High-Security Lock Installation

High-Security Lock Installation & Upgrades

Upgrade from builder-grade locks to Grade 1 high-security deadbolts that resist picking, drilling, bumping, and forced entry. High-security locks are tested to withstand professional burglary attempts - providing significantly better protection for your Austin home and family.

What Are High-Security Locks?

Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA Certification

High-security locks meet the highest industry security standards:

Testing requirements:

• 10 strikes at 75 ft-lbs force (equivalent to full-force kicks)
• 800,000 operational cycles (Grade 1) vs. 35,000 (Grade 3)
• Pick resistance testing by certified locksmiths
• Drill resistance with hardened attack points
• Environmental testing (temperature, humidity, corrosion)

What Grade 1 means:

• Commercial-grade strength for residential use
• 10x more durable than builder-grade Grade 3 locks
• Tested to actual break-in attempt conditions
• Manufacturer warranty typically lifetime mechanical

Advanced Security Features

Pick-resistant cylinders:

• Sidebar mechanisms requiring simultaneous rotation + sideway pressure
• Telescoping pins with false gates trapping picks
• Magnetic elements standard picks can’t manipulate
• Angled pin cuts (Medeco) preventing standard picking

Drill-resistant construction:

• Hardened steel pins destroying drill bits
• Ball bearings in drill-vulnerable areas
• Hardened steel plate over cylinder
• Anti-drill pins that spin freely

Bump-proof mechanisms:

• Sidebar requirements defeating bump keys
• Magnetic pins unaffected by mechanical bumping
• Telescoping pin technology preventing bumping
• Counter-milling making bump keys ineffective

Restricted keyway systems:

• Blanks controlled by manufacturer
• Duplication requires authorization card
• Prevents unauthorized key copies
• Tracked key distribution

Builder-Grade Locks vs. High-Security Locks

Standard Locks (Grade 3)

What most Austin homes have:

• Simple pin tumbler mechanisms
• Soft brass pins (easily drilled)
• Standard keyways (keys copied anywhere)
• Minimal forced entry resistance
• 35,000 cycle testing (3-5 year lifespan)
• Cost: $30-$50 hardware, $95-$125 installed

Vulnerabilities:

• Picked in 10-90 seconds by anyone with YouTube tutorials
• Bumped in 2-10 seconds with $5 bump key
• Drilled through in 30-60 seconds
• Kicked in with 1-3 full-force kicks
• Keys copied without authorization

High-Security Locks (Grade 1)

What we install:

• Sidebar, telescoping, or magnetic pin mechanisms
• Hardened steel pins and drill plates
• Restricted keyways (controlled duplication)
• Tested to 10 strikes at 75 ft-lbs force
• 800,000 cycle testing (lifetime for most homes)
• Cost: $100-$180 hardware, $180-$300 installed

Security benefits:

• Pick-resistant for 10-30 minutes even with specialized tools
• Bump-proof through advanced mechanisms
• Drill-resistant hardened construction
• Forced entry requires sustained attack (5-15 minutes)
• Key control prevents unauthorized copies

Real-world impact: Burglars spend less than 60 seconds attempting entry. High-security locks exceed this threshold by 10-30x, causing burglars to give up and move to easier targets.

High-Security Lock Brands We Install

Schlage Primus ($180-$220 installed)

Best value for most homeowners

Features:

• UL 437 high-security rating
• Sidebar mechanism prevents picking and bumping
• Restricted keyway option
• Compatible with Schlage aesthetic hardware
• Widely serviceable

Pros:

• Excellent security at lowest high-security price
• Easy parts availability
• Most locksmiths trained on Schlage
• Works with existing Schlage hardware

Best for:

• Budget-conscious security upgrade
• Whole-house upgrade without maximum cost
• Standard residential security needs

Medeco ($220-$260 installed)

Premium choice with maximum key control

Features:

• Angled pin cuts (very difficult to duplicate)
• Restricted keyway requires authorization
• Sidebar and rotating pin mechanisms
• Drill-resistant hardened steel
• UL 437 high-security rating

Pros:

• Excellent key control (duplication very difficult)
• Maximum pick resistance
• Professional locksmith reputation
• Long-term durability

Best for:

• Key control priority (prevent unauthorized copies)
• High-value home contents
• Maximum pick/drill resistance

Mul-T-Lock ($240-$280 installed)

Maximum security with telescoping pins

Features:

• Telescoping pin technology (inner/outer elements)
• Interactive+ with sidebar mechanism
• Nearly impossible to pick
• Excellent drill resistance
• UL 437 high-security rating

Pros:

• Maximum security for residential use
• Unique mechanism vs. standard pin tumbler
• Extreme pick resistance
• Professional security reputation

Best for:

• High-value homes
• Jewelry or firearms collections
• Maximum security requirements
• Professional security priority

Abloy ($260-$300 installed)

Rotating disc technology (non-pin-tumbler)

Features:

• Rotating disc mechanism (different from pins)
• Extremely pick-resistant (different attack method)
• Very durable disc mechanism
• Weather-resistant construction
• European security standard

Pros:

• Unique technology vs. all other locks
• Extreme pick resistance
• Excellent weather durability
• Long mechanical lifespan

Best for:

• Ultimate security
• Harsh weather exposure
• Rotating disc preference
• European security standard compliance

High-Security Lock Installation Process

Step 1: Security Consultation

We assess your current locks and security needs:

• Current lock grade and vulnerabilities
• Door and frame condition
• Security priorities and budget
• Recommended high-security options
• Whole-house vs. priority doors

Step 2: Lock Selection

We help you choose the right high-security locks:

• Brand comparison (Schlage/Medeco/Mul-T-Lock/Abloy)
• Feature priorities (pick resistance vs. key control)
• Budget considerations
• Aesthetic compatibility
• Restricted keyway options

