Residential locksmiths can install deadbolts (single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and lockable thumbturn), knob locks, lever handle locks, smart locks, keypad locks, mortise locks, padlocks, cam locks, and jimmy-proof deadbolts. For maximum home security, Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts should be installed on all exterior doors, as knob locks alone can be bypassed in seconds.

Choosing the right door lock directly determines your home’s vulnerability to break-ins. A basic knob lock on an exterior door can be compromised within moments, yet many homes still rely on this inadequate protection as their only defense. Understanding which lock types provide genuine security and which are suitable only for interior applications is essential for protecting your property and family.

ANSI/BHMA Security Rating System Decoded

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) alongside the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) evaluate locks according to durability and resilience, guiding property owners toward selecting the proper protection level for their entryways.

Grade 1 mechanisms provide maximum strength engineered to endure one million operations for doorknobs and levers, or 250,000 operations for deadbolts, plus withstand 10 impacts at 75 pounds of pressure. Grade 2 deadbolts manage 150,000 operations and resist 5 impacts at 75 pounds of pressure, proving adequate for most residential uses. Grade 3 deadbolts must survive 100,000 operations and resist 2 impacts, designed mainly for internal doors or locations requiring basic security.

When acquiring new locks, verifying these ANSI/BHMA classifications guarantees you obtain authentic protection, not merely operational door hardware.

Need professional lock installation or security upgrades? Contact Keyway for expert residential locksmith services tailored to your home’s specific security requirements.

Deadbolts: Top-Tier Protection for Entry Door Defense

Deadbolts deliver simplicity combined with durability: a rigid metal bolt extends approximately one inch into your doorframe. No springs, no complications purely metal preventing forced intrusion. For exterior entryways, a deadbolt provides the actual security protecting your residence.

Single-Cylinder Deadbolts

These rank among the most prevalent lock varieties. You operate a key externally, with a thumb turn internally for rapid departure. The bolt secures completely into the strike plate, unlike knob mechanisms that depend on spring latches and face easy compromise.

Ideal for: Primary entrances, rear doors, or any external door lacking adjacent glass.

Installation: Expert installation guarantees the bolt aligns flawlessly; misalignment can degrade the lock and diminish security capabilities over time. If your deadbolt shows wear or operates roughly, Keyway provides repair services to restore its durability and dependability.

Vulnerability: When glass sits near the door, intruders can reach through and rotate the thumb turn, so evaluate a different cylinder mechanism.

Double-Cylinder Deadbolts

Double cylinder deadbolts demand a key on both sides, preventing reach-through breaches. Excellent for doors featuring glass panels or sidelights.

Safety consideration: You require a key for exit, which poses challenges during emergencies. The International Residential Code mandates that egress doors be readily openable from inside without key usage, which typically prohibits double-cylinder deadbolts on residential egress doors. Consult with local building authorities before installation.

When to implement: Certain commercial environments where code allows, or doors with adjacent glass where building regulations permit. Always confirm local standards.

Lockable Thumbturn Deadbolts

A combination solution. Typically, the thumb turn enables swift exit, but you can secure it with a key for enhanced protection practical when traveling or for doors with accessible glass.

Ideal for: Doors where you desire the adaptability of both single and double-cylinder security without code infractions.

Selecting the Appropriate Deadbolt Grade

Grade 1: Ultimate security for entry doors, withstands significant attack efforts. Perfect for primary entrances and high-security applications.

Grade 2: Suitable for most residences, still robust and economical for residential entry doors.

Grade 3: Exclusively for interior doors; inappropriate for front doors or high-risk entry locations.

Deadbolts function effectively alongside sliding bolt mechanisms, chain locks, or as an additional layer when purchasing locks for your residence. According to Minneapolis crime prevention guidelines, proper door security is your first line of defense against break-ins.

Ready to upgrade your home security? Contact Keyway for professional deadbolt installation and expert advice on the best lock solutions for your property.

Knob Locks: Usability Over Protectio

How Knob Locks Operate

Knob locks employ a basic spring-loaded latch extending from the door edge into the frame. Rotate the knob, and the latch withdraws.

Simple to use and budget-friendly, but equally simple to defeat. The latch can be pushed back with little effort, and the knob itself can be shattered with bolt cutters or even brute force.

When to Implement Knob Locks (and When to Avoid)

Knob locks must never serve as the sole lock on an external door, a frequent security problem in aging residences. They perform best for:

• Interior doors, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, for privacy purposes
• Supplementary locks combined with deadbolts on primary entrances or rear doors
• Closets or storage spaces where security isn’t critical

Avoid depending on knob locks exclusively for entry doors or any external door locks safeguarding your residence.

