To prevent break-ins, pair a heavy-duty Grade 1 deadbolt with a door reinforcement device. Locksmiths recommend the Schlage B60 deadbolt for reliable physical security, the Aqara U100 or Schlage Encode Plus for smart lock convenience, and the Nightlock Original Door Brace to prevent kick-ins.
Burglars hate anything that makes a break-in noisy, time-consuming, or highly visible. Criminals look for the path of least resistance; if a target requires too much effort or poses a high risk of getting caught, they will simply move on to an easier home.
Top Lock Brands Recommended by Locksmiths
Police typically recommend using high-quality deadbolt locks, specifically ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts, for exterior doors. They also advise installing locks with a reinforced strike plate and screws at least 3 inches long to resist forced entry.
Deadbolts are one of the most popular and effective types of burglarproof locks. They provide an additional layer of security beyond a standard lockset by extending a solid metal bolt into the door frame.
Schlage is generally considered more secure than Kwikset, offering superior protection against forced entry and picking. Schlage locks often feature ANSI Grade 1 ratings, thicker metal, and drill-resistant components, while Kwikset focuses on convenience and affordability (often Grade 2). For maximum home security, Schlage is the preferred choice, whereas Kwikset is often chosen for residential turnover and easy rekeying.
Mortise locks are generally considered the most secure type of lockset for standard doors. Unlike standard tubular locks, they are installed into a deep pocket (mortise) carved directly into the door, making them significantly more resistant to brute force, prying, and tampering.
When comparing Yale and Kwikset, Yale is generally considered better for premium features, smart home integration, and sleek design, while Kwikset is better for affordability and DIY-friendly rekeying.
The best door lock brand depends on whether you need a traditional mechanical deadbolt or a smart lock. Schlage is the top overall choice for everyday security and smart integration, while Kwikset dominates for budget-friendly features. Yale leads in touchscreen aesthetics, and Medeco is the best for high-security, pick-resistant needs.
Which homes do burglars target?
Avoid keeping your items in the prime spots like your master bedroom, bedroom closet, desk drawer in your study room, your jewelry box, or the cabinet in the hallway. These are the most common places where burglars search for these items.
Perfume and fragrance: costly products that are relatively easy to steal. Small electrical goods and accessories: electric toothbrushes, smart speakers, iPads, headphones, shavers, data sticks. Smartphones are slightly less likely to be stolen because of robust security devices.
A sock on a doorknob is a traditional signal—mostly used by college students or roommates—that the person inside the room is having sex and needs privacy. It acts as a makeshift "do not disturb" sign to prevent roommates from walking in.
People wrap foil around doorknobs as a viral DIY alarm and visual deterrent. The theory is that if an intruder tries to turn the handle from the outside, the crinkling noise will wake you, or the ripped foil will let you know someone attempted to enter while you were asleep.
Yale and Schlage are the two biggest heavyweights in residential door locks. Both offer exceptional hardware, but they cater to slightly different priorities: Schlage is the go-to for heavy-duty mechanical security and Apple ecosystem integration, while Yale excels in sleek, keyless aesthetics and flexible smart home customization.
For overall residential security and reliability, Schlage is widely considered the best lock company. They offer an exceptional balance of Grade 1 hardware, bump resistance, and cutting-edge smart lock technology. For specific needs, here are the top-rated lock companies categorized by security level and use case:
If your Yale lock runs out of battery, you will not be locked out. You can temporarily power the lock using a standard 9-volt (9V) battery to enter your code. Alternatively, if your specific model has a traditional keyway, you can always use your physical backup key.
A TS007 three star lock usually means a Euro cylinder that has been subjected to an attack test in addition to the testing performed on a one star cylinder. 3 star lock cylinders resist direct attack & offer a significant security upgrade to any door regardless of the material of door and handle.
When deciding between Schlage and Kwikset, Schlage is generally considered better for overall security, durability, and build quality, while Kwikset is better for affordability and convenient features.
The easiest way to protect yourself is to use a lock that does not use a pin tumbler. Most mortice locks use levers and do not use pins on springs so are bump proof by design. We recommend British Standard Mortice Deadlocks.
The Core Recommendation: BS 3621 Standard Locks
To spot one, look for the iconic British Standard Kitemark on the faceplate along with 'BS 3621. ' Protect your home by choosing a lock that meets these thief-resistant standards—your peace of mind depends on it.
Yes, like any connected device, Schlage smart locks can technically be hacked, but the "Hollywood" style of a remote cyber break-in is highly improbable. The brand uses robust, bank-level 128-bit AES encryption and security protocols, making direct digital interception extremely difficult.
Vulnerabilities of Kwikset SmartKey
Material Quality: While bump-resistant, SmartKey wafers are aluminum instead of brass found in standard locks, and are easier to break. Surreptitious Entry: Tools exist that can force over a SmartKey lock to allow entry while still allowing the original key to work.