Step 3: Professional Installation

We install your high-security locks properly:

• Remove old locks without door damage
• Install high-security cylinders
• Test operation and alignment
• Install strike plates with 3” screws
• Optional: Strike box for maximum security

Time per door: 20-40 minutes Modifications: Usually none needed

Step 4: Key Control Setup

For restricted keyway systems:

• Register your locks with manufacturer
• Receive authorization card for duplication
• Cut additional keys if needed
• Explain key control procedures

Step 5: Verification & Testing

We ensure proper operation:

• Test locking from both sides
• Verify smooth key operation
• Check strike alignment
• Demonstrate features
• Answer questions

Whole-House High-Security Upgrades

Priority Door Approach

Budget-conscious strategy:

Phase 1: Critical doors ($360-$600)

• Front door (most visible, primary entry)
• Back door (often targeted, less visible)

Phase 2: Secondary doors ($360-$600)

• Side door or garage entry
• Additional exterior doors

Phase 3: Maximum security (optional)

• Interior doors (master bedroom, office)
• Garage service door
• Basement or attic access

Complete Whole-House Package

4 exterior doors with multi-door discount:

Basic high-security:

• 4 × Schlage Primus = $800 base
• 15% multi-door discount = $680 total
• $170/door average

Premium high-security:

• 4 × Medeco = $960 base
• 15% multi-door discount = $816 total
• $204/door average

Maximum high-security:

• 4 × Mul-T-Lock = $1,120 base
• 15% multi-door discount = $952 total
• $238/door average

Combining High-Security Locks with Other Improvements

Maximum Door Security Package

For each door, combine:

High-security lock: $180-$300 Strike box reinforcement: $50-$100 3” frame screws (reach stud): $20-$40 included Door viewer or video doorbell: $0 (existing) or $100-$250 (new)

Total per door: $250-$440 Impact: Nearly impossible to defeat quickly

Layered Home Security Approach

Don’t rely only on locks:

Layer 1: Deter (visible security)

• Security cameras/doorbell cameras
• Security system signs
• Motion-sensor lights
• Neighborhood watch signs

Layer 2: Delay (physical barriers)

• High-security Grade 1 locks
• Solid-core doors
• Strike box reinforcement
• Window security

Layer 3: Detect (alarms and monitoring)

• Security alarm system
• Smart lock notifications
• Camera motion alerts
• Monitored system

Combined approach: Burglars see your security (deterred), attempt entry (delayed by high-security locks), trigger alarms (detected). Most burglars give up at delay stage.

Key Control with High-Security Locks

Restricted Keyway Benefits

Why key control matters:

• You know exactly who has keys
• Prevents unauthorized duplication
• No “I’ll just make a copy” without permission
• Track key distribution history

How it works:

1. High-security locks use restricted keyways
2. Blanks controlled by manufacturer
3. Duplication requires authorization card
4. Locksmith verifies card before cutting keys
5. Manufacturer tracks all key copies

Situations where key control is critical:

• Household employees (housekeepers, nannies)
• Contractors with temporary access
• Property managers or landlords
• Teenage children (prevent unauthorized copies for friends)
• Ex-partners (know copies can’t be made from returned keys)

Authorization Card System

When you need additional keys:

1. Present authorization card to locksmith
2. Provide identification matching card
3. Keys cut and logged
4. You receive keys
5. Unauthorized copying prevented

Replacing lost authorization cards:

• Manufacturer verification required
• May require re-registering locks
• Prevents fraud if card stolen

Maintenance & Longevity

High-Security Lock Lifespan

Expected durability:

• Grade 1 locks: 800,000 operational cycles
• Typical residential use: 5-10 operations/day
• Lifespan: 200+ years under normal use
• Practical lifespan: Lifetime of home

Warranty coverage:

• Most brands: Lifetime mechanical warranty
• Finish warranty: 5-10 years
• Electronic components (smart features): 3-5 years

Minimal Maintenance Required

Annual care (optional but recommended):

• Graphite powder lubrication (spray in keyhole)
• Wipe exterior with damp cloth
• Test smooth operation
• Check strike plate alignment

When to call locksmith:

• Key becomes difficult to turn
• Lock mechanism sticking
• Strike misalignment after door settling
• Damage from attempted break-in

Maintenance cost: Usually $0 (DIY graphite) or $75-$95 (annual locksmith service call)

Insurance Benefits & ROI

Homeowners Insurance Discounts

Potential savings:

• Grade 1 deadbolt discount: 5-15% on premiums
• Security system integration: Additional 10-20%
• Combined discounts: Up to 25% total

Example calculation:

• Annual premium: $1,200
• 10% Grade 1 lock discount: -$120/year
• High-security lock cost: $680 (whole house)
• Payback period: 5.7 years
• Free security after 6 years, plus protection benefit

Break-In Cost Avoidance

What one break-in costs:

• Insurance deductible: $1,000-$3,000
• Stolen property (not all covered): $2,000-$10,000
• Emotional trauma: Priceless
• Feeling unsafe in home: Priceless

What high-security locks cost:

• Whole-house upgrade: $680-$950
• Protection from $5,000-$15,000 loss event

ROI: If locks prevent even one break-in attempt, return on investment is 5-20x.

Schedule High-Security Lock Installation

Call (512) 354-0025 to upgrade to Grade 1 high-security locks.

We’ll assess your current locks, recommend the best high-security options for your needs and budget, and professionally install locks that protect your Austin home from forced entry, picking, and bumping.

Same-day or next-day installation available. Multi-door discounts automatically applied. Professional installation with lifetime mechanical warranty.

Don’t trust your family’s safety to builder-grade locks tested to minimum standards. Upgrade to high-security locks tested to withstand professional burglary attempts. Call today.