Enhancing Knob-Only Entry Doors

If your exterior doors feature only knob locks, incorporating a deadbolt represents the easiest method to strengthen security. Many aging homes still utilize knob-only entry configurations.

Keyway’s experienced team assists homeowners with installing new locks, adapting modern security into older doors, and adjusting for irregular door frames. This introduces an additional layer of defense while maintaining daily access convenience.

Lever Handle Locks: Accessibility and Simple Operation

How Lever Handle Locks Operate

Lever locks replace round knobs with handles you push down, making them simpler to operate with occupied hands or reduced grip capacity. That’s why they’re prevalent in commercial structures and contemporary homes.

Most still utilize a spring-loaded latch, so their security capabilities resemble knob locks. They’re also ADA-compliant and available in multiple styles to coordinate with your door hardware.

Security Factors

The spring latch represents the vulnerability, so on exterior doors, lever locks must always pair with a deadbolt. High-security variants exist with Grade 1 classifications, strengthened latches, and anti-pry features, delivering superior protection but even these gain from an additional deadbolt on entry doors.

Optimal Applications

Lever locks are suitable for:

• Interior doors across your residence
• Exterior doors, when combined with a deadbolt
• Commercial properties, including office doors and storefronts
• Homes with senior occupants or anyone requiring easier operation

They shouldn’t serve as the exclusive lock type on any external door, as the latch remains the vulnerability.

Smart Locks: Contemporary Convenience with Remote Control

Contemporary smart security is characterized by the newest door lock varieties offering keyless access, such as through fingerprint, remote surveillance, and the supreme convenience of smartphone control.

How Smart Locks Operate

Smart locks utilize WiFi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave to link to your home network. You can secure or release doors through smartphone applications, access via pin codes, fingerprints, or smartphones, and even integrate them with smart home platforms for enhanced convenience. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides guidelines for implementing secure smart home technologies.

Smart lock varieties:

• Smart deadbolts replacing conventional deadbolts
• Smart lever or knob locks
• Retrofit kits upgrading existing deadbolts to keyless access

Security and Convenience Advantages

Smart locks eliminate physical key requirements and allow you to generate temporary access codes for contractors, visitors, or dog walkers. You can track activity with logs displaying who entered when, utilize auto-lock capabilities, and depend on Keyway’s 24/7 emergency locksmith services if technical problems emerge.

Potential Limitations and Factors

For most digital locks, battery duration spans from 10 months to a complete year under typical use, though WiFi-connected smart locks may only endure 3-6 months if operated frequently, while Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or Zigbee models typically achieve 10-18 months or longer.

Concerns to evaluate:

• Battery reliance—track battery levels consistently
• Cybersecurity—choose reputable brands like Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, or August. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends keeping all smart home devices updated with the latest security patches.
• Installation complexity—some models require professional assistance
• Connectivity problems—WiFi or Bluetooth disruptions can impact app control

If you’re locked out and your smart lock malfunctions, contact Keyway’s locksmith services in Afton or surrounding areas; they provide 24/7 emergency assistance.

Keypad Locks: Keyless Convenience Without Smart Capabilities

How Keypad Locks Operate

Keypad locks enable you to input a pin code to release doors—no keys or smartphone required. Mechanical versions employ purely physical mechanisms, while electronic versions are battery-operated with additional features like multiple codes or temporary lockouts.

When Keypad Locks Are Practical

Perfect for:

• Families with children who lose keys
• Rental properties where codes can rotate between tenants
• Homeowners desiring keyless access without smart home platforms
• Vacation homes or multi-user access scenarios

Electronic vs. Mechanical Keypad Locks

Keypad locks arrive in two primary varieties, each offering distinct benefits and considerations.

Feature	Electronic Keypad Locks	Mechanical Keypad Locks
User Codes	10+ codes, simple to add or remove	Limited codes, more difficult to modify
Power	Battery-operated	Completely mechanical, no batteries
Extras	Activity logs, temporary codes, and lockouts	Exceptionally durable, minimal maintenance

Both varieties deliver keyless convenience, so select the option that best matches your residence’s requirements and lifestyle.

Mortise Locks: Robust Security for Commercial and Historic Residences

What Distinguishes Mortise Locks

Mortise locks feature their lock mechanism embedded within the door edge, unlike contemporary surface-mounted cylinder locks. This concealed mechanism renders them exceptionally durable and secure. They frequently include multiple locking points and are prevalent in historic homes and commercial structures.

Where You’ll Encounter Mortise Locks

You’ll discover mortise locks in historic residences (pre-1950s), office structures, storefronts, and other high-security uses. Many original locks continue functioning after decades with appropriate care.

Repair vs. Replacement Considerations

Many mortise locks can be serviced or rekeyed, conserving money while preserving historic hardware. Replacement becomes necessary only if the lock mechanism is fractured, severely degraded, or if contemporary security enhancements are wanted.

