High-Security Commercial Locks Installation

Commercial-Grade Security That Stops Forced Entry and Key Duplication

Standard consumer locks provide minimal security - basic pin tumblers pickable in under a minute, keys copied at any hardware store, cylinders that drill out with power tools, and thin-gauge materials that fail under forced entry. That’s fine for your guest bedroom, but unacceptable for protecting commercial inventory, sensitive data, and business assets.

High-security commercial locks provide multiple layers of physical protection: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification (withstands 10 strikes at 75 ft-lbs force), drill-resistant hardened steel inserts, pick-resistant pin mechanisms (Medeco rotating pins, Mul-T-Lock telescoping pins), restricted keyways with patent protection (prevents unauthorized key duplication), and UL437 high-security ratings when maximum protection required.

South Austin Locksmith specializes in commercial high-security lock installation using top manufacturers (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA ABLOY, Schlage Primus, BEST IC Core). Whether you need Grade 1 deadbolts for exterior doors, commercial mortise locks for storefront applications, or high-security cylinders for access control - we match the right security level to your threat profile and budget.

Same-day installation available throughout South Austin for most commercial lock upgrades. Emergency lock replacement within 2 hours after break-in attempts. Call (512) 298-2557 for professional high-security lock installation and consultation.

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Understanding Lock Grades and Security Ratings

ANSI/BHMA Lock Grades (American Standard)

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) test locks for strength, durability, and security. The grading system provides objective measurement:

Grade 1 (Highest Security - Commercial Required)

Tests and requirements:

• Forced entry: Withstand 10 strikes at 75 foot-pounds force (sledgehammer equivalent)
• Endurance: 800,000 lock/unlock cycles (20+ years heavy commercial use)
• Torque resistance: 360 in-lbs twisting force on bolt (prevents wrenching)
• Bolt throw: Minimum 1 inch deadbolt projection
• Strike: 2,250 lbs kick resistance with proper installation

Construction features:

• Hardened steel inserts in cylinder to resist drilling
• Heavy-gauge brass or stainless internal components
• Reinforced bolt construction (solid or hardened steel)
• Commercial-duty springs and mechanisms
• Corrosion-resistant finishes

Applications:

• Commercial building exterior doors (required by most codes)
• High-security storage areas
• Server rooms and IT closets
• Executive offices
• Areas with high-value inventory

Cost: $280-$750 installed depending on features

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Grade 2 (Better Security - Light Commercial)

Tests and requirements:

• Forced entry: 5 strikes at 75 foot-pounds
• Endurance: 400,000 cycles (10-15 years moderate use)
• Torque resistance: 270 in-lbs
• Bolt throw: Minimum 5/8 inch

Construction:

• Standard brass/steel internal components
• Lighter springs than Grade 1
• Basic cylinder protection

Applications:

• Interior commercial doors
• Residential exterior doors
• Light-traffic commercial applications
• Office suite interior doors
• Storage rooms

Cost: $180-$450 installed

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Grade 3 (Good Security - Residential Only)

Tests and requirements:

• Forced entry: 2 strikes at 75 foot-pounds
• Endurance: 200,000 cycles
• Torque resistance: 180 in-lbs
• Bolt throw: Minimum 1/2 inch

Not suitable for commercial applications - fails too easily under attack, insufficient durability for commercial traffic.

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UL437 High-Security Rating

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 437 certification tests locks for resistance against sophisticated attacks:

Test requirements:

• Picking resistance: 10 minutes minimum by skilled technician
• Impression resistance: Cannot create working key from blank by impressioning
• Drilling resistance: Hardened steel inserts prevent pin chamber access
• Sawing resistance: Hardened materials resist saw attacks
• Pulling resistance: Cylinder cannot be pulled from lock body
• Prying resistance: Lock body resists spreading/prying

Locks meeting UL437:

• Medeco (all current models)
• Mul-T-Lock (Interactive+, MT5+)
• ASSA ABLOY high-security lines
• Schlage Primus
• Best IC Core (high-security version)

When UL437 required:

• Insurance requirements for high-value premises
• Government facilities
• Pharmaceutical storage (DEA requirements)
• Cash-handling businesses
• Data centers and IT infrastructure

Cost premium: UL437 cylinders add $120-$250 per lock vs. standard commercial cylinders

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Commercial Lock Types and Applications

Grade 1 Deadbolts (Most Versatile)

Best for: Solid core wood doors, hollow metal doors, exterior doors, high-security interior doors

Construction:

• One-inch bolt throw (full inch projection into strike)
• Hardened steel bolt (some models with rotating bolt)
• Reinforced mounting plate
• Through-bolt installation on hollow metal
• Drill-resistant cylinder guard
• Pick-resistant cylinder options

