ANSI Grades

[Ps69pher]

after doing a quick search and not finding much i wanted to ask if anybody knew more about the specifics in criteria between ANSI grade 1, 2, and 3. i know that grade 1 is considered best but beyond that i don't know the difference. where would a standard kwikset cylinder with spool top pins rate? i assume composition of the bolt as well as the face plate construction matters.

[Evan]

after doing a quick search and not finding much i wanted to ask if anybody knew more about the specifics in criteria between ANSI grade 1, 2, and 3. i know that grade 1 is considered best but beyond that i don't know the difference. where would a standard kwikset cylinder with spool top pins rate? i assume composition of the bolt as well as the face plate construction matters.

@Ps69pher:

ANSI Grade 3 locks:

- typical residential grade locksets, tested with less torque and to fewer cycle counts in the operational testing...

ANSI Grade 2 locks:

- light commercial application locksets, tested with more torque and cycle counts in the operational testing than Grade 3 locksets but to lesser standards than Grade 1 locksets...

ANSI Grade 1 locks:

- heavy commercial application locksets, tested to higher torque and cycle counts than the lesser grades...


As far as how a Kwikset cylinder pinned with spool top pins rates, that would usually be grade 3... Different parts of a lock may have a higher rating than the entire assembly does when it is put together in the door...

It is perfectly fine to use a Grade 3 or even a Grade 2 lockset in typical residential construction but it is a foolish waste of money to install a Grade 1 lockset on a residential door... The door prep hole would have to be modified and the strike plate is totally different... Not worth doing because the residential door frame and door would fail long before the lock...

~~ Evan

[shadow11612]

Search for BHMA Grades and you will get better results, as BHMA actually publishes the standards. ANSI really does not write any standards. Professional trade groups create the standards, and ANSI will adopt them.

Also, the grades refer to the actual hardware and not the lock cylinder. For a knob cylinder, this falls under the 156.2 standard. The standard really does not care what lock cylinder is in the hardware as long as it is a pin tumbler design with at least 5 pin stacks.

You could have a grade 1 lockset, with a "no" security cylinder installed, or if you are the daring type, install a Medeco/ASSA/Abloy high security cylinder in a grade 3 kwikset lockset.

[gswimfrk]

Hi Evan! I enjoyed reading your comment. However, I have a question as to why you should not install grade 1 locks on residential doors?

In my residence I installed grade 1 levers and deadbolts on all my exterior doors after our remodel. The cylinders are restricted with numerous security pins. My doors on the other hand contain minimal glass and solid wood core and have a steel reinforced door frames.

Prior to my remodel we have been using many grade 2 locks which have failed due to frequent use. Do you think I Could I get away with a cheaper, more durable grade 2? If so what brand/model. Also in my H.L. Flake catalog there are numerous grade 2 locks however, the prices vary significantly. For example arrow makes a cheap lever at $40 and a $130+ grade 2, they both look very similar... whats the difference?

Thanks,

Ivan