How to Improve Home Security With Better Locks

If you want to know how to improve home security with better locks, start with the entire door—not just the lock cylinder.

A stronger deadbolt can help, but it works best when the door, frame, strike plate, screws, hinges, and surrounding entryway are also capable of resisting force. We also recommend considering how the lock affects emergency egress, whether every exterior entrance is protected consistently, and how mechanical locks fit with cameras, alarms, lighting, and access control.

At Safe House Security Consultants, we take that broader view.

Our residential security assessments examine more than 80 security points throughout the property, combine those findings with crime-data analysis for the surrounding area, and produce tailored recommendations rather than automatically selling homeowners a particular lock or alarm package.

Here is how we recommend approaching a lock upgrade.

Key Takeaways

• Better locks improve home security most when the door, frame, strike plate, hinges, and hardware are strong enough to support them.
• Choose independently tested residential deadbolts and look beyond marketing terms such as “heavy duty” or an unverified Grade 1 claim.
• A deadbolt with about a one-inch throw and a properly reinforced strike plate can strengthen an exterior door, but correct installation still matters.
• Smart locks can improve access management, but homeowners should also consider physical security, battery failure, backup access, and safe emergency egress.
• Every exterior entry point should be evaluated, including side doors, garage-to-house doors, sliding doors, and entrances with nearby glass.
• Stronger locks reduce risk, but they work best as part of a layered security plan that may also include lighting, cameras, alarms, access control, and a property-wide security assessment.

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Start With the Door That the Lock Is Protecting

One of the easiest home-security mistakes is spending heavily on a premium deadbolt while ignoring the rest of the opening.

A lock connects the door to the frame.

If the door is weak, the jamb is damaged, the strike plate is poorly secured, or the hardware is incorrectly installed, replacing only the cylinder may leave the underlying weakness unchanged.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s burglary-prevention guidance emphasizes the same principle: the frame needs to be as strong as the door, and exterior swinging doors should use substantial deadbolt hardware.

Before buying new locks, we recommend checking:

• The condition and construction of the door
• The door jamb and surrounding frame
• The existing deadbolt
• The strike plate
• How the strike is fastened
• Hinges and hinge screws
• Glass near the lock
• Whether the door closes and latches properly
• Whether there are secondary entrances with weaker hardware

A $250 smart lock installed into a damaged frame is still installed into a damaged frame.

1. Choose a Properly Tested Residential Deadbolt

We prefer independently tested hardware over vague claims such as “heavy duty” or “high security.”

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association maintains the ANSI/BHMA standards used to evaluate locks and other door hardware. Its current ANSI/BHMA A156.40-2025 standard for residential deadbolts evaluates factors including security, durability, operation, and finish. Certification involves independent laboratory testing rather than relying solely on a manufacturer’s own marketing claims.

A note about Grade 1, Grade 2, and residential ratings

You will often see advice telling homeowners to buy an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt.

That terminology needs context.

BHMA still uses numeric Grade 1, 2, and 3 classifications across many hardware standards, with Grade 1 representing the highest level within those applicable standards.

However, BHMA’s dedicated Secure Home residential certification program labels certified residential locks and deadbolts separately in three categories:

Security

Durability

Finish

Each category receives an A, B, or C rating, with A identified as Best, B as Better, and C as Good.

So rather than buying a lock simply because an online listing says “Grade 1,” we recommend checking:

Which ANSI/BHMA standard does the product claim to meet?

Is the product actually certified?

What does the label say about security performance?

For residential deadbolts, look for products certified to the applicable residential standard and check the actual performance labeling.

2. Look for a Deadbolt With Adequate Bolt Projection

The deadbolt needs to extend far enough into the strike to create meaningful engagement between the door and frame.

Pasadena Police Department crime-prevention guidance recommends deadbolts with a one-inch throw on residential doors. The City of Irvine’s home-security guidance likewise calls for a minimum one-inch deadbolt throw.

That gives homeowners a useful specification to check when evaluating existing hardware.

But bolt length alone does not solve the problem.

A one-inch deadbolt extending into a weakly attached strike plate can still leave the frame vulnerable.

That brings us to the part of the door we often want homeowners to inspect next.

3. Reinforce the Strike Plate and Frame

The strike plate is the metal component attached to the door frame that receives the deadbolt.

