Schlage vs Kwikset – Which is better?

June 24, 2023

When it comes to residential locks, you are mainly looking at 2 choices. The vast majority (95% or more) of locks are either of two major brands. The choice is between the classic, century-old Schlage, and its post-war competitor Kwikset. Before we begin rating the two, we would first like to discuss parameters that should influence the result. 

 

  1. Price : When it comes to the security of your home, we don’t think that you necessarily want the cheapest possible bet. Especially if that means compromising on security and quality. However, you do need to get value for money. The price of a better designed lock should not be so high as to make it out of reach for customers.
  2. Lock Housing : The lock housing refers to the non-movable parts of the lock system. This is often termed as the ‘bible’ and it surrounds the cylinder of the lock. It is the foundation of the lock system. It is hence, extremely essential for the lock housing to be as sturdy as possible. Burglars that utilize forced entry (breaking through the lock mechanism using brute force) will usually try to drill through the lock mechanism to get to the interior of the lock.
  3. Bolt size and strength : The bolt is what eventually keeps the door from opening and essentially needs to be the strongest and most rugged part of the lock. Bolt size and strength is one of the most crucial factors that will determine the success or failure of a forced entry into your home.
  4. Drill Resistant Plate and Deadbolt Screws : After the bolt itself, the next most crucial bits are the drill resistant plate and the deadbolt screws. Together, they form the armor that guards the housing of the lock. Without them the deadbolts would be ‘Dead’. The drill resistant plate and the screws are directly attached to the bolt itself and any weakness in these components can make a forced-entry very easy to accomplish.
  5. Cylinder Tolerance and Security Pins : Besides protection from harsh brute-force entry methods, a successful lock system should be impenetrable to expert lock pickers. Though the most common form of entry are forced entries, non-forced entries can really compromise you and you don’t even realize when the burglar comes in and exits your house. Due to loopholes in the lock manufacturing process, the cylinder of the lock can always be rotated by a bit, especially using professional lock picking tools. The level that the cylinder can be rotated is referred to as the Cylinder Tolerance level. The higher the level, the more vulnerable the lock is. Similarly, security pins are inserted into the lock cylinder, making it harder to pick the lock.

 

The great thing to know is that in this debate between locks, time and time again there seems to be one clear winner. That is Schlage. As you can already see from the images below, Schlage makes locks that stand firm against any form of entry without using the right key. 

 

Schlage locks have a thicker and stronger lock housing that protects the cylinder from any forced entry. The bolt size is longer and more solid as compared to Kwikset. The bolt in fact fits very tightly into the door frame and does not jiggle. The housing plate for Schlage locks is guarded by drill resistant plates and much thicker screws than its competitor. Kwikset on the other hand, doesn’t even have a drill resistant plate. Hence, when it comes to forced entry, breaking into Schlage locks is much harder. 

Schlage vs Kwikset – Which is better?

Schlage (left) vs Kwikset (right) – Notice the solid finish of Schlage locks 

 

When it comes to picking locks, Schlage also wins hands down. Schlage locks come with a lower cylinder tolerance and have 4 security pins, as opposed to 2 for Kwikset locks. All this makes Schlage locks virtually impossible to pick, unless by serious professionals that need to take a considerable amount of time.

Showdowns are rarely ever this decisive, but when it comes to the 2 biggest players in Residential locks, i.e. Schlage and Kwikset, the edge very clearly goes to Schlage locks for creating locks that will keep your homes secure to both forced and unforced entry. 

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By Youmna Rehman February 19, 2025
Few things are more frustrating than inserting your key into a lock, turning it as usual, and suddenly feeling it snap. A broken key in a lock can instantly turn a routine task into a stressful situation. Whether it's your home, car, or office, the inability to access your property can disrupt your day and leave you scrambling for a solution. But before you start panicking or consider replacing the lock entirely, take a deep breath. There are several effective ways to remove a broken key from a lock without causing damage. This guide will walk you through the process, helping you understand why keys break, how to remove them safely, and what steps you can take to prevent this from happening in the future. How to Fix a Stiff or Hard-to-Turn Lock Why Do Keys Break in Locks? A key breaking inside a lock is usually the result of a combination of wear and tear, force, or an issue with the lock itself. Here are some common reasons why keys snap: 1. Metal Fatigue and Weakness Keys undergo stress over time. Daily use, exposure to moisture, and bending can weaken the metal, making it prone to breaking when inserted or turned in a lock. 2. Misalignment of the Lock and Key If a lock is old, rusty, or poorly maintained, the internal components may become misaligned. This forces the key to work harder than it should, increasing the likelihood of snapping. 3. Using Excessive Force Sometimes, in frustration, people turn the key too hard when it isn’t turning smoothly. Applying extra force can cause a weak or old key to break instantly. 4. Cold Weather Conditions In freezing temperatures, metal contracts, making both keys and locks more fragile. If your key was already worn down, cold weather might push it to its breaking point. 5. Debris or Dirt in the Lock Over time, locks accumulate dust, dirt, and small debris. If these particles build up inside the lock, they can create resistance, making it harder for the key to turn properly and increasing the risk of breakage. Step-by-Step Solutions to Remove a Broken Key Safely Now that we understand why keys break, let's focus on how to remove a broken key without damaging the lock. 1. Assess the Situation First Before attempting any removal, check how much of the key is visible outside the lock. If a significant portion is sticking out, your job will be much easier. If the key is deep inside, you’ll need to use more precise techniques. 2. Try Tweezers or Needle-Nose Pliers If part of the broken key is visible, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or needle-nose pliers to grip and gently pull it out. However, be cautious—if your tweezers are too thick, they may push the key further into the lock, making extraction more difficult. 3. Use a Broken Key Extractor Tool Professional locksmiths use a broken key extractor, a thin tool designed to slide into the lock and hook onto the broken key's teeth. If you have one, carefully insert it along the groove of the key and pull it out slowly. 4. Apply Lubrication If the key is stuck, applying a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite powder can help loosen it. Spray a small amount into the lock and wait a minute before attempting to remove the key again. 5. The Tapping Method If gravity can work in your favor, hold the lock opening downward and gently tap it against a hard surface. Sometimes, the vibration is enough to loosen the broken key and allow it to fall out. 6. Using a Jigsaw Blade or Thin Wire If you don’t have an extractor tool, a fine jigsaw blade or thin piece of stiff wire can work in a pinch. Insert it along the broken key, try to hook onto the ridges, and gently pull it out. 7. 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