The most secure deadbolt on the market is the Abloy Protec 2. For high-traffic residential or heavy-duty needs, the Schlage Primus or commercial-grade Schlage B660 are top choices. These are Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA certified, offering heavy-duty steel construction, pick resistance, and restricted keys that prevent unauthorized duplication.
ANSI Grade 1
Grade 1 specifies deadbolts as “commercial grade.” These types of locks are typically used on business buildings since they're the most secure.
The highest security deadbolts are rated ANSI Grade 1, designed for maximum resistance against forced entry and physical attacks, such as drilling or sawing. Top-tier, high-security brands include Mul-T-Lock (MT5+/MTL800), Abloy (Protec2), and Bilock, which feature hardened steel, anti-pick mechanisms, and restricted keyways to prevent unauthorized key duplication.
Police strongly recommend using heavy-duty, pick-resistant ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts with a minimum 1-inch throw bolt for all exterior doors. Grade 1 deadbolts offer the highest level of residential security and can withstand significant physical force.
When it comes to pure physical security, Schlage is generally considered more secure than Kwikset. Schlage locks typically feature heavier-grade materials, stronger deadbolts, and are much more difficult to pick or bypass.
Locksmiths consistently recommend heavy-duty, pick-resistant locks, prioritizing ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts for exterior doors. Top professional recommendations focus on trusted brands known for structural integrity, drill resistance, and overall reliability.
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.
Burglars hate visibility, noise, and anything that makes a home look occupied or difficult to enter. Because they rely on stealth and "crimes of opportunity," they actively avoid anything that increases the risk of getting caught or requires too much time and effort.
The most secure door locks are ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 deadbolts or multi-point locking systems. For ultimate protection against drilling, picking, and kick-ins, high-security mechanical locks from brands like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock are the industry gold standard.
Putting a rubber band around a doorknob can serve two completely opposite purposes: as an active barricade for personal safety or as an indicator of a break-in attempt. People use or look for this trick to prevent forced entry, secure hotel rooms, or identify suspicious home-marking tactics.
Whether Schlage or Yale is better depends on your priority. Schlage excels in raw mechanical security and traditional keypad reliability, while Yale leads in sleek smart home integration, keyless touchscreen options, and app features.
Locks that cannot be bumped include those that don't use traditional pin-tumbler mechanisms, such as electronic smart locks, disc-detainer locks, and warded locks. Additionally, high-security mechanical locks with specialized security pins, rotating discs, or sidebar systems are effectively bump-proof because they prevent the kinetic energy of a bump key from aligning the locking mechanism.
To make a deadbolt more secure, immediately replace the standard 12-inch screws in your strike plate with 3-inch or 4-inch heavy-duty wood screws. Longer screws anchor deeply into the wall studs rather than just the door frame, making it significantly harder to kick the door in.
The best door lock brand largely depends on your specific needs, but Schlage is consistently rated the top all-around choice for residential security, value, and durability. If you prioritize luxury, heavy-duty commercial security, or specific smart home features, Baldwin, Medeco, and Aqara also stand out as industry leaders.
Yes, a burglar can open a deadbolt lock. While deadbolts provide an essential layer of security, they are not entirely immune to tampering. Intruders can bypass them using various methods, ranging from subtle techniques like lock-picking and "bumping" to brute-force attacks.
Secondary door security devices are significantly stronger than a standard deadbolt. While a standard Grade-1 deadbolt withstands about 150 to 300 pounds of force, specialized reinforcement devices can resist 1,000 to over 2,000 pounds of pressure against forced entry.
Police highly recommend installing ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts with at least a 1-inch throw bolt on all exterior doors. For ultimate protection against forced entry, these locks should be paired with reinforced strike plates and 3-inch heavy-duty screws that penetrate the structural wood frame.
Schlage is generally considered the better, more secure brand for heavy-duty construction and pick resistance. Kwikset is the better choice if you prioritize budget and convenience, specifically for their easy DIY rekeying features.
The most effective way to keep burglars out is with a Grade 1 deadbolt paired with a heavily reinforced door frame. Brands like Schlage (e.g., the Schlage B60N Deadbolt) are highly recommended by security experts for their pick-resistant cylinders and heavy-duty metal construction.
Burglars overwhelmingly target single-family homes in suburban areas and ground-floor apartments in urban complexes. Rather than the type of structure, thieves look for vulnerability: houses that appear vacant, lack security systems, or offer hidden access points like overgrown bushes and unguarded back doors.
Burglars look for valuables in obvious places like master bedrooms, nightstands, mattresses, and desk drawers. They generally do not have time to search messy areas, deep food storage, or securely hidden wall compartments.
Home Security Cameras
Our best deterrent for burglars is the presence of an outdoor security camera. Having cameras mounted around your exterior home is a great way to prevent burglars from entering your home!
Smartphones (particularly Android devices) and home routers are the most frequently hacked consumer devices. Because they are constantly connected and store sensitive personal or network data, cybercriminals aggressively target them through phishing, malicious apps, and default security vulnerabilities.
Most Schlage products receive a AAA, which means they have received the best possible grades in Security, Durability and Finish. In addition to these high industry standards, we test our products even more rigorously in our own labs.
Smart door locks, like any internet-connected device, can potentially be hacked. However, reputable smart lock manufacturers employ advanced encryption and security measures to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.