Lock Grades – Everything You Need to Know.

When purchasing a lock for your home you want to know that you are getting one that provides adequate security. To help you in this matter, we explain that locks come with lock grades that impact how secure they are.

Here are how the grades are decided and what each grade means for you.

ANSI

The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) has a standard testing procedure to measure a lock’s strength and durability. The measurements are taken through the following tests to determine the overall quality of a lock.

  • Cycle Test. 

The cycle test measures the number of times a lock can completely retract from the latch and go back into place again. Not only does this measure the durability of the lock, but also the working order of the lock.

  • Strength Test.

Also known as weight testing, this test determines how much pressure a lock can survive before it breaks. A good lock should be able to survive hundreds of pounds of pressure on the lever before breakage.

  • Strike Test.

The Strike test simulates a situation where someone might try to break a lock by forcing or hitting it. To be able to make a grade a lock must survive the strike test at least twice.

Lock Grade 3.

Starting with the lowest lock grade you have grade 3. This is the grade that you will find on most residential homes. In order to be a grade 3, it would have passed the ANSI with the following scores:

 

  • Cycle Test: Handle 200,000 lock cycles.
  • Strength Test: Survive 150 Pounds.
  • Door Strikes: Pass 2 strikes.

While grade 3 is sufficient for your home it is not very secure. It is recommended that you upgrade your lock to a grade 2 or take your current lock to a locksmith to improve it with anti-bumping or anti-picking measures.

Lock Grade 2.

A grade 2 lock exceeds what a residential home needs. It is strong, sturdy, and harder to bypass. Many homes upgrade to a grade 2 lock for added security.

In order to be considered a grade 2 lock, it needs to have passed the ANSI tests with the following scores:

  • Cycle Test: Handle 400,000 lock cycles.
  • Strength Test: Survive 250 Pounds.
  • Door Strikes: Pass 4 strikes.

Despite its strength, it is not commonly used on commercial properties as they use grade 1 for the best security and insurance purposes.

Lock Grade 1.

The highest lock grade a lock can receive is grade 1. This is the grade you would find mostly on commercial properties. However, as technology has improved so have smart locks. Many popular smart locks used on residential properties today are grade 1.

  • Cycle Test: Handle 800,000 lock cycles.
  • Strength Test: Survive 360 Pounds.
  • Door Strikes: Pass 6 strikes.

Grade 1 offers the highest levels of security, which is reflected in the price tag. When it comes to purchasing your locks the higher the price most often means it’s a better quality lock. A lock price is set by its security more than the cost of its parts.

Would You Like More Information?

To learn more about the lock grades or if you require assistance in choosing the right lock for your home, contact one of our friendly and experienced team members at Quickly Locksmiths. You can reach us at (305) 984-9922 or by using the contact us form on our contact page.

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About the author
David Davidof is the founder & owner of Quickly Locksmith. The business has grown from strength to strength to become Miami’s go-to provider for Locksmith and Security services. Whilst the company has grown, the founding ethos has remained the same - Helping people in emergency situations and giving them the feeling they are safe.
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We truly care about your security. Keeping you, your family and your most valuable possessions safe is why we are in business. However, whenever you are looking to hire professional services from a locksmith in Miami, here are some valuable tips to make the right choice.

FAQ

HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER MY MIAMI LOCKSMITH IS CERTIFIED?
Effective July 1, 2025, Miami-Dade will no longer renew or accept locksmith licenses, in accordance with Section 163.211 of the Florida Statutes. As a result, Miami-Dade County no longer has regulatory authority over locksmiths or related occupations. With these changes, it’s more important than ever to carefully vet the locksmith you choose. At Quickly Locksmith Miami, we uphold the highest standards by maintaining professional certifications, industry recognition, and a long track record of verified customer satisfaction. When selecting a locksmith, always check for professional affiliations, certifications, and strong customer feedback. These factors ensure you are working with a trusted professional who can handle your security needs responsibly.
HOW LONG WILL A LOCKSMITH TAKE TO ARRIVE?
Our emergency locksmiths in Miami aim to arrive at your location within 15 minutes or less. This rapid response time ensures you get back inside your home, car, or business quickly and safely.
WHAT DOES A CERTIFICATION GUARANTEE?
Working with a certified locksmith in Miami guarantees that your locks, doors, and property are fully protected. Services are backed by warranty, and you hold zero liability if issues occur. Certification also ensures your locksmith follows professional standards and carries proper insurance.
CAN A MIAMI LOCKSMITH OPEN ALL LOCKS?
Yes. With specialized tools and years of hands-on experience, our locksmiths can open almost any residential, commercial, or automotive lock without causing damage. In rare cases where a lock cannot be picked, we can safely replace it on-site.
CAN A MIAMI AUTO LOCKSMITH CREATE A SPARE KEY AT MY LOCATION?
Absolutely. Our mobile locksmith units travel throughout Miami and can create or program replacement car keys on the spot. Whether you’re locked out or simply need a spare, we save you the time and hassle of visiting a shop.
DO I NEED THE ORIGINAL KEY TO MAKE A KEY COPY?
No. Even if your original key is lost or broken, our certified locksmiths can use advanced code-cutting machines to read your lock’s key code and cut a new key with precision—no original required.
ARE YOU AVAILABLE 24/7 FOR EMERGENCIES?
Yes. We are a true 24/7 locksmith in Miami, available nights, weekends, and holidays. No matter when you face a lockout or security emergency, our team is ready to respond immediately.
HOW MUCH DOES A LOCKSMITH SERVICE COST IN MIAMI?
Pricing depends on the service type, lock complexity, and whether it’s an emergency after-hours call. We provide upfront, transparent quotes before starting any job—no hidden fees, no surprises.
CAN YOU REKEY LOCKS INSTEAD OF REPLACING THEM?
Yes. Rekeying is one of our most requested services in Miami. It allows you to keep your current locks while changing the pins so old keys no longer work. It’s a fast, affordable way to restore security after moving, losing keys, or changing tenants.
DO YOU INSTALL SMART LOCKS AND HIGH-SECURITY SYSTEMS?
Definitely. Our Miami locksmith experts install and configure smart locks, high-security deadbolts, and full access control systems for both residential and commercial clients. We’ll recommend the best solution based on your security needs and budget.
CAN YOU MAKE KEYS FOR HIGH-SECURITY OR RESTRICTED LOCKS?
Yes. We are authorized and equipped to cut and program keys for many restricted and high-security lock systems. Some models require proof of ownership or manufacturer authorization, which we guide you through before starting the work.
WHAT AREAS OF MIAMI DO YOU SERVICE?
We provide locksmith services across all of Miami-Dade County—including Downtown Miami, Wynwood, Brickell, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Aventura, Kendall, and surrounding neighborhoods. Our mobile locksmith units ensure fast arrival anywhere in the county.
CAN YOU HELP WITH BROKEN KEYS STUCK IN LOCKS?
Yes. We use specialized extraction tools to remove broken keys without damaging the lock mechanism. If needed, we can also cut a replacement key or rekey the lock during the same visit.
DO YOU OFFER COMMERCIAL LOCKSMITH SERVICES?
Absolutely. We serve Miami businesses with master key systems, panic bars, storefront door repair, high-security locks, access control, and more. Our locksmiths regularly work with offices, retail stores, warehouses, and property managers.
HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY HOME OR BUSINESS SECURITY?
Start with a professional security audit from our Miami locksmith team. We’ll assess your doors, windows, and perimeter, then recommend upgrades such as high-security locks, smart lock systems, reinforced entry doors, or additional deadbolts—all tailored to your budget and property.
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