CR's take: The Medeco Maxum 11TR503-19 is the strongest deadbolt across all of our lock categories. It rates Excellent for drilling, withstands kick-ins very well, and is designed in a way that makes it very difficult to pick.
Ultimate Lock has the ability to withstand up to 4000 pounds of force, to put things in perspective, most deadbolts can only withstand roughly 100-200 pounds of force.
The Schlage B60N is our pick as the best deadbolt for most people. This single-cylinder lock is affordable, widely available, and far more difficult to lockpick or bump than many others in its price range.
To strengthen the strike plate on the lock, replace the existing screws with 3” long screws to attach into the wall stud. To reinforce the door frame even more, remove the door facing and attach a steel building plate to the door casing and wall stud.
Pick-resistant locks have an extra set of tumblers or locking apparatus so that, in effect, the key has to do two things at once. Because of their resistance to manipulation, these locks are also resistant to key bumping. One of the most popular pick-resistant locks is the Medeco.
Deadbolt door locks are the most secure type of key lock and are usually used on a home's exterior door. Available in single- and double-cylinder styles, deadbolts are rated according to their strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3.
The BHMA/ANSI has three, separate grades for deadbolts, simply labeled grades 1 through 3. Grade 1 is the highest quality, and the most dependable deadbolt you can have. Grade 3 is your average deadbolt which will provide an accepted, but minimal, level of security.
The best way to reinforce your frame is by adding a layer of steel to prevent them from splitting. This makes your door kick proof. Installation entails placing high-gauge steel over the door jamb and securing it with long screws. The screws should penetrate through to the wall studs on all sides of the doorway.
Still, having longer screws isn't a guarantee that no one will be able to kick in your door. It might just take a bit longer for it to come apart. “Those longer screws go into the stud that's behind a door jamb, so instead of splitting that initial wood, it's in a deeper sub wood, so it's grabbing more,” Whipple said.
Also in the non-forced entry category, there is no doubt Schlage is better. With a better, more precise manufacturing process and 2 additional security pins than the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage locks are significantly harder to pick, bump or compromise in non-destructive ways.
Generally speaking, deadbolts are sturdy locks that can withstand kick in and other forced entry attempts. However, a door with a deadbolt can still be kicked down if the door itself is not solid. So, to protect your door against kick in, you want to make sure both the lock and door are of high-quality grade.
Each lock type carries certain advantages; for example, a latchbolt will lock automatically, while most deadbolts require manual locking. On the other hand, deadbolts are widely considered to be stronger and harder to pick than latchbolts.
A minimum of 10, 75-pound strikes are reported to be the equivalent of over 100 foot pounds, which is why the Grade 1 deadbolt locks have been tested. A really strong criminal would have to kick your door over 100 times in order for it to begin to degrade or show signs of weakness.
The best way to secure your front door is to use deadbolt locks, which are the strongest type of lock, short of commercial-grade locks. Extra-long screws on strike plates also provide additional security. When you have multiple locks, remember to always lock all of them, especially the deadbolts.
What is Lock Grade 3? Grade 3 Deadbolts are the Least Secure and NOT Recommended. Lock grade 3 is the least secure of the three lock grades. It should be considered basic door hardware, for non high security situations, and is the least expensive. It is also the common lock you will find on homes.
ANSI Grade 1 (Best) - Kwikset - Door Locks - Door Hardware - The Home Depot.
Generally, single-cylinder deadbolts are less secure than double-cylinder options. They could potentially allow easier access to the home from intruders in the know. Furthermore, they're easy for small children to use, which means they could get outside without anyone being aware.
Lock bumping takes only an instant to open the lock. The lock is not visibly damaged, although the force of the bump can leave an indentation on the front of the cylinder. Certain clicking and vibrating tools designed for bumping can also be used.
ANSI Grade 1- This is a heavy-duty commercial security lock. It is specifically designed for high traffic and superior security. As the strongest grade, it can be used for residential applications too, but it is predominantly found in commercial and industrial applications.