What are the different grades of door knobs?

Author: Valentin Conroy IV  |  Last update: Sunday, December 28, 2025

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) designates three levels. Grade 1 is the highest. Grade 2 offers mid-level security, while Grade 3 provides basic security. You can typically have multiple entry door locks set (keyed) to work with the same key.

What is the best grade for door knobs?

Schlage is a pretty solid brand, so you're not going to go wrong with them. The easiest way to compare stuff in the big box stores is to look at the grade rating. Grade 1 is the highest, which includes most schlage products. Grade 2 is mid grade stuff like kwikset, and grade 3 is builder grade junk.

What is a Grade 3 door knob?

Grade 3 – Basic Residential Security The lowest grade provided by ANSI, and the minimal acceptable quality for residential door locks.

What is the difference between Grade 2 and Grade 3 knobs?

Grade 2 locks balance security and affordability for most homes, while Grade 3 locks are basic models suitable for interior doors or areas with minimal security concerns. When choosing a lock, get the most security you can afford.

What is the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2 locksets?

The Grade 2 lock must pass a 400,000-cycle test. Twice as much as the residential. The Grade 1 lock must pass a 1 million cycle test. The difference between the Grade 2, which is a light-duty commercial lock and Grade 1, which is a heavy-duty commercial lock is significant.

Lock Grades Explained - Understanding Lock Grades

What is a Grade 2 door knob?

ANSI Grade 2 locks are rated by ANSI for commercial usage but in areas where there is standard traffic flow. In order to qualify for an ANSI Grade 2 rating, each locks has to go through 400,000 opening and closing cycles, 4 strikes to the door with a hammer and a 250 lb. weight test.

What is the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2?

Grade I: This means the property is of 'exceptional interest'. Only around 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade 1 listed. Grade II*: This means the property is important and considered of more than special interest. Around 5.8% of listed buildings fall into this category.

What are the three types of knobs?

5 Common Types of Knobs
  • #1) Push-Pull. A push-pull knob is a type of knob that requires pushing or pulling to use. ...
  • #2) Ball. There are also ball knobs. ...
  • #3) Prong. A prong knob is a type of knob-based handle that features prongs. ...
  • #4) T-Handle. ...
  • #5) Knurled Rim.

Is weiser or Schlage better?

The Verdict. If you're looking for an electronic lock, go with Weiser if you're on a budget, Schlage if you're not. If you're looking for purely mechanical hardware, go with Schlage. Just remember though, if you want to have your locks keyed alike, stick with one brand.

What is the difference between Grade 2 and stainless steel?

In fact, due to their low carbon content, many stainless steel alloys cannot be hardened through heat treatment. Therefore, when compared to regular steel, the stainless alloys used in bolts are slightly stronger than an un-hardened (grade 2) steel but significantly weaker than hardened steel fasteners.

Is Schlage or Kwikset better?

Since Schlage locks are made of stronger materials, and provide far greater security than Kwikset locks, they also come with a higher price tag.

How do I know what door knob to buy?

What You Need to Know When Shopping for Door Knobs
  1. Make sure the door hardware will work with your door thickness.
  2. Take note of the door knob's required borehole size.
  3. Make sure replacement door knobs will fit your door.
  4. Check the required backset for your replacement door knobs.

What door lock is most secure?

The most secure front-door lock is a multi-point lock, which is exactly what it sounds like — a system with more than one point of contact with your door's frame.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive door knobs?

While cheap door knobs may be easier to install, they often require more maintenance and are more likely to need replacement down the track. Expensive door knobs, although potentially requiring professional installation, tend to be more reliable and require less maintenance over time.

What is the most popular door knob finish?

The Top 10 finishes for Door Hardware
  • Graphite Nickel. One for the ages, this finish was introduced in 2019 and has been very quick out of the starting blocks. ...
  • Brushed Nickel. ...
  • Two tone – Brushed Nickel/Chrome Plate. ...
  • Matt Black. ...
  • Satin Chrome. ...
  • Chrome Plate. ...
  • Satin Brass. ...
  • Vintage Pewter.

Are manufactured home door knobs different?

A: They are different sizes. I had tried a number of regular door knobs from home depot etc for my closet door. This was the one that fit without having to do any modifications.

Why are Schlage locks so expensive?

Schlage locks tend to be more expensive than Kwikset due to its superior security features, durable materials, tight tolerances, great security pins, and robust deadbolt screws. The Kwikset deadbolt is good quality, but the quality of Schlage housing and door locks justifies the higher cost.

Are Kwikset and Weiser the same?

Kwikset subsequently became part of the Hardware and Home Improvement (HHI) Group of Stanley Black & Decker, which also owned lockset manufacturers Weiser and Baldwin. Kwikset evolved to include many Weiser features, and Weiser locks now use Kwikset's "SmartKey" self-rekeyable lock technology and Kwikset keyways.

Which door handles are best?

Brass and bronze provide a more traditional, elegant look, while stainless steel and aluminium are perfect for modern and minimalist designs. Choosing the right material for your door handles is used for functionality and style.

What are the old style door knobs called?

Interior mortise door knobs and handles are typically found in older homes and offer a more traditional style.

What are the five control knobs?

The control knobs consist of financing, payment, organization, regulation, and health behavior. The advantage of this framework is that, through the control knobs, broad types of strategies for health systems reform can be more clearly identified and considered.

What is Grade 2 1 and 2 2?

Degree classifications

Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2. i) (60-70%) Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2, 2. ii) (50-60%)

What does Grade 3 listed mean?

Grade 3: Local authorities keep a list of non-statutory buildings of local interest. This is sometimes referred to as Grade 3, but they are not listed buildings. Grading reflects the relative importance of the buildings but is of no legal significance.

Is Grade 1 higher than Grade 3?

The grading of injuries can be classified numerically from 1 to 3. Grade 1 typically represents more minor injuries, grade 2 with more extensive damage and grade 3 are the most significant.

Previous article
Why are my floors so dirty after mopping?
Next article
How long does oil-based primer last after opening?