What Are Lock Security Grades and Which Should You Choose?
ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts, $40 to $60 retail, are the recommended standard for exterior residential doors. The ANSI/BHMA system grades locks by how much use and abuse they withstand: 250,000 operating cycles for Grade 1, 150,000 for Grade 2, and 50,000 for builder-grade Grade 3. Upgrading from Grade 3 costs $20 to $40 more per lock. Here is what the grades mean and how to apply them.
ANSI Grade 1: Commercial Standard, Highest Residential Security
Grade 1 locks must pass the most rigorous testing: 250,000 operating cycles, 10-pound door-closing force, 150-pound door-pull strength test, and resistance to kick-in and attack. Grade 1 deadbolts (Schlage B60N, Kwikset 980, and most high-security deadbolts) are the recommended standard for all exterior residential doors. Grade 1 locks are widely available at home improvement stores at $40 to $60 retail the premium over Grade 3 is modest relative to the security improvement.
ANSI Grade 2: Standard Residential, Middle Tier
Grade 2 locks pass 150,000 operating cycles and 100-pound door-pull tests. They represent a reasonable security level for residential applications but offer less resistance to forced entry than Grade 1. Most mid-grade residential deadbolts (many Kwikset and Baldwin models) are Grade 2. Appropriate for low-crime neighborhoods and secondary entrances; Grade 1 is preferable for primary entry doors in most situations.
ANSI Grade 3: Builder Grade, Minimum Security
Grade 3 locks pass only 50,000 operating cycles and 75-pound door-pull tests. They are the minimum acceptable residential lock the lock you find on most new-construction homes as a builder’s standard spec. Grade 3 deadbolts can be forced open with a moderately strong kick more easily than Grade 1. For any home where security is a priority: replace Grade 3 locks with Grade 1 hardware. The cost difference is $20 to $40 per lock a minimal investment for a meaningful security improvement.
Beyond Grade: Strike Plate and Door Frame
The strongest deadbolt provides limited protection if the strike plate and door frame are inadequate. Standard builder strike plates use short screws (3/4 inch) that only penetrate the door jamb, not the structural framing behind it. Replacing the strike plate with a reinforced heavy-gauge steel plate using 3-inch screws that reach the structural framing is the most cost-effective single home security improvement $15 to $30 in hardware and 20 minutes of installation.
Working With a Contractor on This Project
Getting the right outcome on any home services project starts before the work begins. A few consistent practices make the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.
Get at least two or three quotes. A single quote gives you no basis for comparison. Two or three quotes reveal the market rate for the work, expose scope differences between bidders, and let you assess contractor communication quality before any commitment is made. The lowest bid is not automatically the best value if the scope is thin or the materials are underspecified.
Ask for licenses and insurance before work starts. Verify current general liability insurance and, for any work involving workers on your property, workers compensation coverage. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade; confirm the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. A licensed contractor who carries appropriate insurance protects both parties if something goes wrong during the project. (For more on this, see Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Locksmith.)
Get the scope in writing. A written proposal that specifies materials, labor scope, timeline, what is included (permits, cleanup, disposal), and warranty terms is the foundation of a professional engagement. Verbal agreements on any of these points invite misunderstanding. For any project over $500, written scope is non-negotiable.
Clarify the payment schedule upfront. A reasonable payment schedule ties major payments to project milestones: a deposit at signing, a payment at material delivery or project start, and a final payment at completion after a walkthrough confirms satisfaction. A contractor who requires full payment upfront before work begins is a red flag in any trade.
Making a Confident Decision
The information in this article is designed to help you ask better questions of the professionals you work with, evaluate their answers with more confidence, and understand the decisions involved in this type of home services project. It is not a substitute for professional assessment of your specific home.
Every home is different. Roof slopes, local weather, tree exposure, soil conditions, and existing system condition all affect what the right solution is for your specific situation. The general principles here apply broadly, but a professional who assesses your home in person will give you guidance that accounts for the details that general articles cannot.
When you are ready to move forward, getting at least two or three quotes from licensed, insured, local contractors is the most important practical step. It lets you compare approaches, assess contractor quality, and confirm that the solution proposed matches your specific situation and budget.
Cost figures on this page were checked against published pricing on August 29, 2026. How we source cost data.
