We all want to feel secure in our homes, and the simplest way to achieve that is through a good lock. It’s easy to walk into a hardware store, pick the most affordable option off the shelf, and think you’ve covered your security needs. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that those low-cost locks often create a false sense of protection. As professionals who deal with locks daily, we’ve seen how this decision can cost much more in the long run.
The Real Cost of Cheap Locks
At first glance, inexpensive locks seem like a smart purchase. They look solid, feel heavy, and promise security on the packaging. But beneath the surface, the materials and mechanisms tell a different story. Most of these locks use lightweight alloys that wear out quickly or can be forced open with basic tools.
We’ve responded to countless service calls where a homeowner believed a locked door meant safety. In reality, a bump key, screwdriver, or even a firm kick could bypass the lock entirely. The short-term savings disappear quickly when you have to replace damaged doors or deal with the aftermath of a break-in.
The difference between cheap and professional-grade locks isn’t just about strength. It’s about design, precision, and resistance to tampering. High-quality locks use hardened steel pins, complex keyways, and reinforced strike plates—all of which make forced entry significantly harder.
If you want to see what secure options look like, you can learn more about professional solutions provided by a locksmith in Calgary.
How Lock Grades Work
Every lock sold in North America receives a security rating from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Grade 3 is the lowest rating and typically what you’ll find in most hardware store locks. Grade 2 and Grade 1 locks meet much higher durability and resistance standards.
The issue is that most people don’t know these grades exist. Grade 3 locks can pass basic testing, but they aren’t built for real-world abuse or frequent use. For exterior doors, Grade 1 is the standard most locksmiths recommend because it can withstand thousands more open-close cycles and much greater force.
So when you’re shopping for locks, look for the ANSI grade before you look at the price tag. If the package doesn’t list it, that’s usually a sign it’s a low-end lock.
Why Key Control Matters
Another concern with cheap locks is key duplication. Many big-box hardware store keys can be copied anywhere without restriction. That means you never truly know how many copies of your house key exist.
Professional-grade locks often come with patented keyways that require special authorization for duplication. When we install these systems, we register the key under your name, so only you can request additional copies. This small layer of protection makes a big difference in maintaining real control over your property.
For rental properties, shared spaces, or homes with cleaning or maintenance staff, key control can prevent headaches down the line. It’s a security upgrade that most homeowners overlook until it’s too late.
The Problem with Weak Door Frames
Even the best lock can’t do its job if the door frame is weak. Many low-cost locks come with short screws and flimsy strike plates that attach to the door trim rather than the wall studs. That means the entire locking mechanism can be kicked open easily, even if the lock itself remains intact.
We always advise reinforcing the strike plate with longer screws—at least three inches—and securing it directly into the framing. You can also install a metal reinforcement plate around the lock area. These inexpensive upgrades dramatically improve resistance against forced entry, especially in older homes where frames may have weakened over time.
When Locks Wear Out
A common misconception is that locks last forever. Cheap locks can begin to fail after just a few years. Springs weaken, pins stick, and keys stop turning smoothly. Many people assume the key is the problem, but more often it’s the lock itself wearing down from daily use.
We recommend lubricating your locks at least twice a year with a graphite or silicone-based spray to keep internal parts moving freely. Avoid oil-based products—they attract dirt and can gum up the mechanism. If your lock starts feeling stiff or inconsistent, it’s often a sign that the internal parts are misaligned, which makes it easier for someone to pick or force open.
At that point, replacement is the smarter option. Keeping a failing lock in use is like ignoring a crack in your car’s brake line—it only gets worse with time.
The Risk of “One-Size-Fits-All” Locks
Cheap locks are designed to fit a wide range of doors, which means they don’t fit any door perfectly. The gaps, alignment issues, and looseness that result from that design can affect how securely the bolt seats into the strike plate. Over time, this leads to wear, rattling, and even partial latching—something we often see when a door doesn’t close flush.
A properly fitted lock should sit snugly, with the latch engaging fully every time. Locksmiths use specialized tools to adjust doors and frames during installation, ensuring that both the latch and deadbolt align perfectly. This kind of precision is what separates a durable, secure system from one that fails under pressure.
