10 Home Lock Security Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Your home's locks are the first line of defense against intruders, yet most homeowners give their locks little thought until something goes wrong. As licensed locksmiths who have secured thousands of Dallas-Fort Worth homes, we've seen the security mistakes homeowners make most often — and the simple steps that make the biggest difference. Here are 10 practical home lock security tips that will significantly improve your home's protection.
1. Upgrade to ANSI Grade 1 Deadbolts
The single most impactful security upgrade for most homes is replacing builder-grade (ANSI Grade 3) deadbolts with Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts. Grade 1 deadbolts, like the Schlage B60N, withstand 800,000 cycles and 10 strikes of 75 pounds force — far exceeding the 200,000 cycles and 2 strikes of a Grade 3 lock. Most forced entries exploit weak locks; upgrading your deadbolts immediately raises the difficulty level for any intruder.
2. Install 3-Inch Screws in Your Strike Plates
The most common method of residential break-in is kicking in the door. The door itself rarely fails — it's the strike plate that gives way because builders typically install it with 3/4-inch screws that only reach the door frame, not the structural studs behind it. Replacing those screws with 3-inch screws that anchor into the wall studs dramatically increases kick-in resistance. This $5 upgrade takes 10 minutes and is arguably the best security investment per dollar you can make.
3. Rekey When You Move In
When you buy or rent a new home, you have no idea how many copies of the existing keys are floating around — previous owners, their family members, real estate agents, contractors, cleaners, and neighbors may all have copies. Rekeying all exterior locks immediately after moving in costs $75-250 for a typical home and ensures that you're the only person with working keys.
4. Don't Hide a Spare Key Outside
Under the doormat, inside a fake rock, on top of the door frame, inside the mailbox — burglars know all the "hiding spots." If you need backup access, consider a smart lock with a keypad code, a secure combination lockbox mounted in a discreet location, or giving a spare key to a trusted neighbor. Never leave a key in an obvious hiding spot.
5. Secure Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors are one of the most vulnerable entry points in any home. The standard latch on most sliding doors provides minimal security. Add a secondary lock — a sliding door bar, a foot lock, or a Charley bar — to prevent the door from being forced open. For added protection, consider a sliding door lock that screws into the upper track, preventing the door from being lifted off its track.
6. Don't Forget Garage Entry Doors
The door from your garage into your house is often the weakest link in home security. Many homeowners leave this door unlocked or install only a basic knob lock without a deadbolt. If a burglar gains access to your garage (through the garage door opener or a window), this interior door is all that stands between them and your home. Install a deadbolt on this door and keep it locked.
7. Consider Smart Locks for Convenience & Security
Smart locks offer security features traditional locks simply can't match: auto-lock ensures your door is always locked, activity logs show you who locked or unlocked and when, temporary codes let you give access to service workers without key copies, and remote lock/unlock means you can secure your door from anywhere. Quality smart locks from Schlage, Yale, and August combine these digital features with ANSI Grade 1 physical security.
8. Maintain Your Locks
Locks wear out over time. A sticky lock that's hard to turn, a deadbolt that doesn't fully extend, or a knob that wobbles are all signs of worn components that compromise your security. Lubricate your locks annually with graphite or a Teflon-based lubricant (never WD-40, which attracts dust). If a lock feels difficult to operate, have it professionally inspected and repaired before it fails completely.
9. Use Door Reinforcement Kits
For maximum door security, install a door reinforcement kit that wraps around the lock area with heavy-gauge steel. Products like the Door Armor MAX kit reinforce the door jamb, strike plate, and hinge areas — the three points where forced entry typically occurs. Combined with a Grade 1 deadbolt and 3-inch screws, a reinforced door is extremely difficult to kick in.
10. Get a Professional Security Assessment
Every home has unique vulnerabilities based on its design, location, and existing hardware. A professional security assessment from a licensed locksmith evaluates every entry point — doors, windows, garage, sliding doors — and identifies the highest-priority upgrades for your specific situation. MyKey Locksmith offers free security assessments for DFW homeowners. Call (214) 888-8755 to schedule yours.
Home Security FAQ
What is the most secure type of door lock?
An ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt with a reinforced strike plate and 3-inch screws provides the highest level of mechanical door security available for residential use. For additional protection, high-security brands like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock offer pick-resistant, bump-proof, and drill-resistant cylinders.
Are smart locks safer than traditional locks?
Quality smart locks are equally secure mechanically (many are ANSI Grade 1) and add digital security features like auto-lock, activity monitoring, and encrypted access. The key risk with smart locks is choosing a cheap, unbranded product — stick with established brands like Schlage, Yale, and August.
How often should I rekey my locks?
Rekey whenever key control is compromised: after moving in, losing a key, ending a relationship, or after service workers have had access. There's no fixed schedule — it's event-driven. If you haven't rekeyed since moving in and multiple people have had access to your keys, it's time.
Should I change all my locks or just the front door?
All exterior doors should have quality deadbolts. Burglars often target back doors and side entries because they're less visible. At minimum, secure your front door, back door, and garage entry door. Sliding doors need secondary locks as well.
Ready to improve your home's security? Call MyKey Locksmith at (214) 888-8755 for a free residential security assessment anywhere in Dallas-Fort Worth.