Lock Grades Explained: Why Grade Matters More Than Brand

Door hardware is independently tested and assigned a grade of 1, 2 or 3. The rating comes from the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), which is accredited by ANSI to set performance standards for builders' hardware.

Most manufacturers sell products across all three grades, so the brand name on the box tells you very little on its own. What actually matters is the number.

How grading works

Locks are tested in several categories, most notably strength and cycle testing. The strength test measures how much forcible turning force a lock can withstand while still holding in the locked position:

• Grade 1. Commercial-grade durability. Key-in-knob locks must hold to 300 lb-in. Lever locks to 450 lb-in. The most secure and durable option. Increasingly common in residential builds where owners want commercial-level hardware.
• Grade 2. Mid-tier. Common in higher-end residential construction and light commercial use.
• Grade 3. Entry-level. Typically installed as standard builder-grade hardware in new residential construction.

The takeaway

If you're replacing an exterior lock, checking the ANSI/BHMA grade sticker or spec sheet tells you more about how the lock will actually perform under an attempted break-in than the brand or finish will. We install and can recommend Grade 1 and Grade 2 hardware for anyone upgrading from standard builder-grade locks.