While looking for a brand-new lock, you may observe that each lock has a different grade and standards.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private institute that creates standards in many products, including locks.
The first step in choosing the right lock for your home or business is to understand first the grading system that the American National Standards Institute developed.
Lock grades are usually written in the packaging of your lock, and they are in the format ANSI grade 1, 2, or 3.
These numbers are created by ANSI in partnership with the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association.
In case you want to know more about lock grades, contact Oakville Locksmith Solutions for more details.
Our guide to lock grades will help you gain more knowledge in choosing the right lock.
If you feel that you need a better lock, we have a professional team that can get the job done.
We offer effective and reliable residential locksmith services in Oakville.
How are Locks Graded?
Before we move into the different types of lock grades, let’s discuss first the basis for the lock’s grading system
ANSI grade locks are graded by their handle or lever using the ANSI grade system.
Even though the handle is the grounds for the grading, the most important part of a lock mechanism is the deadbolt.
A deadbolt is in charge of preventing intruders that are picking your door’s lock from gaining access to your property.
Before you choose your locks in your home, it is important that you consult or seek advice from a professional locksmith.
Grade 1
Lock grade 1 is the top ANSI lock designated by the ANSI grading system.
Grade 1 ANSI is built to protect homes and businesses.
This type of lock is commonly reserved for commercial security.
But, grade 1 locks and deadbolts are also applicable in some residential settings, although it is not practical.
It is just a matter of legal requirements, budget, and the owner’s desire for a high-quality product.
If you install an ANSI grade 1, together with a surveillance camera, it will give you the best security against intruders.
However, one downside of this lock is that they are not easy to find and purchase.
Your doorknob must withstand a cycle of eight hundred thousand, 360 pounds weight test, and lastly, six-door strikes to earn this grade.
Some customers also find it hard to acquire any grade 1 lock and deadbolt.
This results in high orders of ANSI grade 2 and 3 for a cheaper price.
Grade 1 deadbolts also have requirements.
A grade 1 deadbolt must endure a cycle of two hundred fifty thousand and a 10 door strike using a hammer.
Grade 2
Lock grade 2 is another heavy-duty lock graded by ANSI.
However, these locks are not as durable compared to Grade 1.
Grade 2 locks are usually used in light commercial settings.
They can also be used in homes and apartments, since grade 2 locks pass most of the apartment and residential building requirements.
However, Grade 2 locks are not appropriate for heavy commercial applications since they are not as strong as Grade 1.
Nevertheless, ANSI grade 2 locks are still a good choice for common houses that focus on security system durability.
So, instead of investing in ordinary locks, we recommend that you invest in grade 2 locks for your home security.
Grade 3
Grade 3 locks also meet the basic requirements for residential applications based on the American National Standard Institute (ANSI).
Grade 3 locks are typically found in most apartment buildings.
They may not be as secure as Grade 2 locks, but they are far better than the non-ANSI locks available in the market.
Furthermore, while Grade 3 locks are not recommended on your main entry points, you can still use them in your home’s secondary entry points.
Conclusion
We hope our guide to lock grade will help you to choose the best lock for your building.
Having more knowledge before buying any type of lock is the best way to prevent any intruders from breaking into your house.
If you have any questions about lock grades, kindly contact Oakville Locksmith Solutions.
We offer efficient and reliable services in Oakville for you to enjoy.
We have a team of residential locksmiths that will get the job done.
We also offer commercial and auto locksmith services.
Call us now!
