When clients call A Plus Locksmith & Keys at (407) 536-7717, one of the most common questions we hear is whether they should upgrade to high-security locks or if standard locks will do the job. It’s a fair question, and the honest answer is: it depends on your situation. Let me walk you through the real differences between high security vs standard locks so you can make an informed decision for your Orlando-area property.
What Makes a Lock “High-Security”?
Standard locks are what you’ll find in most homes and small businesses across Orlando, Winter Park, and Windermere. They’re manufactured by companies like Kwikset and Schlage, cost between $25 and $75 per lock, and provide basic security against casual break-in attempts. They use standard pin-tumbler mechanisms that have been around for decades.
High-security locks are a different animal entirely. Brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Assa Abloy manufacture locks with patented keyways, drill-resistant cylinders, and pick-resistant mechanisms. These locks typically cost $150 to $400 per lock, not including installation. The keys themselves are restricted, meaning you can’t walk into a hardware store and get copies made without proper authorization.
The real difference isn’t just about being harder to pick. High-security locks resist physical attacks better. They have hardened steel inserts, reinforced strike plates, and construction that holds up against drilling, bumping, and forced entry much longer than standard hardware.
Standard Locks: When They’re Enough
For most residential properties in neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips or College Park, standard deadbolts from quality manufacturers do a perfectly adequate job. If you’re in a low-crime area, have good lighting around your property, visible security signage, and neighbors who keep an eye out, standard locks combined with other security measures work fine.
Standard locks make sense when:
- You’re securing a rental property where tenant turnover is frequent and you’re doing regular rekeying
- Your insurance doesn’t require high-security hardware
- You have a comprehensive security system with cameras and monitoring
- Budget is a primary concern and you need to secure multiple doors
- You’re in a residential area with low property crime rates
We install plenty of standard locks for residential clients across Orange County, and when properly installed with solid strike plates and appropriate door reinforcement, they provide reliable security for the majority of homeowners.
High-Security Locks: When to Make the Investment
There are situations where high-security locks aren’t just nice to have, they’re necessary. If you’re running a business in downtown Orlando, own a home in a higher-crime area, or store valuable items on your property, the upgrade makes sense.
High-security locks are worth considering when:
- You operate a commercial property with inventory, equipment, or sensitive information
- Your insurance company offers premium reductions for high-security hardware
- You’ve experienced a break-in or attempted break-in previously
- You need strict key control (knowing exactly who has keys and preventing unauthorized duplication)
- Your property is in an area with higher property crime rates
- You’re securing high-value items like jewelry, firearms, or important documents
I’ve worked with business owners in areas like Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee who thought standard locks were fine until they dealt with a break-in. The cost of replacing stolen equipment and lost business far exceeded what they would have spent on proper security hardware from the start.
The Cost Reality
Let’s talk real numbers. For a typical Orlando home with three exterior doors, installing standard quality deadbolts runs around $300 to $600 total, including hardware and labor. Going high-security on those same three doors costs $800 to $1,500 or more.
That’s a significant difference, but consider what you’re protecting. If you’re securing a Winter Garden home worth $400,000 or a retail location with $50,000 in inventory, the extra $700 investment starts looking pretty reasonable.
The other cost factor people miss is key duplication. Standard keys cost a couple dollars to copy anywhere. High-security keys run $20 to $50 each and must be ordered through authorized dealers. That ongoing cost adds up if you need keys for multiple employees or family members.
Picking the Right Option for Your Property
After twenty years in this business, here’s my straightforward recommendation: most Orlando-area homeowners do fine with quality standard locks on a well-secured door with proper installation. Focus your budget on solid doors, reinforced frames, good lighting, and maybe a camera system.
For businesses, particularly those in Ocoee, Winter Park, or other commercial districts, high-security locks are usually worth it. The key control alone justifies the cost when you’re managing employee access.
If you’re somewhere in between, consider a hybrid approach. Install high-security locks on your most vulnerable entry points (back doors, side entrances that aren’t visible from the street) and use quality standard locks on your front door where visibility deters most criminals anyway.
Making Your Decision
The choice between high security vs standard locks comes down to risk assessment and budget. Walk around your property and honestly evaluate your vulnerability. Consider your neighborhood, the visibility of your entrances, what you’re protecting, and what security measures you already have in place.
If you’re still not sure what makes sense for your Orlando home or business, give us a call at (407) 536-7717. We’ll come out, assess your specific situation, and give you an honest recommendation without pushing you toward the most expensive option. Sometimes standard locks are the right call. Sometimes they’re not. We’ll help you figure out which category you fall into and make sure whatever you choose is installed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can high-security locks be picked?
High-security locks can technically be picked, but it requires specialized tools and significantly more skill and time than standard locks. Most criminals move on to easier targets rather than spending 20-30 minutes trying to defeat high-security hardware. The real protection comes from resistance to bumping, drilling, and forced entry.
Will high-security locks lower my insurance premiums?
Many insurance companies offer discounts for high-security locks on commercial properties, and some do for residential as well. The discount typically ranges from 5-20% on your premium. Contact your insurance provider before upgrading to see what documentation they require and what discount they offer.
Can I rekey high-security locks myself?
No, high-security locks require specialized tools and training to rekey. This is actually a security feature, not a limitation. The inability to rekey them yourself means better key control and prevents unauthorized key duplication. You'll need a licensed locksmith to handle any rekeying.
How long do standard locks last compared to high-security locks?
Standard residential locks typically last 7-10 years with normal use before the internal mechanisms wear down. High-security locks are built with better materials and tighter tolerances, often lasting 15-25 years or more. The higher upfront cost is partially offset by longer lifespan and better performance over time.
Do high-security locks work with smart home systems?
Yes, several manufacturers make high-security smart locks that integrate with home automation systems. These combine physical security features like drill resistance and pick protection with electronic access control, remote monitoring, and temporary access codes. They cost more than standard smart locks but offer both convenience and superior protection.