High-security locks can cost several times more than standard hardware. Whether that is worth it depends on what you are protecting against.
What you pay for
- Attack resistance: designs that resist picking, bumping and drilling.
- Key control: restricted keys that cannot be copied without authorization.
- Durability: precision parts that last under heavy use.
When they are worth it
- You need to control how many keys exist: landlords, offices, homes with many helpers.
- You have had keys copied without permission.
- You store valuables, business records or medication.
- A door has been attacked before.
When they are not the first priority
If the door or frame is weak, spend on reinforcement first. A high-security cylinder in a flimsy frame is not high security.
How to spend wisely
Many handle sets and deadbolts accept high-security cylinders, so you may not need new hardware. Prioritise exterior doors, then rooms that need key control.
What extra security means in a lock
High-security cylinders add features such as extra pins, sidebars, hardened inserts and restricted keyways. These resist picking, bumping and drilling better than standard cylinders. Some also control who can cut copies, which matters for landlords and businesses.
A simple test for value
Ask what you are protecting against. If the goal is to stop old keys from working, rekeying a standard lock may be enough. If you want to limit copies, resist skilled attacks or meet an insurer's requirement, a high-security cylinder is worth considering.
Cost over time
A quality cylinder can last many years, and rekeying it when circumstances change is straightforward. Weigh the cost against the price of replacing several cheap locks. Read our note on hidden costs of cheap locks and bump prevention.
Who tends to benefit most
Landlords who want to stop tenants copying keys, businesses that manage staff access, and homeowners in areas with recent attempted break-ins. If your main worry is a lost key, rekeying a standard lock may be enough. If you worry about skilled attacks or unauthorised copies, a high-security cylinder is a better fit.
For high-security locks in Toronto, see high-security locks.