Different Grades of Deadbolts

How Deadbolts Work

• A deadbolt lock works by locking a door into its surrounding door frame. The four basic components of a deadbolt are the cylinder, where the key inserts into the unit; the bolt, which slides in and out of the door jamb; the door jamb; and the thumb-turn, which enable you to operate the bolt.

Home Insurance

• Installing a deadbolt in your home may result in cutting costs in home insurance. Contact your home insurance agent to receive recommendations on deadbolts for cutting insurance costs. Home insurers are more likely to cut insurance costs on houses with Grades 1 and 2 deadbolts rather than doors with Grade 3 units.

Grade 1

• Grade 1 deadbolts are the most durable products on the market. To qualify as Grade 1, a deadbolt must extend at least 1 inch beyond the door into the door frame. Also, Grade 1 deadbolts are able to withstand at least 150 pounds of pressure and the equivalent of 10 hammer blows. Manufacturers test Grade 1 deadbolts through 250,000 test cycles. Grade 1 deadbolts are commonly used at commercial buildings and warehouses.

Grade 2

• Grade 2 deadbolts project up to 5/8 of an inch into the door frame and withstands impacts of up to 120 pounds of pressure. Homeowners use Grade 2 deadbolts more often than commercial sites. Dan Kennard of Yale Residential Security Products recommends buying Grade 2 locks for homes, since they costs less than Grade 1, but remain more durable than Grade 3 types.

Grade 3

• The bottom rung of the deadbolt grade ladder are Grade 3 products. Grade 3 deadbolts are the least expensive types, but are not as durable as Grades 1 and 2. These deadbolts project up to 5/8 of an inch into door frames and withstand up to 90 pounds of pressure. The longevity and pick-resistance of Grade 3 deadbolts do not match Grade 1 and 2 units.