It is easy to overlook because it appears simple.

But during a forced-entry attempt, the strength of that connection matters.

Pasadena Police recommends a reinforced strike plate secured with three-inch screws. Irvine’s residential security checklist similarly calls for strike plates installed with at least two three-inch screws.

Why longer screws?

The goal is to create a stronger connection through the jamb and into more substantial framing rather than relying only on short fasteners attached to the thin visible portion of the frame.

This can be a relatively modest upgrade compared with replacing an entire security system.

However, installation still matters. Door construction varies, and blindly driving oversized hardware into an unfamiliar assembly can create damage or interfere with utilities, trim, or other components.

If you are unsure how the opening is constructed, have the reinforcement completed by someone who understands door hardware and the property.

4. Do Not Ignore the Door Itself

Better locks cannot compensate for every weak door.

LAPD burglary-prevention guidance recommends robust exterior door construction and explicitly notes that the frame should be as strong as the door.

We look at factors such as:

Is the door solid and in good condition?

Is there splitting or previous repair around the lock?

Does the door fit the opening properly?

Is the jamb secure?

Are the hinges loose?

Is glass positioned near the locking hardware?

Has weather exposure weakened any part of the opening?

If the door flexes badly or the jamb is already compromised, investing first in an expensive electronic lock may put the budget in the wrong place.

Sometimes better hardware is the answer.

Sometimes the whole door assembly deserves attention.

5. Upgrade Every Exterior Door, Not Just the Front Door

The front door gets the nicest hardware because it is the entrance everyone sees.

That does not necessarily make it the only entrance that matters.

We recommend checking:

• Side doors
• Rear doors
• Garage-to-house doors
• French doors
• Patio doors
• Doors from side yards
• Detached structures where valuable property is stored

A strong front deadbolt has limited value if another exterior door uses weak or poorly installed hardware.

The competitor supplied for this article makes a similar point about treating multiple entry points as part of the security plan rather than concentrating exclusively on the main entrance.

During our assessments, we take that property-wide view.

Our goal is to identify the weaker points homeowners may not think about because they rarely use those entrances themselves.

6. Be Careful With Double-Cylinder Deadbolts

A double-cylinder deadbolt requires a key on both sides.

That can appear attractive when there is glass near a door because breaking the nearby glass would not give someone immediate access to an interior thumb turn.

However, there is a serious trade-off:

The same feature that makes the lock harder to operate from the inside can interfere with emergency egress.

Modern building and fire-code principles generally require egress doors to be openable from the inside without using a key or special knowledge. For example, the International Building Code requires egress doors to be readily openable from the egress side without a key, and its residential exceptions for deadbolts still require them to be openable from inside without a key or tool.

This is especially relevant in California, where local code requirements may affect what hardware can be installed on a required exit.

We therefore would not tell every homeowner with glass near a door to install a double-cylinder deadbolt automatically.

Check the current local building and fire requirements first.

Security should not create an emergency-exit hazard.

7. Consider Smart Locks for Access Management, Not Just Convenience

Smart locks can add useful capabilities.

Depending on the model and ecosystem, they may provide:

• Keypad access
• Temporary codes
• Remote lock status
• Automatic locking
• Access history
• Smartphone control
• Smart-home integrations
• Alerts when the door is unlocked

Those features can be especially useful for households with children, caregivers, housekeepers, contractors, guests, or multiple family members.

But a smart lock is still a lock.

We recommend separating two questions:

Does the electronic functionality meet your needs?

and

Is the physical lock and door assembly strong enough?

A beautiful app does not tell you how well the deadbolt, strike plate, door, or frame will perform under physical stress.

For the hardware itself, look for independent residential certification such as the applicable BHMA certification rather than assuming that “smart” means “secure.” BHMA’s residential deadbolt standard evaluates physical security and durability performance independently of marketing claims.

8. Think About What Happens if the Smart Lock Loses Power

Any electronic lock introduces another practical question.

What happens when the battery dies?

Before purchasing, determine:

How does the lock warn you about low battery?

Is there an emergency power option?

Does it have a mechanical key override?

What happens if your phone is unavailable?

Does remote operation depend on Wi-Fi or another hub?

Can the door still be operated safely from inside if electronics fail?

