Locks Explained · High Security
High-security locks, explained
Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy — patented keys, side-bar cylinders, and when they are actually worth it. Written honestly for Kenner residents.
High-security locks solve two problems: they resist picking and bumping, and they stop unauthorised key duplication. $295 to $695 per door fitted. Worth it for commercial locations, landlords, and specific residential situations — overkill for most Kenner homes, where Grade 2 hardware plus reinforced strikes is better value.
What high-security actually protects against
Standard deadbolts fail to two attacks and high-security locks defend against them:
- Picking — manipulating the pins in the cylinder to open without a key. Basic locks are pickable in seconds; high-security locks take hours or specialist tools.
- Bumping — using a specially cut key and impact to jump the pins. Basic pin-tumbler locks are trivially bumpable; high-security locks are bump-proof by design.
- Unauthorised key duplication — the biggest practical benefit. Anyone with your standard key can copy it at any hardware store. High-security keys require proof of ownership and are cut only by authorised dealers.
What high-security does NOT defend against: forced entry through the frame, drilling with a high-quality drill (though hardened inserts help), or someone using your actual key.
The three major brands
Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy
| Brand | Mechanism | Best for | Cost per door fitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medeco | Angled pin-and-sidebar | US commercial, most-recognised | $295–$495 |
| Mul-T-Lock | Telescoping pins | Higher-end residential | $395–$595 |
| Abloy | Rotating discs (no pins) | Highest pick-resistance | $495–$695 |
All three are excellent. For most Kenner applications, Medeco is the practical choice because it has the widest US dealer network for future duplicates and service.
When high-security is worth it
- Commercial locations where multiple employees have keys and you want a paper trail on duplicates. Absolutely worth it. See our commercial locksmith page.
- Landlords managing multiple properties. Tenants cannot copy keys at the hardware store, meaning at end of tenancy you know how many keys existed. Rekey costs stay predictable.
- Higher-end Laketown or custom Chateau homes with genuinely targeted risk (specific art collections, safes, business premises attached).
- Homes where a compromised key situation happened once and you want the reassurance that this cannot recur.
When high-security is overkill
- Standard Kenner residential. Grade 2 deadbolts, reinforced strikes, laminated glass film on any accessible glass — better value than high-security cylinders for a typical Chateau, Woodlake or University City home.
- Any door where the frame is stock. High-security cylinder on a $30 frame is exactly the wrong place to spend $600.
- Buildings where every family member is going to lose keys anyway. The key duplication restrictions become a nuisance rather than a benefit.
If you want honest advice on whether high-security fits your situation, ring us and we will walk you through the alternatives before quoting.
Questions
High-security questions
What makes a lock high-security?
Two things. First, patented key control — the key blanks are legally protected so unauthorised copies cannot be made without proof of ownership. Second, physical pick-resistance — side-bars, moving elements, hardened steel inserts. Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy and Assa are the main names.
When is high-security worth it in Kenner?
Three specific cases. Commercial locations where multiple people have keys and you want a paper trail. Higher-end homes with genuinely targeted theft risk. Landlords who want tenants unable to copy keys at the hardware store. For most Kenner homeowners, high-security is overkill — Grade 2 hardware and reinforced strikes give better value.
How much does a high-security lock cost?
$295 to $695 per door fitted for the cylinder alone. Full high-security deadbolt with matching hardware runs $395 to $995 per door. Keys are $8 to $25 each depending on the brand and typically require proof of ownership to duplicate.
What is the difference between Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy?
All three are pick-resistant and use patented keys. Medeco uses angled pin-and-sidebar for rotational key control (most common in US commercial). Mul-T-Lock uses telescoping pins — extremely hard to bump or pick, common in higher-end residential. Abloy uses rotating discs — the most pick-resistant category, less common in Louisiana but available.
Can high-security keys be copied at the hardware store?
No — that is the point. All three major brands require the copy to be authorised by the original owner. Some can only be cut at the manufacturer. This is called “restricted keyway” and it is the practical security advantage of high-security systems.
What about high-security cylinders in a smart lock?
A few smart locks accept a Medeco or Mul-T-Lock cylinder as the physical backup. This is the strongest of both worlds — smart lock convenience plus high-security physical fallback. Emtek EMPowered with Medeco cylinder is one example. Expensive — $595 to $995 fitted.
If I have high-security locks and lose the keys?
Same as any other lock — rekey the cylinder to new keys. You bring proof of ownership; we order new key blanks; rekey runs $95 to $185 for the first cylinder plus the cost of new keys. Or replace the cylinder entirely if security has been compromised.
Considering high-security locks in Kenner?
Ring us for an honest walkthrough of whether they fit your situation.
See how these compare against Kwikset and Schlage in lock brands explained.