The Most Overlooked Part of Home Security: Your Door Hardware

When most people think about home security, they imagine alarm systems, cameras, and motion lights. But the truth is this:

Your home is only as strong as the door hardware securing it.

At C & E Lock & Safe Inc., we rekey and repair thousands of locks across Northwest Arkansas every year — and most homes are using the cheapest hardware sold on store shelves.

Here’s why your locks might not be protecting you the way you think.

Not All Locks Are Created Equal

There are three major grades of lock hardware:

Grade 3 – Basic Residential

This is what most homes have. It’s the cheapest, easiest to kick in, and designed for light use.

Grade 2 – Heavy Residential / Light Commercial

Much stronger. Better for rental homes, Airbnb units, and exterior doors.

Grade 1 – Commercial Grade

Top tier strength. Built to withstand heavy abuse and forced entry.

Most break-ins happen because the hardware fails — not because the lock was picked.

When Rekeying Isn’t Enough

Rekeying is great for controlling who has access, but it doesn’t improve physical strength.

If your door hardware is low-grade, rekeying simply changes the key — it doesn’t make you more secure.

We often recommend upgrades when:

The door frame is weak
The strike plate is tiny and uses short screws
The deadbolt is a light-duty model
The hardware was installed by a home builder using the cheapest option available

A couple of small upgrades can make a big difference.

Security Hardware That Actually Works

Here are the most effective improvements:

• Grade 1 Deadbolts

Much harder to kick in or force open.

• Reinforced Strike Plates

Using 3” screws that bite into the wall studs instead of just the trim.

• Continuous Hinges for Commercial Doors

Stops sagging and greatly increases strength.

• High-security locks

More pick-resistant and impact-resistant.

And remember — when you buy locks from us, we rekey them for free. Saves you money and ensures everything is set up correctly.

Avoid the Scammers While You’re Upgrading

Cheap “$19 locksmith” ads love to overcharge people for low-quality lock replacements. Before you call anyone to your home, watch this quick video we made to protect customers from common scams:

👉 https://youtu.be/320mgOBtTwk