Most people buy a deadbolt on its grade and its finish. However, neither predicts how the door performs under force, because the majority of forced entries never touch the lock at all.
The frame fails before the lock
A standard strike plate is thin steel held by two screws barely an inch long. Consequently those screws grip only the decorative casing rather than the structure. Therefore a single kick splits the trim and the whole assembly leaves the frame, deadbolt intact. Furthermore, the lock is usually undamaged afterwards, which tells you exactly where the weakness was.
The fix costs almost nothing
Three-inch screws reach the structural stud behind the casing. Consequently the force needed rises dramatically for the price of a packet of screws and twenty minutes.
Grades, and what they actually mean
Grade 1 is commercial-duty and survives the most cycles and force. Grade 2 covers most residential exterior doors comfortably. Meanwhile Grade 3 belongs on interior doors. Consequently a family front door should be Grade 2 as a minimum. However, the grade describes the lock only, so a Grade 1 bolt in a weak frame still fails at the frame.
Bolt throw and where it lands
A deadbolt should throw a full inch into the strike. Consequently a bolt that only partly engages because the door has dropped offers a fraction of its rated protection. Therefore alignment matters as much as specification. Additionally, a bolt that needs the door lifted to engage is warning you months in advance.
How they age in Ottawa
Freeze-thaw cycles move exterior doors considerably. As a result a deadbolt that engaged easily in September binds in February, and people force it. Eventually something gives. Consequently an autumn check catches most of this. Above all, a five-minute test each year prevents a large share of winter callouts.
Questions we get about this
What grade should my front door be?
Grade 2 as a minimum. Grade 1 if the door takes heavy use.
Does a longer screw really help?
Yes, more than almost anything else. Because it reaches the structural stud.
Single or double cylinder?
Single for most doors. Double suits doors with adjacent glass, with the fire risk considered.
My bolt only half engages. Why?
The door has dropped. Therefore the strike needs adjusting.
How often should I check?
Once each autumn, before the cold arrives.
