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How To Choose a Deadbolt

Learn about some of the most important factors to consider when shopping for deadbolts.

How To Choose a DeadboltA deadbolt lock is an essential part of your home security. And although most deadbolts look the same at first glance, in reality there are some important differences between products that you need to be aware of when selecting a deadbolt for your home or business.

ANSI Grade

Rather than evaluating every security detail of a given deadbolt on its own merits, you can take a shortcut and look for the ANSI grade. Not all deadbolts carry an ANSI grade, as certifying products under the performance standards set by the American National Standards Institute is strictly voluntary. However, quality deadbolt manufacturers do get their locks graded, which gives you an at-a-glance sense of the lock’s durability and its ability to resist various types of lockpicking attacks including prying, bumping, and smashing.

An ANSI Grade 3 deadbolt is considered acceptable for residential use, but if you prefer a high level of residential security you will want to look for an ANSI Grade 2 product. For commercial applications, choose ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts.

Double or Single Cylinder?

Deadbolts come in double or single cylinder designs. With a single cylinder, you only need a key to unlock the door from the outside. But with a double cylinder, you need a key no matter which side of the door you are on.

The double cylinder design used to be quite popular, especially for doors with panes of glass, since it is not possible for an intruder to unlock the door simply by breaking the glass and reaching inside–unless of course the key was left in the lock on the inside. However, double cylinders have fallen out of favor because they can present a safety risk to individuals who may be trying to get outside in an emergency and not have time to search for or fumble with a key. Therefore the single cylinder design is considered preferable, especially for residential doors.

Installation Kit

Of course, your deadbolt is really only as strong as the door and doorframe you install it in. Look for a deadbolt that not only has the 1” throwbolt required to meet ANSI standards, but also comes with a quality strikeplate and a set of extra-long screws. For the best results, have a residential locksmith come to your home to install the deadbolt and strikeplate for you.

Shopping for Deadbolts? Come to RBM Lock & Key

If you’re shopping for a new deadbolt, the easiest way to find the right product for your needs is to come to RBM Lock & Key. We have many high-quality options in stock and we will be happy to provide installation as well.

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RBM Lock & Key
RBM Lock & Key
2235 E. 4th St Suite B
Ontario , CA , 91764 USA
909-980-3448