Those questions are not arguments against smart locks.

They are part of choosing one properly.

We want access control to make your life easier without creating a new point of failure.

9. Rekey or Replace Locks When You Move Into a Home

If you have just purchased a house, you may not know how many copies of the existing keys are in circulation.

Previous owners may have provided keys to relatives, contractors, housekeepers, pet sitters, property managers, neighbors, or service providers over the years.

For that reason, we recommend treating key control as part of the move-in security process.

Depending on the existing hardware, that might mean rekeying the current locks rather than replacing everything.

If the existing locks and door assemblies are already good quality, rekeying can preserve them while giving the new homeowner control of the key system.

If the hardware is old, damaged, poorly installed, or inappropriate for the door, replacement may make more sense.

The point is to assess first rather than automatically spending money on a full hardware package.

10. Check Sliding Doors Separately

A standard deadbolt does not solve every type of opening.

Sliding patio doors require their own evaluation.

Pasadena Police recommends secondary measures for sliding glass doors, while Irvine’s security checklist includes checking whether the door can be lifted from its track and whether a secondary lock or other appropriate securing method is present.

We look at sliders separately because their vulnerabilities and hardware are different from a traditional hinged front door.

If your home contains several large glass doors, they should be included in the security assessment rather than treated as an afterthought.

11. Think About Glass Near the Door

Glass beside or within an entry door changes the security discussion.

But we do not recommend solving that issue simply by adding a key-required interior lock without evaluating the escape implications.

Depending on the property, possible improvements may involve the door configuration, glazing, lock placement, reinforcement, access control, or other physical-security measures.

This is a good example of why generic home-security advice has limits.

The right answer depends on:

• The door
• The glass
• The location
• Whether the opening is required for egress
• Local code
• Household occupants
• The property’s broader risk profile

Our job as independent consultants is to evaluate those relationships before recommending the hardware.

12. Do Not Forget the Hinges

Homeowners naturally focus on the lock side of a door.

We inspect the hinge side too.

Loose hinges, weak fasteners, deterioration, poor alignment, or inappropriate hardware can undermine an otherwise substantial door.

If hinge screws continually loosen or the door sags enough that the deadbolt no longer aligns easily with the strike, that is not just an inconvenience.

It may indicate the opening needs maintenance before additional security hardware is installed.

A good lock should engage smoothly and fully.

If you have to lift the door by the handle every time you turn the deadbolt, fix the door alignment instead of accepting partial engagement.

13. Pair Better Locks With an Alarm System

Physical locks and electronic detection serve different purposes.

A good deadbolt is intended to strengthen the entrance.

An alarm can notify you or a monitoring service when a protected opening is breached.

Neither completely replaces the other.

We generally favor layered residential security, where appropriate measures work together rather than relying on one device.

That may involve:

Safe House assessments look beyond alarm hardware for this reason. We examine the broader property, including physical vulnerabilities, surveillance, lighting, perimeter conditions, and other elements that can influence security.

14. Avoid Buying Locks Based Only on Price

A $30 lock is not automatically inadequate.

A $400 lock is not automatically excellent.

We recommend comparing verified performance, door compatibility, installation quality, access needs, and the condition of the overall opening.

For residential products, the BHMA Secure Home label can make that comparison more useful because it independently identifies ratings for security, durability, and finish.

The security rating is obviously important for exterior doors.

But durability matters too.

The front door may be locked and unlocked thousands of times over its service life.

Finish can also matter on exterior hardware exposed to weather and coastal or corrosive conditions.

A good purchase balances all three according to the actual location.

Better Locks vs. More Locks: Which Is Better?

More hardware is not automatically better.

Adding several separate bolts and locking devices may make a door cumbersome to use and can create egress problems.

We would generally rather see a properly selected, correctly installed locking system integrated into a strong door assembly than a collection of improvised devices that make emergency exit difficult.

Current building-code requirements emphasize that egress must remain practical. The 2024 International Building Code generally requires doors in a means of egress to be readily openable from the inside and limits how unlocking operations can work.

Before adding extra interior locks, bars, or specialty hardware, consider both security and life safety.

When Should You Replace Your Existing Locks?

We would take a closer look when:

Your keys are lost or unaccounted for.

You have just purchased the home.

The lock is loose or unreliable.

