Grade 1 vs Grade 2 deadbolt: how to read the rating
Compare numeric ANSI/BHMA grades and residential letter grades, then verify the exact deadbolt configuration and installation requirements.
Read the standard beside the grade
A grade only makes sense with the hardware type and standard it belongs to. A numeric grade for an auxiliary deadbolt is not a complete comparison with a lever set or an electronic access system.
Schlage's B Series specification shows how certification can differ by model and cylinder configuration. Ask for the actual product sheet and certification entry, including the cylinder option you are buying.
Do not translate Grade 1 directly into AAA
BHMA's residential format reports security, durability, and finish using letter grades. A is the highest letter in each of those categories. Numeric and letter formats describe testing under their applicable standards and should not be casually treated as identical labels.
| Label | What to check |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 or Grade 2 | The named standard, hardware type, and tested configuration. |
| AAA, AAB, or another letter combination | The individual residential security, durability, and finish grades. |
| Security grade with no standard or listing | Ask for the supporting certification rather than assuming equivalence. |
What a better rating cannot solve
A rated deadbolt is one component of an opening. Door construction, the jamb, strike reinforcement, fasteners, installation, and normal operation affect the result. A damaged frame remains a problem even after an expensive lock is installed.
The rating also does not tell you who holds duplicate keys or whether your chosen key system controls unauthorized copying. Those questions need their own answer.
Decide using the intended door
For an exterior entrance, compare certified hardware with the correct fit and a sound frame. If an insurer, building manager, or project specification requires a grade, confirm the precise requirement before purchase.
Ask the installer to identify the supplied model on the invoice and show smooth operation after fitting. Keep the product information so a later cylinder change can be checked against the original specification.
Common questions
Does Grade 1 mean the door cannot be forced open?
No. A certification describes performance under specified tests. It is not a guarantee against every attack or a substitute for a sound door and frame.
Is Grade 2 automatically unsuitable for a home?
No universal rule follows from the number alone. Consider the exact product, installation, door use, and any requirements from the owner, insurer, or building specification.
Manufacturer and standards sources
- BHMA: hardware certification programHow to identify tested hardware and its applicable standard.
- Schlage: residential security gradesResidential A, B, and C grades for security, durability, and finish.
- Schlage: Grade 1 and Grade 2 B Series deadbolt specificationsDifferent grades and configurations under ANSI/BHMA auxiliary-lock standards.
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