Out of the common style of locks, which are the best type of locks, and how does the ANSI grading system work?

ANSI Grading System For Door Locks

The American National Standards Institute, abbreviated as ANSI, has established three grades for door locks to help identify the quality and durability of locksets and deadbolts. Each lock must pass rigorous testing for operation, security, cycles, door strikes, and weight testing. An ANSI rating of Grade 1 is the best.

ANSI Grade 1 – Grade 1 is the best and highest grade security available. All locks tested at this level meets commercial building requirements and is also available to be used for residential deadbolts. For a knob lock to be rated at the best rating, it must withstand 800,000 cycles, 6 door strikes, and 360-pound weight test. Deadbolts must withstand 250,000 cycles and 10 door strikes in a hammer test.

ANSI Grade 2 – Grade 2 is considered to be a better rating. Locks at the Grade 2 level exceeds standard residential security and building requirements while meeting light commercial building specifications. For a knob lock to be rated Grade 2, it must withstand 400,000 cycles, 4 door strikes, and a 250-pound weight test. A deadbolt must withstand 150,000 cycles and 5 door strikes with a hammer test.

ANSI Grade 3 – Grade 3 is considered to be a good rating and meets residential building requirements but not commercial requirements. For a knob lock to receive a Grade 3 rating, it must withstand 200,000 cycles, 2 door strikes, and a 150-pound weight test. A deadbolt must withstand 100,000 cycles and 2 door strikes with a hammer test.

Styles of Locks

Knob Locks

Probably the most used type of locks is knob locks. Knob locks are used on a variety of doors from the front entrance to the patio or garage door. Knob locks have a door know on both sides of the door. One side has a lock button that you turn to lock or unlock, and the other side of the door has a keyhole that requires a key to be inserted to lock and unlock. The keyhole is usually placed on the outside of the door. Knob locks are commonly used but are also one of the most unsecure locks available as they can easily be broken or picked. 

Lever Handle Locks

As the name implies, these locks have a handle and are usually found on interior doors. If the handle lock has a lever, they don't require a key. You simply push or twist a button.

Deadbolt Locks

Deadbolts are typically found on the front or main entry doors as they provide the most secure form of keyed lock protection at the most affordable cost. Deadbolts use a metal bolt that slides into the door jam. The bolt is controlled by inserting a key and turning. Within the deadbolt style of locks, there are single deadbolts which have a lock turn on the inside and a keyhole on the outside, a double deadbolt lock that has a keyhole on both sides of the door, a jimmy-proof deadbolt, and captive deadbolts.

Keyless Entry Pad Locks

Keyless entry padlocks are controlled electronically. Deadbolts are also available with keyless entry pads. They require a code to slide the deadbolt open. They cost more to install but provide a high level of security.

Find the best style and grade of lock for your residential or commercial security needs. Do your research, and ask a qualified and knowledgeable professional locksmith Denver to determine the best type of lock for your needs.

6 Reasons Why You Should Change Your Locks After Moving Into a New Office

Owning or renting office space puts you in charge of the business. This means that you are the one who reaps the benefits of profit when your company is doing well. It also means you are the one responsible to ensure the safety and security of your office building, its contents, and the employees who work there.

One simple step you can take to make sure your new office is secure is to change the locks. Unless you are the very first occupant of the office, you just don’t know who has a copy of the key that allows access to the building. This should always be the first thing you do before moving anything or anyone into the new office space.

When you move into a new office, there are six reasons why you should change your locks. These reasons include general maintenance issues of locks wearing out over time, handling lost keys or key control after an employee quits or gets fired, knowing what after-hour cleaning or maintenance crew to trust with a copy of your keys, keeping your office safe after reported break-in attempts, and always staying up to date with the best technology to keep your office and workers protected.

Maintain your Locks

It may not sound like a huge safety concern, but the general maintenance of locks calls for you to change them every so many years. Depending on the manufacturer, the exact amount of useful time a lock will function varies. Since, when you move into a new office, you’re never really sure when the locks were last changed or maintained, it’s a good idea to go ahead and get a new locking system in place from the start. After that, be on the lookout for rust or wear and tear, and have routine maintenance and cleaning performed on a regular basis.

Change your Locks After an Employee is Fired or Quits

When an employee is fired or quits, it’s quite often an emotional time. Occasionally, one of these disgruntled employees will attempt to retaliate by trying to enter the office with harmful intent. Even if they turned in their keys upon leaving, they may have made a copy for themselves or for a friend or family member who may not have the best intentions in mind. Ensure the safety of your building and the workers by making it company policy to change the locks and keys whenever there is a shift in employment.

Only Give your Keys to Those You Trust

Turnover in after-hour cleaning or landscaping personnel can also be a cause for alarm. If you give a copy of your office keys to cleaning, maintenance, or landscaping personnel who have access to the building before or after business hours, it’s imperative that you have fully screened and trust them. However, when there is a change in personnel, even if they return their set of keys to you, it’s important to make sure you change the locks since you don’t know if they have made another copy.

After a Break-In Start with a Fresh Set of Locks

Break-in attempts either directly to your office or in the area is always an urgent situation to address, even if the break-in reported was nearby and not targeted to your door. Make sure your business is as burglar-proof as possible by installing a new locking system.

When you Don’t Know Where your Keys Are, Change the Locks

Lost keys is the number one reason people call for a locksmith’s help. But, the problem of losing a key runs so much deeper than a matter of inconvenience. Think about it. When you lose your keys, you don’t know for sure whether or not someone has it and is planning a break-in. Now, imagine an office that is filled with numerous employees, some of whom have misplaced their keys. This could pose a huge security issue with several copies of the key potentially in the hands of someone who could cause harm.

Know When it’s Time to Upgrade to a Keyless Option

Know when to upgrade to electronic keypad locks. For you and your employees’ utmost protection, stay up to date with the latest in technology. Newer locks are being made that don’t require a key at all. Many are designed with a keyless entry system that involves your only needing to remember a specific code. And, these codes can easily be changed whenever necessary. Additional advances in technology make your business even more secure with fingerprint, retina or face recognition options.

Find a Local Locksmith You Can Trust

Regardless of what types of locks you have chosen to keep your new office safe and secure, it’s always a great idea to have a local commercial locksmith on hand whom you trust to service your locks, give recommendations, or be there in a hurry in the case of an emergency. Be sure to interview local professionals and know who to call for help before you move into your new office.