Popular models:

Schlage B660 Series (Heavy Commercial)

• Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA certified
• Double cylinder (key both sides) or single cylinder with thumb-turn
• Available with Primus high-security cylinder
• Heavy-duty strike plate with 2.25” screws
• Cost: $320-$450 installed (standard cylinder)
• Cost: $520-$750 installed (Primus high-security cylinder)

Medeco Maxum Deadbolt

• Grade 1 certified
• Medeco high-security cylinder standard (UL437)
• Restricted keyway (patent-protected blanks)
• Hardened steel inserts resist drilling
• Free-spinning cylinder guard prevents wrenching
• Cost: $550-$750 installed

Mul-T-Lock Hercular Deadbolt

• Grade 1 certified
• MT5+ telescoping pin technology
• UL437 high-security rating
• Bump-proof, pick-proof design
• Cost: $580-$820 installed

Installation locations:

• Exterior doors (required Grade 1 by code in most commercial)
• IT server rooms
• Pharmaceutical storage
• Cash offices
• Executive suites
• Storage containing high-value inventory

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Commercial Mortise Locks

Best for: Storefront aluminum doors, high-traffic entrances, doors requiring both deadbolt and latch functions

How they work:

• Lock body mortised (cut) into door edge
• Deadbolt and latch mechanisms in single unit
• Outside cylinder controls deadbolt
• Inside thumb-turn retracts deadbolt
• Lever handle operates latch independently

Advantages:

• Deadbolt + latch in one mechanism (cleaner installation)
• Heavy-duty construction (severe duty available)
• Excellent for aluminum storefront doors (fits narrow stiles)
• Panic hardware integration (mortise panic devices available)
• UL437 high-security cylinders available

Popular models:

Adams Rite MS1850S Deadlatch (Storefront Standard)

• Industry standard for aluminum storefront doors
• Deadlatch with automatic deadlocking (anti-shimming)
• Fits 1-1/2” narrow stile aluminum doors
• Available with Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or ASSA ABLOY cylinders
• Cost: $550-$750 standard cylinder
• Cost: $750-$950 high-security cylinder

Sargent 8200 Series Mortise Lock

• Heavy commercial-grade
• Deadbolt + latch in 2-3/4” or 3” backset
• ANSI Grade 1 certified
• Accepts high-security cylinders
• Cost: $650-$850 standard
• Cost: $850-$1,100 with Medeco cylinder

Schlage L9000 Series (Severe Duty)

• Highest-duty commercial mortise lock
• 1,000,000+ cycle rated
• Accepts Primus high-security cylinder
• Available with electric strikes for access control
• Cost: $700-$950 standard
• Cost: $950-$1,250 with Primus

Applications:

• Main building entrances
• Storefront aluminum doors
• High-traffic commercial doors
• Areas requiring both deadbolt security and latch function
• Doors with panic hardware (mortise panic devices)

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High-Security Cylinders (Retrofit Options)

Best for: Upgrading existing locks without full replacement

How it works: Most commercial locks use removable cylinders - replace standard cylinder with high-security cylinder to gain:

• Pick and drill resistance
• Restricted keyway (controlled duplication)
• UL437 security rating
• Patent protection on keys

Popular high-security cylinders:

Medeco X4 (Current Generation)

• Rotating pin mechanism (immune to standard picking)
• Biaxial sidebar for pick resistance
• Hardened steel inserts prevent drilling
• 20-year key control (patent expires 2040+)
• Cost: $180-$280 per cylinder installed
• Applications: Retrofit into existing Schlage, Sargent, Yale locks

Mul-T-Lock Interactive+ / MT5+

• Telescoping pin technology
• Key has both internal and external cuts
• UL437 high-security rating
• Bump-proof, pick-proof, drill-proof
• Cost: $220-$350 per cylinder installed
• Applications: Very high-security requirements, government facilities

ASSA ABLOY Twin 6000

• Dual sidebar mechanism
• Factory-keyed (no field key cutting)
• Excellent key control
• Restricted keyway
• Cost: $200-$320 per cylinder installed

Schlage Primus

• Dual locking mechanism (sidebar + traditional pins)
• Can be master-keyed in non-restricted Schlage systems
• UL437 listed
• Cost: $180-$280 per cylinder installed

BEST IC Core (Interchangeable Core) High-Security

• Tool-less core removal with control key
• High-security pin stacks available
• Popular in institutional applications
• Cost: $150-$250 per core

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Key Control and Restricted Keyways

The weakest link in physical security isn’t usually the lock - it’s unauthorized key duplication.

