ANSI Lock Grading

In this blog entry, the expert Las Vegas residential locksmith and Las Vegas commercial locksmith team here at Master Locksmith Las Vegas will detail the definition of the various grades of ANSI locks and how they can assist your Las Vegas property security.

ANSI Grade 1 Locks

Grade 1 is the highest grade an ANSI lock can get. In order to receive this rating, locks undergo a wide range of tests. The lock must be able to resist at least 800,000 opening and closing cycles. It also has to withstand at least 6 door strikes. In order to define lock strength, the manufacturer has to run a weight test and the knob has to be able to withstand 360 pounds of weight. This lock is often used in commercial settings but it can also be used in residential settings where it provides homes the highest level of security possible and provides homeowners with peace of mind. Grade 1 ANSI locks are highly durable and don’t need to be replaced often, but they are the most expensive ANSI grade of locks.

ANSI Grade 2 Locks

These locks are mostly used for residential buildings, and sometimes are used in industrial buildings, however, don’t provide industrial settings the proper level of security as befits a Grade 1 ANSI bolt. ANSI Grade 2 locks are similarly tested as to Grade 1 locks but they only need to withstand 400,000 opening and closing cycles and 250 pounds of weight, as well as 4-5 door strikes. Grade 2 locks aren’t as durable as grade 1 locks, but they are a great choice for homes. ANSI grade 2 locks are a very solid choice for residential front doors and the interior doors of a commercial property.

ANSI Grade 3 Locks

This is the lowest ANSI rating a lock can receive. Grade 3 ANSI locks can withstand around 200,000 opening and closing cycles, 2 door strikes, and 150 pounds of weight. They are far less durable than grade 1 or grade 2 locks. However, grade 3 ANSI locks are the cheapest. We don’t recommend them for any commercial use. Without any additional hardware like anti picking lock pins or door strikes, grade 3 locks won’t do very much to protect homes either. They are best used for interior doors to provide privacy.