High-security locks are the most common upgrade we recommend to clients who have just experienced a break-in attempt or who have recently researched residential security. They are also the most common upgrade that, after full explanation, clients decide they do not need.
Both outcomes are correct. This guide helps you determine which applies to your situation.
What "High Security" Actually Means
The term "high security" is used loosely in marketing. For our purposes, a lock is genuinely high security if it meets all three of these criteria:
1. ANSI Grade 1 physical strength. The bolt, housing, and strike hardware resist physical attack — kicking, hammer strikes, pry tools. This is the same standard used by standard Grade 1 deadbolts, so it is the baseline, not the differentiator.
2. Advanced cylinder security. Anti-pick design using spool or serrated pins (significantly more resistant to manipulation than standard pins). Anti-drill inserts in the cylinder face. Anti-bump resistance through tight manufacturing tolerances and sidebar or rotating elements that defeat bump key attacks.
3. Restricted key duplication. Keys for high-security locks cannot be duplicated at a hardware store, key kiosk, or by a locksmith without factory authorization. Copies require documentation, authorization codes, and are only available through licensed dealers. This is the element that makes high-security locks genuinely different from Grade 1 locks, not just physically stronger.
The Three Leading High-Security Brands
Medeco
Medeco has been the benchmark American high-security lock for decades. Used in medical facilities, government buildings, law firms, financial institutions, and high-value residential applications. The Medeco design uses three-axis key cuts (the standard two cuts plus a rotational angle) that require precise alignment across three dimensions for operation. This makes picking, bumping, and impressioning attacks extremely difficult.
Medeco key duplication requires factory-issued authorization documentation. Keys can only be cut by authorized Medeco dealers.
Residential deadbolt installed cost: $235–$340
Mul-T-Lock
An Israeli-developed multi-level security cylinder used extensively by government and military installations. The Mul-T-Lock design combines a conventional pin-tumbler with an internal disc tumbler — two independent security mechanisms that must both be satisfied simultaneously. This makes picking attacks require defeating two completely different mechanisms at the same time.
The MT5+ series includes a spring-loaded sidebar that resists bump key attacks and adds a third security element.
Residential deadbolt installed cost: $215–$310
ASSA Abloy / Sargent & Greenleaf
The global commercial security leader. ASSA Abloy's residential high-security products include the ASSA MAX and ASSA CLIQ lines. More commonly used in commercial applications but available for residential. Key duplication through an authorization program similar to Medeco.
Residential deadbolt installed cost: $195–$285
The Realistic Threat Assessment: Who Actually Needs High-Security Locks?
This is where the honest conversation happens.
The most common residential break-in method in the Inland Empire — as in most of California — is not lock picking. It is:
- Kicking the door frame until the strike plate fails (most common — 60–70% of residential break-ins)
- Breaking a window — glass pane adjacent to the lock, a nearby slider, or a garage window
- Unlocked entry points — side gates, back windows, or doors the residents genuinely forgot to lock
Against these three most common attack methods, a high-security lock provides zero additional protection over a properly installed Grade 1 deadbolt with an extended strike plate. The attacker is not engaging the lock at all — they are bypassing it.
High-security locks provide meaningful additional protection specifically against:
- Lock picking (defeated by high-security anti-pick features)
- Bump key attacks (defeated by high-security anti-bump features)
- Key duplication by unauthorized parties (defeated by restricted key control)
These attack vectors are more common in targeted attacks than opportunistic ones — scenarios where someone has specific motivation to access your property and time to plan their approach.
The Profiles That Benefit Most from High-Security Locks
High-value residential properties. Homes in higher-value IE neighborhoods — specific areas of Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, and Riverside — where the contents justify a more sophisticated security investment.
Home-based medical, legal, or financial professionals. Client records and materials with regulatory confidentiality requirements justify physical security measures beyond the residential norm.
Homeowners with specific key-control requirements. If you have had keys in circulation among contractors, previous tenants, or staff and want verifiable key control going forward, restricted key duplication is uniquely valuable.
Rental property owners with high-value units. Controlling unauthorized key duplication between tenancies is a specific use case where restricted key duplication has direct value.
Homeowners who have experienced a prior break-in or attempt. The psychological value of the upgrade is real — and a targeted attacker who previously surveyed your property will recognize upgraded hardware as an increased risk factor.
For Most Inland Empire Homeowners: The Better Investment
If your primary concern is realistic residential security — protecting against opportunistic burglary — the highest-return security investment is:
- Schlage B60N Grade 1 deadbolt with extended Grade 1 strike plate using 3-inch screws (your current locks upgraded)
- Door frame reinforcement — steel door frame reinforcement plate around the strike area
- Exterior lighting — motion-activated lights at all exterior entry points
- Visible alarm system presence — monitoring yard sign and window stickers
This combination addresses the three most common break-in vectors at a total cost of $300–$600, compared to $700–$1,200 for a full high-security lock upgrade that addresses only two of the three.
If after considering this framework you have specific key-control or anti-manipulation requirements — we install Medeco and Mul-T-Lock across all Inland Empire cities. Call (909) 935-8844 for an honest assessment and installation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a lock "high security"?
High-security locks combine three elements: ANSI Grade 1 physical bolt and housing strength, advanced cylinder design with anti-pick/anti-drill/anti-bump resistance, and restricted key control — keys that cannot be duplicated without factory authorization.
Are high-security locks worth the extra cost for a typical home?
For most typical Inland Empire homes, a well-installed Grade 1 deadbolt with a proper strike plate provides adequate security against the realistic threat profile. High-security locks are most valuable for high-value homes, home offices with sensitive materials, medical professionals, and homeowners with specific key-control requirements.
Can high-security locks be picked?
All mechanical locks can theoretically be defeated — the question is how long it takes and how much skill is required. A Medeco lock takes a highly skilled lockpicker 30–120+ minutes to manipulate. A standard Grade 1 takes 2–10 minutes. The deterrence value is significant.
Do high-security locks prevent bump keys?
Yes. Bump keys are effective against standard pin-tumbler designs. High-security locks use spool pins, serrated pins, rotating elements, and sidebar mechanisms that make bump attacks ineffective.
Where should I install high-security locks in my home?
Primary entry points — front door and any door connecting the garage to the home interior — are the highest-value locations for high-security locks. Secondary entries (back door, side door) can use standard Grade 1 with proper strike plates.