Whether you need service in Albertville, Andover, or surrounding communities, Keyway consistently assists homeowners in balancing maintaining old locks with upgrading to new locks for improved security.

Supplementary Lock Varieties for Specialized Uses

Padlocks (Exterior Gates, Sheds, Garages)

Padlocks deliver portable security for gates, storage facilities, and sheds. They span from budget options easily served with bolt cutters to high-security models featuring hardened steel shackles.

For valuable possessions, investing in a quality padlock guarantees superior protection.

Cam Locks (Cabinets, Mailboxes)

Cam locks are compact cylinder locks present in filing cabinets, mailboxes, and lockers. A flat metal “cam” pivots when you rotate the key, engaging on a strike. They’re minimal-security but practical when you simply need to keep items closed rather than secured from forced intrusion.

Jimmy-Proof Deadbolts (Surface-Mounted Security)

Prevalent in apartments and historic buildings, jimmy-proof deadbolts employ interlocking vertical bars instead of bolts extending into the door edge. When activated, the two components interlock, preventing prying attempts. They aren’t pick-proof or kick-proof, but deliver solid additional security when correctly installed.

Understanding Unique Lock Challenges

Older Homes and Historic Properties

Many pre-1950s homes have non-standard door thickness, mortise locks, and vintage hardware. Keyway’s locksmith services in Anoka and surrounding areas specialize in adapting modern door locks to these older systems while preserving historic aesthetics.

Harsh Winter Weather

Frozen locks are common in winter conditions. Choosing locks with weather-resistant features and proper lubrication (graphite-based lubricants work better than general-purpose oils in cold weather) helps prevent issues with cylinder locks and external door locks. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends regular maintenance of security hardware to ensure optimal performance year-round.

Matching Locks to Door Types

Keyway installs entry doors, storm doors, and garage doors, ensuring door hardware works correctly with steel, fiberglass, wood, and aluminum doors.

Security Concerns in Suburban and Rural Areas

Crime patterns vary by location; Keyway recommends the right security levels for external and interior doors, from historic downtown properties to rural homes. According to SafeHome security research, proper lock selection significantly reduces home break-in risks. For downtown area security considerations, the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District provides additional safety resources.

When to Call a Professional Locksmith vs. DIY Lock Installation

DIY-Friendly:

• Replacing existing knob or lever locks with the same prep
• Installing interior door locks where security isn’t critical

Call a Professional:

• Installing deadbolts on solid-core doors
• Repairing or installing mortise locks
• High-security lock installation
• Rekeying existing locks
• Setting up smart locks

Why professional installation matters: Proper alignment of bolts, strike plates, and door edge positioning ensures your locks function correctly and maintain warranty coverage. A professionally installed Grade 2 deadbolt can be more secure than a poorly installed Grade 1 lock.

Keyway’s Lock Services

Lock Installation: Deadbolts, smart locks, high-security locks, lever handles, and other locks are installed properly for the first time.

Rekeying Services: Update keys for new homeowners or lost keys; combine multiple locks to one key for convenience.

24/7 Emergency Lockout Service: Residential and commercial lockouts available around the clock.

Lock Repair: Mortise locks, cylinder locks, stuck or broken locks, frozen locks—repair when replacement isn’t necessary.

Security Consultations: Free estimates and practical security recommendations based on years of experience.

Need help choosing or installing locks? Learn more about Keyway’s services and discover why we’re the trusted choice for Minneapolis homeowners.

How to Choose the Right Lock for Each Door in Your Home

Entry Doors (Front, Back, Side)

Recommended Configuration:

• Primary: Grade 1 or Grade 2 single-cylinder deadbolt
• Secondary: Lever handle or knob lock for easy entry/exit
• Optional: Smart deadbolt for keyless convenience

Security Priority: Maximum

Front, back, and side doors are your first line of defense. If these doors only have knob locks, adding quality deadbolts instantly boosts security. The Minneapolis Public Safety department emphasizes that proper entry door security is critical for home protection.

Storm Doors

Recommended Configuration:

• Lever handle lock or multi-point locking system
• Not your primary security always lock the main entry door behind the storm door

Purpose: Weather protection and secondary security layer

Interior Doors (Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Closets)

Recommended Configuration:

• Privacy knob locks for bedrooms and bathrooms
• Passage lever handles (no lock) for hallways and closets

Security Priority: Privacy, not break-in protection

Simple locks provide enough privacy without overcomplicating access.

Garage Entry Doors (House to Garage)

Recommended Configuration:

• Deadbolt (treat like exterior entry door if garage has external access)
• Keypad lock for convenient family entry

Security Priority: High

Garages are common break-in points. Secure doors connecting garages to the home as you would your main entry doors. The Minneapolis Community Safety initiative identifies garage access as a frequently overlooked security vulnerability.

