With break-ins in Toronto and the GTA remaining a persistent concern, upgrading your door locks is one of the most effective security investments you can make. As professional locksmiths, we install and work with every major lock brand daily. Here's our honest assessment of the best locks for Toronto homes at every price point.
What Makes a Lock 'Secure'?
In Canada, lock security is measured by ANSI/BHMA grades. Grade 1 is the highest security residential/commercial rating, Grade 2 is medium security, and Grade 3 is the builder-grade hardware that comes standard in most new construction. For exterior doors in the GTA, Grade 1 is strongly recommended. Key factors: pick resistance (number and complexity of pins), drill resistance (hardened steel inserts), bump resistance (security pins), and the strength of the strike plate and door frame backing.
Best Budget Pick: Kwikset 980
The Kwikset 980 is a Grade 1 deadbolt that punches well above its price point (~$60–$90 retail). It features SmartKey technology for easy rekeying, a reinforced steel housing, and bump-resistance. It's not in the same class as Medeco or Mul-T-Lock for high-value targets, but for the average Toronto home it's an excellent upgrade over the builder-grade hardware that comes standard. Our technicians install these daily.
Best Mid-Range Pick: Schlage B60N
The Schlage B60N is the gold standard for North American residential security at the mid-range price point (~$80–$120 retail). Grade 1 certified, with a reinforced anti-drill plate, a 6-pin cylinder, and Schlage's proprietary security pins that defeat most bump attacks. The Schlage B-Series has been trusted for decades and is compatible with all major rekeying kits. If you upgrade to nothing else, upgrade to a Schlage B-series deadbolt.
Our mobile locksmiths serve the entire GTA. Call (647) 874-2137 for immediate dispatch.
Best High-Security Pick: Medeco Maxum
Medeco is the benchmark for high-security residential locks in North America. The Medeco Maxum features angled, rotating pins that defeat virtually all picking and bumping attacks, a hardened steel bolt and anti-drill plate, and restricted key control (keys cannot be duplicated without authorization). At $200–$350 retail, it's a significant investment — but for high-value homes, executives, or anyone who has experienced a break-in, it provides peace of mind that basic locks can't match.
Best Smart Lock: Schlage Encode Plus
For keyless convenience, the Schlage Encode Plus ($250–$350) offers Grade 1 security with a built-in Wi-Fi connection, Apple Home Key compatibility, a touchscreen keypad, and a century of data showing Schlage's build quality. Unlike many smart locks that bolt onto an existing deadbolt, the Encode is a fully integrated deadbolt that doesn't compromise the mechanical security for the digital convenience.
What About the Door Frame?
The best lock in the world fails if your door frame is weak. Most residential door frames in Toronto use a basic single-layer wood frame with a small strike plate held by 3/4-inch screws. A properly executed kick-in can bypass even a Medeco if the frame gives way. We strongly recommend a reinforced strike plate (like the Door Armor MAX) installed with 3-inch screws that penetrate into the wall stud. We install these on every lock upgrade job.
Our Recommendation for Toronto Homes
For most Toronto homes: Schlage B60N deadbolt on all exterior doors with a reinforced strike plate. Budget-conscious? Kwikset 980. High-value home or repeated concerns? Medeco Maxum. Want keyless entry? Schlage Encode Plus. All of these are available through QA Locksmith Toronto with professional installation — we supply the hardware so you don't have to make a trip to the store.
Need a locksmith in the GTA?
QA Locksmith is a certified mobile locksmith serving Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, and all surrounding communities. We come to you — 24/7.
Call (647) 874-2137