The deadbolt does not fully extend.

The door has been damaged.

The strike plate is loose.

The door frame is cracked or deteriorated.

The hardware is heavily corroded.

You cannot control how many keys exist.

You want modern access features.

The lock no longer fits your security plan.

There may also be situations where the existing lock itself is fine and the smarter investment is reinforcing or repairing the surrounding opening.

That is why an assessment comes before the shopping list in our process.

Can Better Locks Prevent Every Break-In?

No.

We do not believe responsible security advice should promise that.

A better lock can make an entry point more resistant to certain types of attack, but no residential security measure makes a property impossible to enter.

The objective is risk reduction.

We want to strengthen obvious weaknesses, make unauthorized entry more difficult, improve detection, and create a layered plan suited to the specific property.

That can involve locks, but it can also involve lighting, cameras, alarm systems, gates, windows, landscaping, access habits, and other measures.

Why an Independent Security Assessment Helps Before a Lock Upgrade

A locksmith or hardware retailer can be an excellent resource when you already know what needs to be installed.

Our role begins earlier.

Safe House Security Consultants performs an 80+ point security assessment, analyzes crime data for the specific area, produces a detailed written report, and creates tailored recommendations for the property. We then help manage the logistics of implementing those recommendations through vetted security partners.

We are deliberately vendor-neutral.

Our current company guidance explains that we do not base assessments on selling a particular camera, alarm, or piece of hardware. Instead, we develop the security strategy and then help clients evaluate and coordinate the appropriate vendors.

That means our recommendation might be:

Replace the lock.

Reinforce the strike.

Repair the frame.

Keep the existing lock.

Improve the lighting.

Add surveillance.

Upgrade the alarm.

Or address a completely different vulnerability first.

We want the recommendation to follow the risk.

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Better Locks Work Best as Part of a Better Security Plan

At Safe House Security Consultants, that is exactly how we approach residential security. Our assessments examine more than 80 security points, include crime-data analysis for your specific area, and result in recommendations built around your home—not around a predetermined hardware package. We bring more than 22 years of professional security experience, have protected 1,500+ clients, and work with 10+ vetted security vendor partners to help implement appropriate improvements.

If you are considering new deadbolts, smart locks, door reinforcement, cameras, an alarm system, or a broader home-security upgrade, we can help you determine where the investment will make the most sense.

Contact SafeHouse Security Consultants at (424) 352-8639 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Improving Home Security With Better Locks

What type of lock is best for an exterior residential door?
We recommend a properly installed, independently tested residential deadbolt appropriate for the door and applicable building requirements. BHMA’s current A156.40-2025 standard covers residential deadbolts, and its Secure Home program rates certified products separately for Security, Durability, and Finish. 

Should every exterior door have a deadbolt?
Exterior swinging doors generally deserve stronger security than a basic latch alone, but the correct hardware depends on the type of door, fire and egress requirements, and local code. We recommend evaluating each entry individually. 

How long should a deadbolt be?
Police crime-prevention guidance from Pasadena and Irvine recommends a deadbolt with at least a one-inch throw for residential exterior doors. 

Do three-inch strike-plate screws improve home security?
They can strengthen the connection between the strike hardware and surrounding framing when used appropriately. Pasadena Police recommends reinforced strike plates with three-inch screws, and Irvine’s residential security checklist similarly recommends at least two three-inch screws at strike plates. 

Are smart locks safer than regular deadbolts?
Not automatically. Smart locks can improve access management through codes, alerts, remote controls, and other conveniences, but homeowners should still evaluate the physical hardware, door, frame, strike plate, backup access, and independent certification. 

Should I use a double-cylinder deadbolt next to glass?
Do not make that decision based only on burglary resistance. A lock that requires a key from inside can conflict with egress and life-safety requirements. Current model building codes generally require egress doors to be openable from inside without a key or special knowledge. Check applicable local requirements before installing one. 

Should I replace my locks when I buy a house?
We recommend regaining control of the key system when ownership changes. Depending on the quality and condition of the existing hardware, that may involve rekeying rather than replacing every lock. 

Does Safe House Security Consultants install locks?
We operate as independent security consultants rather than basing our assessments on selling hardware. After identifying the property’s needs, we help clients coordinate implementation through our network of vetted vendor partners. 

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