Choosing the right locks for your St. Louis home is one of the most impactful home security decisions you can make. Not all locks are equally protective — the difference between a standard builder-grade deadbolt and a quality Grade 1 lock can be significant when it comes to resisting kick-in attacks, picking, and bumping. This guide covers the most important lock types and brands to consider for St. Louis homes in 2025, based on what actually works rather than marketing claims.
Understanding Lock Grades: ANSI/BHMA Ratings
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grades residential and commercial locks on a scale of 1 to 3. Grade 1 is the highest standard, designed for commercial applications but increasingly recommended for residential use as well. Grade 2 is suitable for residential use in most situations. Grade 3 is the lowest grade — often what you will find pre-installed on newly constructed homes — and provides the least resistance to forced entry.
For St. Louis homeowners who want meaningful security, we recommend Grade 1 deadbolts at a minimum for all primary entry doors.
Best Deadbolts for St. Louis Homes
Schlage B60N and B62N Series. Schlage’s B-series deadbolts are among the best-selling and most respected residential deadbolts in the country, and for good reason. They carry ANSI Grade 1 certification, feature a hardened steel bolt with a rotating anti-saw pin, and hold up well over years of use. The Schlage B60N (single cylinder) and B62N (double cylinder) are reliable, affordable, and widely available — an excellent baseline choice for St. Louis homes.
Kwikset SmartKey Deadbolts. Kwikset’s SmartKey technology allows homeowners to rekey their own locks in seconds without a locksmith, using a small tool that comes with the lock. This is particularly useful for St. Louis homeowners who frequently need to change key access — such as landlords between tenants or homeowners who give out keys to contractors. SmartKey locks also feature BumpGuard technology for improved resistance to bump key attacks. They carry Grade 1 or Grade 2 ratings depending on the specific model.
Medeco High-Security Deadbolts. For St. Louis homeowners seeking the highest level of residential security, Medeco is the gold standard. Medeco cylinders feature a patented key design that cannot be duplicated without authorization, a complex pin configuration that resists picking, and hardened steel construction that resists drilling. Medeco locks are significantly more expensive than standard deadbolts, but they provide a level of protection appropriate for high-value homes, home offices with sensitive materials, or anyone who wants maximum security.
Smart Locks: Convenience with Security
Smart locks have improved dramatically in recent years, and several models now offer a combination of genuine security and everyday convenience that makes them a great choice for St. Louis homeowners. Key features to look for: ANSI Grade 1 certification on the lock body itself (the smart features are only as good as the underlying hardware), auto-lock functionality, tamper alerts, and compatibility with your smart home ecosystem if applicable.
We install and service smart locks from multiple manufacturers throughout St. Louis. The right choice depends on your door configuration, your preferred smart home platform, and your specific access needs.
Do Not Neglect the Strike Plate
The most overlooked element of residential door security in St. Louis — and everywhere — is the strike plate. A standard builder-grade strike plate is held in by short screws that anchor only into the door trim, not the structural frame. A strong kick can defeat this setup regardless of the quality of the deadbolt. Replacing the strike plate with a reinforced version (such as the Strikemaster II or a similar heavy-gauge steel plate) secured with 3-inch screws that anchor into the stud is one of the single highest-impact security improvements you can make for minimal cost.
Older St. Louis Homes: Special Considerations
Many St. Louis City neighborhoods and older suburbs have homes with original mortise lock sets and vintage door hardware. These older locks often provide surprisingly good security when properly maintained, but they can also be worn, damaged, or missing key components. A locksmith who understands vintage lock hardware can assess whether your original locks are adequate, repair or service them, or help you find modern hardware that fits your original door preparation without requiring significant alterations.
Call Locksmith Hero for a Home Security Consultation
Not sure what locks are right for your St. Louis home? Locksmith Hero offers free estimates and can assess your current lock hardware, recommend appropriate upgrades, and install everything in a single visit. Licensed, insured, and serving all of St. Louis — call us today.