When you’re shopping for a new deadbolt or entry lock, the packaging usually mentions a “Grade 1,” “Grade 2,” or “Grade 3” rating — but most homeowners have no idea what those numbers mean. Understanding lock grades is one of the easiest ways to make sure the hardware protecting your home in Gary, Hammond, or anywhere in Northwest Indiana is actually up to the job. Here’s a plain-English breakdown.
What Are Lock Grades, Exactly?
Lock grades come from ANSI/BHMA, the organization that tests and certifies door hardware in the United States. Locks are put through repeated cycles of locking and unlocking, strike tests that simulate kick-ins, and torque tests on the handle or thumb turn. Based on how the lock holds up, it earns Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 — with Grade 1 being the strongest.
The grade tells you how the lock performs under stress, not how fancy it looks. A heavy, expensive-looking handleset can still carry a low grade, and a plain-looking deadbolt can be certified Grade 1.
Grade 1: Built for Commercial Doors
Grade 1 hardware is what you’ll find on storefronts, schools, and office buildings along Broadway in Gary or in downtown Crown Point. It survives the most lock cycles and the hardest impact testing. Some manufacturers now make Grade 1 deadbolts for residential use, and they’re a smart pick for exterior doors — especially if your door faces an alley or a spot that’s hidden from the street.
Grade 2: The Sweet Spot for Most Homes
Grade 2 locks exceed typical residential requirements while staying affordable and widely available. For most houses in Merrillville, Schererville, or Portage, a Grade 2 deadbolt on every exterior door is a solid, practical standard. It offers a real step up in kick-in resistance compared to builder-basic hardware.
Grade 3: The Bare Minimum
Grade 3 is the entry level — it’s the hardware most builders install by default because it keeps costs down. It meets basic residential standards, but it wears out faster and gives way sooner under force. If your home still has its original builder-grade locks, upgrading the deadbolts is one of the most worthwhile security improvements you can make.
How to Check the Lock Grades on Your Doors
Look at the original packaging or the manufacturer’s website for the model stamped on your lock’s face. No luck? A locksmith can identify your hardware on sight and tell you whether it’s worth keeping, rekeying, or replacing. Keep in mind that even the best lock only performs to its grade when it’s installed correctly, with a reinforced strike plate and long screws that bite into the door frame.
Not Sure What’s on Your Doors? Ask a Local Locksmith
If you want an honest read on the locks protecting your home or business, Jacob’s Lock and Key can help. Jacob is a licensed mobile locksmith serving Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Crown Point, and all of Northwest Indiana, 7 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week. Call (219) 342-5595 and get hardware advice you can actually trust.
Last updated: 07/16/2026