High Security Locks: Are They Worth It in Atlanta?

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High Security Locks in Atlanta: Are They Worth the Investment?

Standard locks found on most residential doors in Atlanta provide basic security, but they can be picked, bumped, or drilled open in seconds by someone with the right tools and knowledge. High security locks are engineered specifically to resist these attacks. But are they worth the higher price tag? This guide breaks down what makes a lock “high security,” compares the top brands, and helps you decide if the upgrade makes sense for your situation.

What Makes a Lock “High Security”?

High security locks differ from standard locks in several critical ways:

Pick resistance — Complex pin configurations with secondary locking mechanisms (sidebar, rotating elements) make picking extremely difficult even for skilled locksmiths.
Bump resistance — Bump keys, which can open most standard pin-tumbler locks in seconds, do not work on high security locks due to specialized pin designs.
Drill resistance — Hardened steel inserts, anti-drill pins, and reinforced housings protect against drill attacks.
Restricted keyway — The key blank is patented and cannot be purchased at hardware stores. Keys can only be duplicated by authorized dealers with proper identification, preventing unauthorized copies.
Key control — A key control card (similar to a PIN) is required to order duplicate keys. This ensures you always know how many keys exist for your lock.
UL 437 rating — Underwriters Laboratories tests locks for resistance to picking, drilling, and other attacks. High security locks carry this certification.

Top High Security Lock Brands Compared

Brand	Key Type	Key Control	Price per Lock	Best For
Medeco Maxum	Rotating pin + sidebar	Restricted, dealer only	$150 – $250	Residential, small business
Mul-T-Lock MT5+	Telescopic pin-in-pin	Restricted, card required	$175 – $280	Residential, commercial
ASSA Abloy Twin 6000	Sidebar + gin pins	Restricted, dealer only	$200 – $300	Commercial, government
Abloy Protec2	Rotating disc (no pins)	Restricted, card required	$250 – $350	Maximum security
Schlage Primus	Standard + sidebar	Restricted, dealer only	$150 – $225	Commercial, institutional

Standard Lock vs High Security Lock: Side-by-Side

Feature	Standard Lock (Kwikset, Defiant)	High Security Lock (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock)
Price	$30 – $75	$150 – $300
Pick resistance	Low — can be picked in 30-60 seconds	Very high — extremely difficult to pick
Bump resistance	None on most models	Fully bump-proof
Drill resistance	Minimal	Hardened steel anti-drill protection
Key duplication	Anyone can copy at any hardware store	Restricted — authorized dealer + ID required
UL 437 rated	No	Yes
ANSI/BHMA Grade	Grade 2 or 3	Grade 1

Who Needs High Security Locks?

High security locks are not necessary for every home, but they are a smart investment for:

High-value homes — If your home contains valuable artwork, jewelry, firearms, or collectibles, high security locks add a critical layer of protection.
Homes in higher-crime areas — Parts of Atlanta with above-average burglary rates benefit from locks that resist forced entry.
Rental property owners — Restricted keyways prevent tenants from making unauthorized key copies, which is a major problem with standard locks.
Businesses with sensitive inventory — Pharmacies, jewelers, electronics stores, and any business where break-in losses would be significant.
Anyone who wants key control — If you need to know exactly how many copies of your key exist, restricted keyway locks are the only solution.

Are They Worth the Extra Cost?

A high security deadbolt costs $150-$300 compared to $30-$75 for a standard one. For the average Atlanta home with 2-3 exterior doors, the total upgrade cost is $300-$900 including professional installation. When you consider that the average burglary loss in Georgia exceeds $2,500 (not including the emotional toll and sense of violation), the investment pays for itself if it deters even one attempted break-in.

The restricted keyway alone justifies the upgrade for many homeowners and landlords. Knowing that no one can walk into a hardware store and copy your house key provides genuine peace of mind.

Professional Installation in Atlanta

King Locksmith Atlanta is an authorized dealer for Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and other high security lock brands. Our residential locksmith team can assess your current locks, recommend the right high security solution, and install them professionally. We also provide key control cards and handle all future key duplications through our shop.

Need a Locksmith in Atlanta?

King Locksmith Atlanta — 24/7 professional locksmith services across Metro Atlanta.

(404) 383-4426

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Our mission at Atlanta locksmith is to provide superior customer service to earn your trust and loyalty. Whether your residential, commercial, or automotive locksmith needs may be, King Locksmith Atlanta can help. Contact us today to get started!