Standard commercial locks use keyways available at any hardware store or locksmith. Employee walks into Home Depot, has office key copied in 3 minutes for $2, now unauthorized copy in circulation. When employee leaves company, you can collect their issued key but unauthorized copies remain active.

High-security restricted keyways solve this through patent protection and distribution control:

How Restricted Keyways Work

Patent protection:

• Key blank design patented by manufacturer
• Blanks only sold to authorized dealers with credentials
• Utility patents last 20 years
• Design patents can extend protection further

Distribution control:

• Locksmith must have authorized dealer agreement with manufacturer
• Each account registered with factory
• Key cutting requires authorization card or signature
• Factory documents every key cut by serial number

Result: Employees cannot duplicate keys at hardware stores. Unauthorized locksmiths cannot cut keys (no blanks). Complete accountability for key distribution.

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Patent Status by Manufacturer

Medeco:

• Biaxial (original): Patents expired, blanks now available (avoid for new installations)
• M3: Patents expire 2025-2027 (good for short-term projects)
• X4: Patents through 2040+ (best long-term protection)

Mul-T-Lock:

• Classic: Patents expired
• Interactive: Partially expired
• Interactive+: Protected through 2030+
• MT5+: Protected through 2035+ (newest)

ASSA ABLOY:

• Twin 6000: Protected through 2030+
• Maximum+: Protected through 2035+

Schlage Primus:

• Original Primus: Patents expiring 2025
• Primus XP: Extended protection through 2030+

Key takeaway: Specify current-generation products (Medeco X4, Mul-T-Lock MT5+, Primus XP) for maximum key control duration.

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Key Control Procedures

Initial setup:

• Register building/company with manufacturer
• Designate authorized personnel (facilities manager, owner)
• Receive authorization cards or key control account
• Document key serial numbers

Ongoing key cutting:

• Submit key cut request with authorization
• Locksmith verifies authorization before cutting
• Factory or authorized locksmith documents cut
• Keys stamped “DO NOT DUPLICATE” plus serial number

Key return procedures:

• Collect all keys from departing employees
• Match returned keys against issue records
• If any keys missing, assess re-key decision

Long-term management:

• Annual audit of key holders vs issued keys
• Replacement authorization cards as needed
• Review and update authorized personnel list
• Consider key control cabinet with checkout log

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Installation Process

1. Security Assessment and Lock Selection

Before specifying locks:

• Identify all exterior doors
• Categorize interior doors by security requirements
• Evaluate door types (wood, hollow metal, aluminum, glass)
• Assess current locks (grades, condition)
• Review insurance requirements
• Calculate budget and prioritize

Security categories:

Level 1 - Maximum Security:

• Exterior doors
• IT/server rooms
• Cash handling areas
• Pharmaceutical storage
• High-value inventory
• Recommendation: Grade 1 deadbolts with UL437 high-security cylinders

Level 2 - High Security:

• Executive offices
• HR (personnel files)
• Accounting offices
• Storage with moderate-value items
• Recommendation: Grade 1 deadbolts with restricted keyway cylinders

Level 3 - Standard Commercial:

• General office doors
• Conference rooms
• Break rooms
• Storage closets
• Recommendation: Grade 2 deadbolts or existing locks with upgrade cylinders

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2. Door Preparation and Lock Installation

Deadbolt installation:

1. Template application: Position template at correct height (40-42” standard)
2. Drilling: 2-1/8” hole for cylinder, 1” hole for bolt
3. Mortise bolt edge: Route door edge for latch faceplate
4. Install cylinder: Insert high-security cylinder, verify operation
5. Install interior trim: Thumb-turn or double-cylinder
6. Strike installation: Template strike on frame, chisel mortise, install with 3” screws into stud
7. Test operation: Verify bolt extends fully, retracts smoothly, key turns easily

Through-bolt installation (hollow metal doors):

• Drill completely through door for through-bolts
• Use provided through-bolts (not wood screws)
• Torque to manufacturer specification
• This prevents lock-pull attacks and maintains fire rating

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Mortise lock installation:

1. Template door: Mark mortise pocket location
2. Rout mortise pocket: Precision routing to lock body dimensions (usually 2-3/4” or 3” backset)
3. Drill cylinder hole: 1-1/4” diameter through door face
4. Drill thumb-turn hole: Rear face of door
5. Install lock body: Fit into mortise pocket, screw faceplate to door edge
6. Install cylinders: Outside and inside (if double-cylinder)
7. Install lever handles: Connect to spindle, verify latch operation
8. Strike installation: Template on frame, mortise for strike, install with security screws
9. Test all functions: Deadbolt, latch, lever handles, key override

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3. Master Keying and Key Control Setup

Master key system integration:

