If you’re choosing new door locks for a home, start with an ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt on every exterior door and reinforce the strike plate with 3-inch screws into the wall stud. Then match the lock type to how you live (standard key vs. smart lock), and make sure the door and frame are strong enough to support the hardware. If you’re unsure what you currently have, a locksmith can identify your lock grade and weak points in minutes.
Most homeowners don’t think about their door locks until something goes wrong—a break-in attempt, a lost key, or a lock that’s suddenly stiff to turn. But the lock on your front door is your first line of defense, and not all locks are created equal.
*Local note:* In Sugar Land and across Fort Bend County, many newer homes (especially in large master-planned communities) were built with builder-grade hardware that meets code—but not necessarily best-practice security.
Deadbolts are the standard for exterior doors. A single-cylinder deadbolt locks with a key from the outside and a thumb turn from the inside. For most homes, a deadbolt with a full 1-inch throw bolt (the part that extends into the door frame) provides meaningful resistance against kick-ins.
Knob locks are common on residential doors but shouldn’t be the only lock on an exterior door. The mechanism lives in the knob itself, which can be forced. Fine for interior doors—insufficient by itself outside.
Lever handle locks are popular because they’re easy to operate and ADA-friendly. They have similar limitations to knob locks on exterior doors. They work well when paired with a quality deadbolt.
Smart locks are a good option if you want keyless entry, temporary codes, or remote locking. Brands like Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, and Yale Assure offer models with ANSI Grade 1 options—meaning the hardware is strong, not just the software. Smart locks can be especially practical for garage entries, rentals, and busy households.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rates locks on a scale from 1 to 3:
Two vulnerabilities many homeowners don’t consider are lock picking and lock bumping. When shopping, look for:
Even the best deadbolt won’t help much if the door frame is weak. Check:
| What to check | What to buy/do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Lock grade | ANSI Grade 1 for exterior doors | Stronger against forced entry |
| Deadbolt type | Single-cylinder + 1-inch throw | Better kick-in resistance |
| Cylinder security | Security pins / anti-bump | Harder to pick or bump |
| Frame reinforcement | 3-inch strike plate screws | Prevents the frame from splitting |
| Door strength | Solid exterior door | Reduces flex and prying |
| Sliders/French doors | Add a secondary lock | Latch-only is vulnerable |
If you moved into a newer home in areas like Telfair, Greatwood, Sienna, or New Territory, there’s a good chance your exterior locks are Grade 3. Builders spec them because they’re inexpensive—not because they’re the most secure choice.
Upgrading from builder-grade to Grade 1 deadbolts is one of the simplest security improvements you can make.
Richard Sanchez is a Texas-licensed locksmith (License #B28596801, verifiable) and has served Sugar Land and Fort Bend County since 1987. This article reflects real-world lock hardware considerations we see daily in homes across the area.
If you want help choosing the right deadbolt, upgrading builder-grade locks, or getting everything keyed alike, call Lockbusters, Inc. at (281) 561-0060 during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM).
Call (281) 561-0060 — Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Lockbusters, Inc. | Sugar Land, TX | TX License #B28596801 | Licensed & Bonded Since 1987