ANSI Lock Grades Explained (What Do Grades 1, 2, and 3 Really Mean?)

Choosing the right lock is one of the most crucial decisions for securing your property, but it can be a confusing process. Not all locks are created equal; a cheap lock for an interior door has vastly different security than one for a front door. This difference is defined by ANSI lock grades, a rating that represents a lock's security and durability. This guide explains what lock grades mean, how this security testing works, and how to choose the right grade for your home or business.

The grades on locks (1, 2, or 3) are a standard from ANSI/BHMA that rates a lock's durability and security against brute force.

Who are ANSI & BHMA? 

You'll often see the names ANSI/BHMA on lock packaging. This stands for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), the independent organizations that create and test these hardware standards.

The grade is a simple rating of 1, 2, or 3 given to door hardware. This rating measures two main things to determine its quality:

• Durability: How many times it can be used before it wears out.

• Security: How much brute force it can withstand.

The key point to remember is that Grade 1 is the highest ("best") security rating. Grade 3 is the minimum standard for residential use.

Locks are tested for their grade using a series of rigorous tests that measure their durability, strength against impacts, and overall security.

Locks undergo rigorous security testing to determine their grade. The three main tests measure durability, impact resistance, and bolt strength:

1. Cycle Testing (Durability): Simulates opening and closing the door to see how long the lock will last.

1. Strike/Impact Tests (Security): Simulates someone trying to kick in or hammer the door, testing how many strong blows the deadbolt and strike plate can withstand.

2. Bolt Strength & Weight Tests (Security): Measures the amount of force the bolt itself can withstand before failing.

The core tests aren't the only measures of quality. Other tests provide a fuller picture of a lock's construction:

• Torque Tests: How much twisting force the knob or lever can handle.

• Bolt Saw Resistance: How long the bolt can withstand a saw.

• Corrosion & Finish Tests: How well the lock stands up to weather and salt.

ANSI grades do not test a lock's resistance to picking, bumping, or key copying.

This is crucial: ANSI grading is about durability and brute force resistance. It does not generally rate a lock's resistance to lock picking, bumping, or unauthorized key copying. For that, you need a lock specifically designed for pick resistance, often called a high-security cylinder.

Grade 1 is the highest security, best for commercial use. Grade 2 is for residential front doors. Grade 3 is basic for interior doors. Here is a simple chart that breaks down each grade by its testing standards and recommended application:

Grade 1 locks provide the best security rating and are built for heavy-duty commercial use. These locks are built for heavy-duty commercial use, such as in schools, hospitals, and busy offices. They are the most durable and secure option you can buy. We install Grade 1 hardware for our commercial clients.

Grade 2 locks are the "sweet spot" for homeowners and are our recommendation for front doors. A Grade 2 lock exceeds the basic standards for security and durability. This is our professional recommendation for what grade lock you should get for your front door. Upgrading to a Grade 2 lock is a core part of our residential services.

Grade 3 locks are the minimum grade required for residential hardware and are best used only for interior doors. This is the minimum grade required for any residential lock. When asking "Are Grade 3 locks secure enough?" the answer depends entirely on the application:

• For an Interior Door: Yes, they are perfectly fine for a bedroom or closet.

• For an Exterior (Front/Back) Door: No, security professionals do not recommend them as they are the "bare minimum" and the first thing we suggest upgrading.

When shopping, look for the ANSI/BHMA logo on the packaging and know that good smart locks also have these grades.

When you are at the hardware store, finding the lock's grade isn't always obvious, as it's not always on the front. To find the rating and make an informed choice, here is what you should look for:

1. Check the Packaging: Look for a small "ANSI/BHMA" logo or text, usually on the side or back of the box.

2. Assume Unrated or Grade 3: If no grade is mentioned, it is safest to assume the lock is either unrated or a basic Grade 3 lock.

Yes, many smart locks are also tested and rated using the same ANSI/BHMA grading system. Reputable brands test their products to prove their durability and security, just like traditional locks. While the "smart" features are electronic, the physical deadbolt and hardware are still subject to the same brute force and durability tests. 

When shopping for a smart lock, look for its grade on the packaging; a high-quality, secure smart lock for your front door should be at least Grade 2, and many top-tier models achieve a Grade 1 certification.

Choosing the right lock isn't just about price; it's about matching the grade to the application. A Grade 1 lock is the best choice for a high-traffic commercial property, while a Grade 2 lock provides the perfect balance of security and durability for your home's front door. A Grade 3 lock is suitable only for interior use, like a closet or bedroom. 

Your lock is your first line of defense, so understanding these grades is key to your security.  If you're unsure what grade your locks are or need a professional locksmith near you, our experts at Locksmith Express are here to help. 

The grades (1, 2, or 3) are an ANSI/BHMA standard that rates a lock's durability and security. This system tests how many times a lock can be used (cycles) and how much brute force it can withstand from an attack.

Grade 1 is the best and highest-rated lock available. It is built for heavy-duty commercial use, offering maximum durability (800,000+ cycles) and security against force, making it ideal for high-traffic public or high-security buildings.

We recommend a Grade 2 lock for most residential front doors. It provides a high level of security and durability (400,000 cycles) that far exceeds minimum standards, offering the best balance of performance and value for home use.

Grade 3 locks are secure enough only for interior doors, like bedrooms or closets. We do not recommend them for exterior doors because they only meet the bare minimum standards for security and are not designed to withstand a determined forced entry attempt.

Locks are tested in several ways, but the core tests measure cycle counts for durability, strike/impact resistance for brute force, and bolt strength for security. They are also tested for things like torque, saw resistance, and corrosion.