Signs You Need to Upgrade or Replace Your Door Locks

• Lock is hard to turn, or the key gets stuck: Worn tumblers or internal damage can lead to broken keys.
• Rust, corrosion, or weather damage: Compromised locks fail faster and reduce security.
• Lost or stolen keys: Rekey or replace immediately—you don’t know who might have them.
• Moving into a new home: Always rekey; previous owners, contractors, or agents may still have keys.
• Entry doors with Grade 3 or unknown locks: Upgrade to Grade 1 or Grade 2 for real protection.
• Knob lock as the only exterior lock: Critical security gap; add deadbolts.
• Older mortise locks with worn components: Often repairable by professionals.
• Desire for keyless or smart lock convenience: Time to upgrade.
• Break-in attempt or damaged lock: Replace immediately; internal mechanisms may be compromised.

According to Minneapolis Emergency Preparedness guidelines, maintaining secure locks is essential for home safety readiness.

Rekeying vs. Replacing: What’s the Best Option?

Homeowners frequently question whether rekeying or replacing locks is the superior choice. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

Feature	Rekeying	Replacing
What it is	Changing internal pins to work with new keys	Install new lock hardware
Best for	Good locks, lost keys, standardizing to one key	Damaged locks, upgrading to Grade 1 or higher quality locks, adding deadbolts and smart locks
Benefits	Cost-effective, fast, and maintains the existing locking mechanism	Provides additional security, new key-operated locks, access to popular brands and modern features

Both options improve home security; choose rekeying for convenience and cost savings, or replacement for higher security and updated hardware.

Conclusion

Selecting appropriate door locks represents one of the most critical decisions for protecting your property and family. From understanding ANSI/BHMA security grades to choosing between deadbolts, smart locks, and keypad systems, each lock type serves specific security needs and lifestyle requirements. Whether you’re upgrading outdated knob locks on exterior doors, installing high-security deadbolts for maximum protection, or modernizing with smart technology for keyless convenience, the right combination of locks creates multiple layers of defense against unauthorized entry.

Professional installation ensures proper alignment, functionality, and warranty coverage making even a Grade 2 lock more effective than a poorly installed Grade 1 alternative. Don’t compromise your home’s security with inadequate or outdated locking mechanisms. Contact Keyway today for expert guidance, professional installation, and comprehensive security solutions tailored to your home’s unique needs. Check out our customer testimonials to see how we’ve helped homeowners secure their properties, or visit our blog for more security tips and insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 locks?

Grade 1 locks offer maximum security with the highest durability standards, enduring one million cycles for knobs and 250,000 for deadbolts while resisting 10 strikes at 75 pounds of force. Grade 2 locks provide adequate residential protection with 150,000 cycles and resistance to 5 strikes, making them cost-effective for most homes. Grade 3 locks are designed only for interior doors with minimal security needs, withstanding just 100,000 cycles and 2 strikes.

Can I install a deadbolt myself or should I hire a professional?

While replacing existing locks with identical prep holes can be DIY-friendly, installing new deadbolts especially on solid-core doors or historic properties requires professional expertise to ensure proper alignment and security. Misaligned bolts, incorrectly positioned strike plates, or improper door edge drilling can compromise your lock’s effectiveness and void manufacturer warranties. Professional installation guarantees your deadbolt functions correctly and provides the security level it’s rated for.

Are smart locks secure enough for my front door?

Smart locks from reputable brands like Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, and August offer robust security when properly installed and maintained, combining physical deadbolt protection with encrypted digital access. They provide advantages like temporary access codes, activity logs, and remote monitoring while eliminating risks associated with lost or copied physical keys. For maximum protection, choose smart deadbolts with Grade 1 or Grade 2 ratings and keep firmware updated to address any cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Should I rekey or replace my locks when moving into a new home?

Always rekey or replace locks immediately when moving into a new home since previous owners, contractors, real estate agents, or maintenance workers may still possess keys. Rekeying is the cost-effective option if existing locks are in good condition and meet current security standards, allowing you to maintain the same hardware while changing the key configuration. Replace locks entirely if they’re outdated, damaged, rated Grade 3 or lower on exterior doors, or if you want to upgrade to smart locks or higher-security options.

Why shouldn’t I use knob locks alone on exterior doors?

Knob locks use spring-loaded latches that can be easily bypassed with minimal force, credit cards, or simple tools, making them completely inadequate as standalone security for exterior doors. The knob itself can be broken off with bolt cutters or brute force, providing virtually no protection against determined intruders. Always pair knob locks with Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts on all exterior doors front, back, and side to create effective security against break-ins.