The False Sense of Security from Keyless Locks
Many homeowners think switching to an electronic keypad lock solves every problem. While keyless locks add convenience, they still rely on internal mechanisms that vary widely in quality. A $60 electronic lock from a discount retailer may look modern but can still use the same weak materials and poor design as a standard Grade 3 mechanical lock.
Some also depend on battery power. If the battery dies and the backup key system is low quality, you’re back to the same vulnerabilities. When integrating electronic locks, it’s worth consulting a locksmith to ensure the system has proper encryption, strong mechanical parts, and emergency override protection.
Why Professional Installation Makes a Difference
Installing a lock might look simple, but small mistakes can create major weaknesses. Misaligned bolts, over-tightened screws, or a door that doesn’t close flush can all affect how well the lock performs. We’ve seen brand-new high-end locks fail to protect because they were installed slightly off-center.
When we install locks, we measure the door thickness, check for frame warping, and ensure the deadbolt fully extends into the strike plate without friction. These adjustments can’t always be made with basic tools. That’s one of the reasons professional installation is a worthwhile investment.
Combining Security Layers
A lock should never be your only line of defense. A good system combines multiple layers of security—door strength, lighting, cameras, and lock quality. Even a small upgrade, like adding a security strike plate or reinforcing the hinges, can increase your home’s resistance to intrusion.
For homeowners in older Calgary neighborhoods, weather exposure and settling can also affect door alignment and lock reliability. Seasonal maintenance ensures the door still fits properly and that the locking mechanism functions smoothly.
If you’re unsure whether your current setup provides enough protection, you can contact us to schedule a simple home security inspection.
The Hidden Dangers of Used Locks
Some homeowners reuse locks when moving into a new home or after a renovation. It seems like a cost-saving decision, but it carries significant risk. You don’t know who previously had copies of the keys or whether the lock has been tampered with. Re-keying or replacing locks immediately after moving in is one of the simplest and most important steps to protect your property.
We also see used locks being sold online through marketplaces. They may appear functional, but there’s no guarantee that the internal parts haven’t been filed down or altered. Once a lock has been compromised, its security value drops to almost nothing.
A Practical Maintenance Routine
Lock maintenance doesn’t need to be complicated. Set a schedule to check your locks every few months for any looseness, stiffness, or visible wear. Tighten screws on the knob and strike plate, clean the keyhole, and lubricate as needed. These small actions can add years to a lock’s lifespan and prevent emergency lockouts.
We also recommend keeping a spare key hidden somewhere secure—not under the mat or in a flowerpot, but in a coded lockbox or with a trusted neighbor. This ensures you’re not stranded outside if a lock suddenly fails.
When to Upgrade
Upgrading your locks isn’t about fear—it’s about being practical. If your home still uses old or low-grade locks, replacing them with a modern high-security option reduces risk while adding convenience. Some systems allow for re-keying without replacing the entire lock, which makes future updates easier and more affordable.
We also suggest upgrading when:
- You lose a key and can’t confirm who might find it
- You move into a previously owned property
- You notice rust, stiffness, or misalignment
- You’ve experienced an attempted break-in
Each of these signs indicates that your current locks may no longer be doing their job effectively.
FAQ
Why do locksmiths discourage buying locks from hardware stores?
Because most of those locks are built to meet minimum standards, not real-world threats. They’re fine for low-risk interior doors but not for securing an entry point to your home.
Can I just re-key my cheap locks instead of replacing them?
You can, but it doesn’t fix the underlying quality issue. The material and design remain the same, which means they’re still easy to bypass.
What’s the best way to tell if a lock is secure?
Check for the ANSI grade on the packaging. Grade 1 offers the highest protection. Also, look for features like reinforced strike plates and pick-resistant cylinders.
Do smart locks replace the need for a traditional key?
Not entirely. Most smart locks still include a backup keyhole. It’s important that the mechanical part of the lock is as strong as the electronic one.
How often should I replace or upgrade my locks?
A good rule is every seven to ten years, or sooner if you move, lose a key, or notice wear. Regular maintenance helps extend that lifespan.