Not sure what does high-security lock truly means? We can confidently say that you are about to find out that not all locks are made equally.

This article cracks the code for what is a true high-security lock. We'll explore the features that turn a lock into a high-security one, delve into certification process, and reveal the leading brands trusted by security professionals.

We promise that by the end of this article, you'll learn what is a high-security lock, it's capabilities, and who are leading brands out there.

What Defines a High-Security Lock?

A high-security lock is not your typical residential lock, it is a lock designed to provide maximum resistance against all forms of lock picking and forced entry. These locks are designed with complex mechanisms that offer superior protection, making unauthorized access incredibly challenging. Here are the key features that define a high-security lock:

1. Key Control: Maintaining Security Integrity

"Key control" in the security world means: managing who has access to which keys and tracking the number of keys in circulation.

Our traditional locks can offer some level of key control but, it is often theoretical rather than practical. Employees or tenants can easily duplicate traditional keys at common retail outlets like home improvement stores or local locksmiths, leading to unauthorized copies which in turn compromise the integrity of the key control.

High-security locks address these vulnerabilities by incorporating several key mechanisms:

• Patented Keyways: High-security locks typically employ unique keyway designs which are patented. This patent protection legally prevents the manufacture, sale, or distribution of compatible key blanks to unauthorized parties.

  
  

• Controlled Key Duplication: Duplication of keys for high-security locks can only be done by authorized dealers and typically requires showing proper identification or a security card. This process ensures that every key duplicated is logged and accounted for.

2. Robust Construction: Resistance to Physical Attacks

High-security locks are built with high-grade, hardened steel and durable materials. Key features include ball bearings, anti-drill pins, and reinforced strike plates.

The locks are tested for sustainability, the test simulates heavy frequent use. High-security locks are approved to up to 1 million cycles, These locks are rated Grade-1 by ANSI and BHMA, which basically means the highest classification possible, guaranteeing long life service.

Furthermore, high-security locks are tested against various forms of physical attacks such as prying, hammering, and wrenching. The design and materials used ensure that the lock body and its components remain intact even under extreme force.

3. Small Tolerances: Resistance to Picking

Pick resistance is a critical feature of high-security locks. The effectiveness of a lock's pick resistance largely depends on its construction precision and the tolerances within the locking mechanism.

High-security locks are engineered with exceptionally small mechanical tolerances, meaning there is very little variation from the exact measurements during manufacturing. This precision ensures that every component of the lock fits together with little to no room for manipulation tools to operate effectively, making it challenging for lock picks or other tools to manipulate the locking mechanism.

In addition to the tight tolerances, high-security locks also feature secondary security mechanisms like sidebars or additional security pins. These components are designed to interact in such a way that even the slightest incorrect alignment caused by lock picking attempts prevents the lock from opening. Security levels that regular residential locks simply can't offer.

4. Anti-Drill Measures: Resistance to Drilling

Many high-security locks incorporate cylinders and other critical components made from hardened steel, a material that is exceptionally resistant to drilling.

They also use ball bearing and anti-drill pins/plates which are placed in strategic locations, defending common drill points and weak areas. Such ball bearings and pins are made of the same hardened material of the lock, which is significantly harder than the materials used in drill bits, making them virtually impossible to drill.

The Role of Certification

Certification of high-security locks is a crucial aspect that indicates the lock’s ability to withstand various forms of attacks and manipulations.

High-security locks get their certification from recognized standards organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). UL test the locks against stringent criteria for durability, strength, and resistance to attacks. A UL certification confirms that a lock has met specific security standards and is effective in providing a high level of protection.

UL is an independent body that tests the security and durability of locking mechanisms against their established standards. Their tests designed to simulate attack scenarios that a lock might face during a break-in attempt.

Another independent body that tests high-security locks is American National Standards Institute (ANSI). USA's government follows their set standards for high-security locks.

One of the most recognized standards for high-security locks is the UL 437 rating by Underwriters Laboratories and 156.30 rating by ANSI/BHMA. Locks that meet these standard have demonstrated robust resistance to picking, drilling, and physical attacks.

The Leading High-Security Brands

Today, there are many brands that offer high-security lock solutions. Unfortunately, not all of them adhere to the strictest standard, and since high-security is not a really defined term in our jurisdiction system they can get away with false advertisements.

As we learned a true high-security lock is a lock that have met one or both of the standards for high-security locks, which are set by UL and ANSI/BHMA.

The true leaders in high-security locks would be Medeco, Abloy, and Mul-T-Lok. All 3 companies offer great level of protection, a robust long lasting product with many great capabilities.