Tips for selecting a Deadbolt Lock for your Home
- Choose a lock that has been labeled “ANSI GRADE 1”. This means the locks has been tested and approved by the American National Standards Institute. And is therefore rated high in quality.
- Look for deadbolts that are resistant to saws. You want something with hardened steel. Whether it is the whole lock or just an insert. Soft metals like brass will be more susceptible to cutting.
- Get the longest deadbolt bar your door can support. This will help to prevent your door from being opened by door jam spreaders. The “Throw” should be at least an inch long.
- Get a Double-Cylinder lock. The lock will be on both sides and therefore always require the key. This is beneficial if you have glass in your door that could be broken for access to the inside of the lock. If you just have a solid door with no glass, a Single-Cylinder lock should be fine.
- Look for locks with Anti-Drilling features.
- Choose a lock with a beveled casing. This will help prevent attacks by hammers and other force tools. The hammer will glance off of the lock and not land a direct blow.
- Get a Strike Plate with long screws that anchor into your house and not just the door jamb. So look for 3 to 4 inch screws that will reach the wall stud.
- Make sure the door you are going to put the deadbolt on is solid wood. It probably is. If you use a hollow core door or something else weaker, your door can easily be kicked in. It will just splinter away from the deadbolt.