock, toughness, and
latch length.
Grade 1
Usually used on commericial applications or where the toughest, most secure locks are needed.
Tested to withstand 1 million opening and closing cycles.
1 Inch Latch Bolt
Can withstand 10 strikes of 75 pounds of force (150 foot-pounds).
Grade 2
A mid-grade lock for a mid-grade price -- usually used on residential doors.
Tested to withstand 800,000 opening and closing cycles.
5/8 Inch Latch Bolt
Can withstand 5 strikes of 75 pounds of force (120 foot-pounds).
Grade 3
Usually used as a secondary security measure on a door.
Tested to withstand 800,000 opening and closing cycles.
5/8 Inch Latch Bolt
Can withstand 2 strikes of 75 pounds of force (90 foot-pounds).
UL 437
Defined by the independent product safety certification organization, Underwriter Laboratories,
UL437
is a rating for security hardware
that provides a barometer for the security of a
keyed lock.
The UL 437
deadbolt security test is one of the hardest to pass; it tests against impressioning, forcing, drilling, sawing, prying, picking and bumping.
Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a special bump key (pictured right).
It only takes a second for a skilled hand to lock bump a
deadbolt and get it opened.
Along with the lock-pick test, the
UL 437
also tests for: Field changeable keys,
tight-fitting bolts,
and ability to withstand 10,000 opening and closing cycles.
FUNCTION
Single Cylinder Deadbolt:
Deadbolt thrown or retracted by key from the outside and by turn unit on the inside.
Double Cylinder Deadbolt:
Deadbolt thrown or retracted on both the inside and the outside by a key.
Use on doors that have or are near windows so that a would-be intruder cannot simple break the window and reach into unlock the door.
Make sure to check your local building code as this type of deadbolt may not be regulation.
One-Sided Cylinder Deadbolt With Outside Trim:
The deadbolt thrown or retracted from interior side only. Exterior plate covers exposed door preparation on the outside.
Use on doors such as back doors where you will not need access from the outside.
One-Sided Deadbolt Without Outside Trim:
The deadbolt thrown or retracted from interior side only. There is no plate or exposed trim on the exterior.
Use on doors where the borehole does not go all the way through the door.
KEY CONTROL
Although obvious, one way to make sure your deadbolt
remains a good security measures is to only give your keys to people that you trust.
But what if someone else needs a key temporarily such as a house sitter or store employee?
It may be easy to give them a key and then retrieve it at a later date, but true security comes from being able to make sure that only you can make copies of your most important keys.
Mul-T-Lock deadbolts
are designed to provide superior door protection through key control.
Each Mul-T-Lock
comes packaged with a unique key card; and
duplicate keys
can only be made if the key card is presented at the time of the request. Additionally, only
approved Mul-T-Lock dealers
are authorized to make duplicates.
Please contact us
if you have any questions or if you need a recommendation to meet your specific application.
We offer many options for both
residential security and
commericial security.
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