Not many homeowners know that there are different grades of locks to choose from. It is a fairly simple rating system, from grade 3 being the lowest to grade 1 being the highest. These grades are set by the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI. They judge and rate a lock by its durability and longevity.
Locks also fall into either a residential grade or commercial grade. A residential grade 3 would be the lowest rating, and a commercial grade 1 the highest. You can go beyond grade 1 with high security locks, but it is not usually necessary in a residential setting (think jewelry store or bank).
There are a few things to consider when choosing what grade you need for your door: the weight of the door, the amount of traffic the door endures on day-to-day use, and perhaps the neighborhood you live in. Generally speaking, the lower the lock grade, the easier it is to pick and manipulate. Higher grade locks are harder to pick in most instances as they are reinforced with more security features (e.g. thicker steel).
These different demands call for different types of locks and it is important to have the right lock for your needs. We are happy to help you choose the right lock for your residence or business!