Best Lock Brands - Aurora Locksmith

Best lock brands

The very purpose for installing a lock is for security. You want safety and protection for you, your family, or your employees. Or, you have valuable items you need to keep secure. Chances are, that both factors come into play when you are looking for the best lock brands for maintaining the utmost in security and protection.

Obviously, you will notice how a lock works, its unique features, as well as overall cost. However, the most important qualities to look for in a lock is security features. A few lock brands stand out as being the best in terms of quality and performance, which in turn provide you with a sense of security. Following are some pointers on features to look for when selecting the best locks brands available.

ANSI

In the United States, locks are graded on a system referred to as ANSI. The letters stand for The American National Standards Institute. ANSI has established three grades for door locks in an effort to identify the quality and durability of lock sets and deadbolts. Each lock has to pass tests, including operational and security rigors. These tests are comprised of cycles, door strikes, and weight tests.

  • Grade 1 – the best and highest grade security available.
  • Grade 2 – better than good.
  • Grade – is considered good.

Deadbolts

The highest level of security for residential doors comes in the form of a deadbolt. The name is derived from the fact that they do not contain a spring, so it is considered to be, “dead”. A deadbolt contains either a single-cylinder operated with a key from the outside only with a turn button on the inside or has a double-cylinder that has a key to unlock both sides. The latter is highly secure but can pose a threat to safety when a fast emergency exit becomes necessary, such as in the case of a fire.

Some of the most well-known and trusted best lock brands include:

Adams-Rite 

Find locking systems that are industrial environment ready. Adams-Rite locks offer an electrified strike and latch, eLatch, and electronic door locking systems to provide you with a high level of security as well as control that is easy to use.

Arrow 

When you want a brand that focuses on security with professional grade engineering while keeping it affordable, Arrow is one to consider. These locks are designed expressly for security professionals and are often used in libraries, universities, and other schools.

Baldwin 

Available at several home improvement stores, Baldwin is a trusted brand is of good quality. The Baldwin locks are made to be strong to last with solid construction that is thick enough to withstand bumping attempts. Baldwin also designs the locks with style in mind. They offer traditional and contemporary hardware options that are designed to look great with your home or office without forfeiting any security features. They offer knobs locks, key-less entry options, levers, pocket door locks, and of course, deadbolts.

Corbin-Russwin 

Known for strength and durability, Corbin-Russwin locks work well with commercial grade facilities and schools as well as other high traffic institutions. Corbin-Russwin locks are also considered easy to service and to replace.

Falcon 

High-level security buildings, such as the White House, Pentagon, and prisons often use Falcon locks. This lock brand focuses on functionality. Falcon brand locks offer touch-bar exit locks and automatic door locks.

Kwikset 

Kwikset brand locks can be found on almost every locked door in America. Find SmartKey technology that allows the owner to re-key the lock, which makes it quite attractive as a lock brand option for rental properties and businesses that need to change locks often. However, it also makes them the easiest style of a lock to bump open. The standard Kwikset lock is among the lowest cost among lock brands.

Medeco 

Medeco offers an E cylinder as well as wireless locking systems. This brand of security locks is highly trusted. Medeco offers ten locking systems that claim to be environmentally friendly CEF Certified Environmental Facts multi-attribute certification.

Mul-T-Lock 

Mul-T-Lock lock brand is highly trusted due to its strength. The silhouette’s bicep flex design creates a very secure lock that makes it difficult to pick.

RR Brink 

This brand is the most trusted brand of lock and is a large mortise cylinder lock. RR Brink is used in high-security environments, such as prisons.

Sargent 

Considered as a very secure lock, Sargent brand locks are used in hospitals, schools, and other high traffic buildings that also require high levels of security. In addition to the typical key entry, Sargent offers a key-less entry, key fobs, and keypad locking systems.

Schlage 

A common brand, well known among professional locksmiths, Schlage offers both key-less entries and keyed lock options. Schlage locks brand is a leader in the industry and is known for their lock security solutions for home and office.

Yale 

The Yale name is often synonymous with quality when it comes to locks. All pin tumbler style locks stem from the work and design of Linus Yale, Jr. and Henry R. Towne. Yale locks are constructed with the utmost in craftsmanship and quality, often offering two or more spool pins.

When it comes to your home or office security, don’t mess around. Talk with a trusted and knowledgeable professional locksmith today who will be able to recommend the best lock brands for your residential or commercial needs. For peace of mind, have the best lock brands installed on your doors today.

Kwikset VS Schlage

When it’s time to choose new locks or to know whether or not your existing locks may be re-keyed, it’s important to understand each brand’s features. Among the most common keyway locks on the market in the United States are Schlage and Kwikset. When it comes to Kwikset vs Schlage, what is the differences and advantages between the two?

Quality

Both the Schlage and the Kwikset locks are made with a quality that is suitable for residential use. For commercial use, it is recommended that only Schlage be used.

Screw Size

The screws that hold the lock in place are much thicker and large on the Schlage as compared to a thinner screw on the Kwikset locks.

Deadbolt

The deadbolt is made of steel on the Schlage, while the Kwikset is made of aluminum.

Lock Housing

The metal housing grabs the pins and makes it easier to bump and pick a Kwikset more than the all brass Schlage. The Schlage has a brass body, and all of the pins are brass which makes it more difficult to pick.

Tolerances is another consideration. The Schlage has less movement because it is more of a precision machine lock. Schlage has an anti-drill plate so that conventional drill bits cannot drill through them. Aluminum is easier to drill out than brass as well, so the Schlage is more secure.

The Schlage also has an interlocking piece that prevents twisting or overpowering of the lock. The Kwikset does not have that option. You are relying solely on the screws.

Cost

Most of the Schlage locks tend to be more expensive than the Kwikset locks.

Key Duplicating

Both are able to be duplicated with a copy of the key made at any hardware store.

Re-keying

Both a Schlage and a Kwikset lock may be re-keyed as often as you need by changing the interchangeable core cylinder. Kwikset tends to be the best option for residential properties, while the Schlage locks are the best option for commercial property.

Switching from Schlage to Kwikset or from Kwikset to Schlage

If the purpose of your re-key service is to change the inner core of your lock from a Schlage to a Kwikset or from a Kwikset to a Schlage, while leaving the outer brand intact, you will need to know what will work. Generally speaking, you cannot re-key a Schlage lock with a Kwikset inner core cylinder, but you can change the lock cylinder from a Schlage to a Kwikset with the services of a professional locksmith.

Design

The Schlage offers a full solid body. The Kwikset has no webbing and has a little material as possible to save money. Both locks have designs that will fit well with a variety of doors and architecture as well as your lifestyle preferences. Kwikset locks, however, offer more in the way of colors, shapes, and overall design options.

Warranty

Both the Schlage and the Kwikset locks have a reputation for long-time durability. All locks are going to eventually wear out, rust, or break. However, both the Schlage and the Kwikset brands tend to hold up for years. It is not unheard of to see the same locks still functioning well on doors after 20+ years of use. It is safe to assume that these locks will last a lifetime.