Article

ANSI Lock Grades 1, 2, and 3

Updated October 11, 2026

What the grades test

ANSI/BHMA grades come from cycle counts, impact, and bolt-strength testing — not from marketing. For residential deadbolts:

• Grade 1 — highest residential rating (800,000 cycles, 10 strikes). Example: Schlage B60/B62, Kwikset 980.
• Grade 2 — solid mid-tier (400,000 cycles). Most big-box deadbolts live here.
• Grade 3 — basic (200,000 cycles). Fine for interior or low-risk doors, not for the front entry.

How to use grades when shopping

Front and back entries: Grade 1 or 2

The lock is a small part of entry security — frame and strike matter more — but starting below Grade 2 on the main entry is false economy. See the hardening order.

Check the grade by model

The model lookup lists the grade where manufacturers publish it. No published grade usually means Grade 3 or untested — budget accordingly with the quote checker.

Grade is not pick resistance

Grades test the bolt and body, not the cylinder. High-security cylinders (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) are a separate purchase for key-control needs — see the rekey guide.