Schlage vs. Kwikset
If you are reading this article, you’ve probably done some research. You probably already know that when it comes to buying locks for your home, there are mainly two players in the field – Kwikset and Schlage. Although they are certainly not the only ones, combined they dominate over 95 percent of the market for residential locks. You can find them, and hardly any lock but them, in every single hardware store in America, which leaves us with a very obvious question.
In this article, I will try to answer one of the ultimate, most basic questions of the home security world: Which locks are better – Schlage or Kwikset? This question has a direct effect on the most basic way we secure our home, and as you are about to learn – the answer is very clear.
DISCLAIMER: I’m not affiliated with any company other than my own. No one has paid me to write this article. The information you’re about to read is a result of independent testing that I’ve done using my own tools. In this article, I’m presenting my opinions, based on the research that I’ve done and my years of experience as a locksmith. I accept no liability for any consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.
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A Little Background
Before we dive into the comparison, it’s important to understand that Schlage and Kwikset are just brand names and not specific lock models. Both companies, Schlage and Kwikset, make many different types of locks, such as residential doorknobs, deadbolts, and keypads. Schlage also has a vast line of commercial products, including some heavy-duty and high-security locks, whereas Kwikset has a more modest line of “light commercial” locks. In this article, I will be focusing on residential locks only. Comparing commercial products is a much more complicated task and I wouldn’t necessarily choose any of the two companies in question for my commercial needs.
To keep things simple, I will compare the standard deadbolt lock of each company. The standard deadbolt is the most common lock being sold by both companies; however, the rest of the locks of each company go through a similar manufacturing process, share the same materials (sometimes even the same parts), and are held to the same quality standards. So by comparing their deadbolts, we can easily determine which company makes better locks.
Forced Entry vs. Non-Forced Entry
Throughout the comparison, I will be mentioning two different ways by which burglars break into houses: forced entry and non-forced entry.
Forced Entry – As the name suggests, forced entry means gaining entry by using force in a way that will allow us to open the door, like drilling the lock or using tools to pry the door open. Forced entry methods will almost always destroy the lock and leave visible signs someone broke in.
Non-Forced Entry – Non-forced entry is a way in which an intruder breaks in by manipulating the way the lock works to gain entry in a non-destructive way, using tools such as pick tools or bump keys. Non-forced entry methods require skill and practice, and they usually leave no sign of break-in.
It is important to keep in mind that burglars use forced entry much more often than non-forced entry to break in, so the lock that gives better protection from forced entry may have an advantage over locks that are harder to pick but provide no protection from forced entry methods of breaking in.
Lock Housing
The lock housing is the metal part that surrounds the cylinder of the lock. One of the most common ways that burglars break in is by drilling through the lock housing and engaging directly with the interior mechanism. Although this method is destructive and messy, it is considered by burglars to be a quick and simple way to gain entry. Naturally, the stronger and sturdier the housing, the harder it is to drill through it and reach the interior mechanism.
Schlage deadbolts have a thick, solid housing that protects the cylinder all around, leaving no hollow areas. In contrast, the housing of the Kwikset deadbolt is much lighter and somewhat hollow, making it much easier to drill through and reach the interior mechanism.
Bolt Size
The bolt is the part of the lock that extends from the door into the door frame, securing the door in place. A larger and stronger bolt provides better protection against forced entry methods such as kicking or prying the door open.
Schlage deadbolts have a larger and more robust bolt compared to Kwikset. This means that Schlage locks can withstand more force before failing, offering better protection against forced entry.
Drill-Resistant Plate
Some locks come with a drill-resistant plate that makes it harder for burglars to drill through the lock and manipulate the internal mechanism.
Schlage deadbolts are equipped with a hardened steel plate that is designed to resist drilling attempts. Kwikset locks, on the other hand, do not have this feature, making them ::contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
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