• Determine access hierarchy (change keys, sub-masters, master)
• Calculate pin combinations (bitting charts)
• Pin cylinders to system specifications
• Cut and stamp all keys with “DO NOT DUPLICATE”
• Document system and provide to client

Key control account setup:

• Register building with manufacturer (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, etc.)
• Establish authorized personnel
• Provide authorization cards or control keys
• Set up key cutting procedures

Initial key distribution:

• Issue keys with signed receipt
• Log key numbers to individual employees
• Provide spare keys in secure storage
• Document system for future expansion

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Maintenance and Upgrades

Annual Inspection

Inspection checklist:

• ☐ Test key operation (smooth, no binding)
• ☐ Test bolt extension (full 1” throw)
• ☐ Check cylinder security (no looseness, spinning)
• ☐ Inspect strike (tight mounting, no damage)
• ☐ Verify proper alignment (bolt enters strike cleanly)
• ☐ Lubricate cylinder (graphite, not oil)
• ☐ Check mounting screws (tighten if loose)
• ☐ Test from both sides (key outside, thumb-turn inside)

Common issues found:

• Strike screws loosening (vibration)
• Bolt or latch misalignment (door sag, hinge wear)
• Cylinder wear (heavy use)
• Key duplication problems (worn keys, damaged pins)

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Cylinder Rekeying vs. Replacement

When to rekey:

• Employee key not returned
• Lost keys
• Security breach concern
• Master key system expansion

When to replace cylinders:

• Cylinder damage (attempted break-in)
• Key control upgrade (standard → restricted keyway)
• Pick/drill damage
• Worn beyond repair (15-20 years heavy use)

Cost comparison:

• Rekey existing cylinder: $45-$85 per cylinder
• Replace with standard cylinder: $85-$150
• Replace with high-security cylinder: $180-$350

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Phased Security Upgrades

Year 1: Exterior and critical areas

• All exterior doors → Grade 1 + high-security cylinders
• IT/server rooms → Grade 1 + UL437 cylinders
• Cash handling → Grade 1 + UL437
• Cost: $3,500-$8,000 for typical small commercial building

Year 2: Interior high-value areas

• Executive offices → Grade 1 deadbolts
• HR office → Grade 1 + restricted keyway
• Storage with inventory → Grade 2 minimum
• Master key system implementation
• Cost: $2,500-$6,000 additional

Year 3: Remaining areas

• General office doors → Cylinder upgrades on existing locks
• Conference rooms → Basic commercial locks
• Full key control program
• Cost: $1,500-$4,000 completion

Total 3-year investment: $7,500-$18,000 for 20-30 door facility

ROI: Single break-in averages $8,000-$25,000 in damage, theft, lost productivity. Insurance premium reductions of 5-15% on properties with high-security locks.

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Common Questions

Q: Can I just upgrade the cylinders instead of replacing entire locks? Yes, if existing lock bodies are Grade 1 or Grade 2 and in good condition. Cylinder retrofit costs $180-$350 per lock vs. $450-$750 for complete replacement. Makes sense for budget-conscious upgrades when mechanical locks function properly.

Q: Will high-security locks work with our access control system? Yes. Most commercial locks accept electric strikes or electrified trim. Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Schlage all offer access control integration. Typical setup: High-security cylinder for mechanical backup/override, electric strike for card/PIN access during business hours.

Q: How long do high-security locks last? Grade 1 locks with proper maintenance: 20-25 years heavy commercial use. High-security cylinders: 15-20 years before wear requires replacement. Standard commercial locks: 10-15 years. Residential-grade locks in commercial use: 3-7 years (fail quickly under commercial traffic).

Q: Can employees still make copies of high-security keys? No (if properly implemented). Patent-protected blanks unavailable at hardware stores. Authorized locksmiths require authorization card/signature to cut keys. Attempts to duplicate at non-authorized locations will fail (they don’t have blanks). This is the primary benefit of restricted keyways.

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Professional Installation for Maximum Security

High-security locks only work if properly installed - wrong strike placement, insufficient screw length, incorrect through-bolt installation, or poor door/frame alignment compromises even the best locks.

South Austin Locksmith provides professional commercial lock installation with:

• Correct lock grade selection for application
• Proper mounting per manufacturer specifications
• Through-bolt installation on hollow metal doors
• Reinforced strikes with 3” screws into framing
• Master key system design and implementation
• Key control account setup and management
• Documentation for insurance compliance

Call (512) 298-2557 for commercial high-security lock consultation and installation. Same-day service available for most applications. Emergency lock replacement after break-in attempts.

Serving all South Austin commercial properties: Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, Zilker, South Congress, Barton Hills - all 78704/78745/78748 areas.