Security

Family In Hallway Returning Home Together

How much Security do you need?

Purchasing new locks is not a simple decision. When choosing a lockset or deadbolt for your home, security is typically the first consideration. To make the right selection with this in mind, it’s important to understand the differences between the various types or functions. For example, you would not want to install a deadbolt on a bathroom door or a push-button privacy lockset on a front entry door. Since each type of door requires different locking mechanisms, choosing the right door locks depends on whether a door is interior or exterior. Always be sure to look at the manufacturer’s instructions when installing your lockset or deadbolt and consider which deadbolt is best for you.

  • The Single-Cylinder Deadbolt: The most common deadbolt used for households. This deadbolt uses a thumb turn on the inside of the door and a key on the exterior side.
  • The Double-Cylinder Deadbolt: Another common deadbolt, however, this one requires a key for both sides of the door.
  • The Electronic Deadbolt: One of the newer choices on the market for homeowners, this deadbolt utilizes the ability to forego a key and simply remember a code.

     

How thick is the door? How far is the edge of the door, to the center of where the lock will go (backset)? Knowing these dimensions will help you choose a lockset or deadbolt that will fit your door best. Most BHMA® products will be adjustable to the most common door preparations.

Explore more

Only products with the BHMA Certified® Secure Home™ label are rigorously tested and rated for security, durability and finish. Click here to learn more.

Security Strength Tests

Security tests measure how well a lockset can withstand an attempt to gain entry. The tests simulate intrusions which may occur in real life.  Examples of applied forces are impact, excessive torque and other methods that anticipate and simulate intrusions.

Vertical Lever Impact Test, shown here, receives five blows from a hammer to test how secure the lock is.

 

 

 

Photo: Courtesy of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)