Locks and door hardware aren’t just a one-size-fits-all soluction – they’re about peace of mind. But with terms like “Grade 1,” “Grade 2,” and “Grade 3” floating around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and make the mistake of thinking they are all alike. Let’s break down these ANSI/BHMA hardware grades using real-world force estimates so you can pick the perfect fit for your needs.
Why ANSI/BHMA Grades Matter
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) rate door hardware based on security, durability, and performance. Think of these grades as levels of protection, each designed for different needs. In essence, the higher (in this case 1 is the highest, 3 is the lowest) the grade, the tougher the hardware—and the higher the cost.
Note: The following data is based on the 2011 ANSI/BHMA 156.2 standard for bored/preassembled locks. Different tests apply to mortise locks, exit devices, etc. If in doubt, contact LockWorks—we’ll help you navigate the waters!
Testing and Evaluation Criteria – What the Grades Mean
Here’s how each grade measures up to real-world force estimates and scenarios: The tests listed are only some (for the sake of brevity) of the tests that make up the 2011 ANSI/BHMA 156.2 standard.
STRENGTH TESTS
- Locked Torque Test: Measures resistance to twisting forces.
- Grade 1 Lever: 700 lbf-in (Survives a sledgehammer swing’s torque).
- Grade 2 Lever: 450 lbf-in (Handles a baseball bat’s force).
- Grade 3 Lever: 225 lbf-in (Resists a hammer strike).
- Axial Load Test: Tests how hardware holds up under direct pressure.
- Grade 1: 500 lbf (Survives a human kick’s peak force of ~800–1,500 lbf).
- Grade 2: 300 lbf (Handles a strong punch or shove).
- Grade 3: 250 lbf (Light pushes only).
- Latch Bolt Strength: Tests how much force the latch can withstand.
- Grade 1: 1,200 lbf (Survives a sledgehammer’s peak impact of 1,000–2,000 lbf).
- Grade 2: 800 lbf (Resists a crowbar’s pry force).
- Grade 3: 600 lbf (Okay for lighter impacts).
SECURITY TESTS
- Dead Latch and Strike Impact Test: Tests resistance to brute-force strikes.
- Grade 1: Endures 120 ft-lbs of force (Equivalent to a 20-lb toolbox dropped from 6 feet).
- Grade 2: Survives 90 ft-lbs (Like a baseball bat hit).
- Grade 3: Handles 60 ft-lbs (A strong hammer strike).
CYCLE TESTS (SIMULATES YEARS OF DAILY USE)
- Grade 1: 1,000,000 cycles (Decades of high-traffic use).
- Grade 2: 400,000 cycles (Daily home or office use).
- Grade 3: 200,000 cycles (Light interior door use).
The Key Takeaways in Simple Terms
Grade 1: The Heavyweight Champion
DURABILITY
- Survives a 20-lb toolbox drop, sledgehammer swings, and constant abuse.
- Passes 1,000,000 cycles (decades of heavy use).
USE CASES
Perfect for gyms, schools, warehouses, or commercial buildings where security and longevity are critical.
Grade 2: The Everyday Hero
DURABILITY
- Handles baseball bat hits, kicks, and daily wear and tear.
- Passes 400,000 cycles (years of reliable use).
USE CASES
Ideal for homes, small businesses, or spaces needing balance between cost and security.
Grade 3: The Lightweight Guardian
DURABILITY
- Resists hammer strikes and minor impacts.
- Passes 200,000 cycles (lighter use scenarios).
USE CASES
Great for interior doors, closets, or low-risk areas where aesthetics matter more than brute-force resistance.
Why This Matters to You
Choosing the wrong grade without consideration to the environment it will be installed in can lead to shattered expectations. Grade 1 hardware laughs off impacts that would destroy lower grades. Grade 2 keeps your home safe without overspending. Grade 3? Perfect for areas where security is a nice-to-have, not a must-have.
Need Help Picking the Right Hardware?
At LockWorks, we’re obsessed with hardware—and we’ll make sure you are too. LockWorks will:
- Assess your needs (Are you protecting a warehouse or a walk-in closet?).
- Evaluate the proper grade hardware for the environment (Will a Grade 2 suffice?).
- Install with zero headaches.
Ready to Upgrade?
Schedule a consultation via our contact form or call us at 603-205-2635. Let’s turn “lock confusion” into “lock confidence”!
Stay secure,
LockWorks
Final Notes
Units Explained:
- lbf: Pounds-force (peak force applied, like a kick).
- ft-lbs: Energy (force × distance, like a toolbox drop).
Test Standards: All comparisons are based on the 2011 ANSI/BHMA 156.2 standard. For mortise locks or specialized hardware, the concepts are the same but the testing criteria is different.