Therefore, maybe your locks aren’t great. It’s possible that someone has already broken into your home or place of business, or that you just looked at your locks and wondered if they could be replaced with something a little more secure. Perhaps you came up with a plan to break into your own home and then horrifiedly realized that it might actually work.

In any case, you might have grounds to believe that your locks aren’t the best they could be. Perhaps your residence or place of business is more like a “piggy bank” than a “Fort Knox.” But how can you be sure that your locks are safe?

That is the purpose of the ANSI grades for locks. In order to establish standards for a wide range of products and services, the American National Standards Institute collaborates extensively with third parties. It tested these standards for locks in collaboration with the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) to ensure that only the highest-quality products are suitable for your doors.

The American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) lock grading system is a standardized rating system that aids consumers and professionals in evaluating locks’ durability and quality. The ANSI grades provide a consistent method for comparing various lock products in terms of performance and security features. An overview of the three ANSI lock grades is as follows:

ANSI Level 1: This is the highest grade available in the ANSI grading system, and it exemplifies both the highest level of security and the longest possible lifespan. Grade 1 locks are typically made for use in businesses, but they can also be used in homes where extra security is needed. These locks have been put through a lot of testing and are expected to stand up to a lot of use and abuse.

ANSI Level 2: Grade 2 locks are typically used in residential settings and are regarded as having a medium level of security. Although they may not be as durable as Grade 1 locks, they provide a satisfactory level of security. Grade 2 locks meet specific cycle tests, force resistance, and key torque requirements.

ANSI Level 3: Among the ANSI grades, Grade 3 locks are the least durable and secure. Most of the time, they are used in homes where basic security is enough. Grade 3 locks meet the minimum requirements of the ANSI standard, but they may not withstand heavy use over time or be as resistant to forced entry.

Consumers and professionals alike are able to select locks that meet their specific requirements with confidence thanks to the ANSI grading system. You can select locks that match your desired level of security, durability, and intended application by comprehending the grading system.

It is important to note that the ANSI grading system only takes into account the lock’s performance and durability, not the door frame, installation quality, or additional security features. Beyond the lock’s ANSI grade, other aspects of your property’s overall security may also need to be taken into account.

How to Find Your Lock’s BHMA Rating

There are two things to keep in mind about the BHMA rating: It is relatively new and only used for residential locks. A lock that is used in a high-security or business environment probably does not have a BHMA rating. Similarly, you shouldn’t bother checking for this rating if your lock is relatively recent.

However, if you’re looking for new house locks, you can check the BHMA rating. You should be able to see this on the lock’s packaging or branding.

You can try to determine the brand and model of the lock if you want to determine its BHMA rating but do not have the packaging for it. On the key, doorknob, deadbolt, reinforcement plates, or door jamb, this could be written. To figure it out, though, you might need to hire a locksmith. check out this Locksmith

What to Do If Your Locks Aren’t Good Enough

Suppose you looked at your lock’s ANSI grade and/or BHMA rating and realized it wasn’t great. You are now concerned that something will happen because it does not meet the standards you require for your home or place of business.

Calling a locksmith to replace your locks for you is the best option. A locksmith can assist you with the installation now that you know what kind of locks you want based on ratings and grades.