What’s the best high security lock? – Medeco vs Mul-t-Lock

June 27, 2023

The need for High-Security locks is quite pressing. We are not talking about the threat of break-ins and violent forced entries. That is also quite problematic. What we are talking about is the ease with which locks can be picked by even amateurs. It is estimated that 35% of door entries will show no signs of forced entries. This is a problem, especially when dealing with insurance claims, where companies need to see at least some signs of forced entry. Lock picking remains a serious challenge, but an even bigger challenge is lock bumping . Lock bumping can be easily learnt from many resources and sets of bump keys (also known as 999 keys) can be purchased easily from the internet.

Another overlooked issue is the threat of unauthorized key duplication. For example, it could be the tenant that is renting your basement, or some other friend or acquaintance. All they need is a bare-minimum expenditure for having multiple key duplications which you don’t know about at all! Even your own set of copied keys can be easily compromised if you aren’t careful.

The point is that even amateurs, and non-professional crooks can gain entry quietly into your homes and it is imperative for you to do everything in your power to protect your homes. This is especially true given the desperate situation that COVID-19 has put everyone in. Rioters that are looting shops can very easily start to break into houses. This is where high security locks come in to play!

High-Security Locks are those that provide the best resistance to any unneeded tampering with your locks. For any lock to be considered high security, it needs to undergo the right scrutiny and be given the right security rating. This ranges from Grade 1 (highest rating) to Grade 3 (lowest rating).

Also, as opposed to many myths surrounding them, even high-security locks are not 100% break-in-proof! But they make it almost impossible for your average person doing the break-in to succeed in what they are doing. High-security locks, therefore, need to be chosen carefully to make sure that they truly live up to their name. In commercial settings, high-security locks will be worth the extra price for example.

We are comparing 2 of the most important brands in the high-security locks industry. We have chosen them due to their sheer presence in either the US (Medeco) and international (Mul-t-lock) high-security lock markets.

Medeco
Mul-T-lock

Both brands of high-security locks are very popular. According to various sources, Medeco locks are used in at least 60-75% of the US High-Security market. They have been promoted by the company as the “lock that cannot be picked”.

Mul-T-lock has also been in the business of high-security locks for close to 5 decades. The Mul-T-Lock website shows that they have a presence in 80 countries and 20,000 service centres. They are very dominant in the international market. They are an Israeli company that has a proud tradition stemming from the IDF and a signature trademark with a man with muscular arms morphing out of a key high-security lock key. It is hard to miss!

Both companies are owned by the ASSA Abloy group, which is a Swedish conglomerate.

They both use a similar and familiar locking system, the pin-tumbler design with springs. This is not too different from most locks that you are familiar with. Hence, it will be generally easier for your local locksmith to install either of these 2 brands on your door lock.

Now, for the differences. Both lock systems are quite similar and both companies have great products, but there are certain strengths and failures that each of these lock systems have which give one brand a clear advantage over the other.

Hence, if you are looking for prevention from brute force break-ins, then consider the Medeco Maxum .

Key Control: Medeco has utilized their exclusive use of angled cuts on their keys, and slider combinations to produce millions of key combinations. They have also patented a key control system that makes it virtually impossible to get a copy without your permission. In the case of Mul-T-Lock, an a magnetic strip order card needs to be presented at an authorized dealer for key duplication. Now, Medeco gives you control over duplication, but Mul-T-Lock goes a step further and makes it more rigorous to get a key duplicated. You have the highest level of key control.

Hence, if you are looking for strict key duplication controls, go for Mul-T-Lock.

The most critical test for any high-security lock is lock picking or bumping. You need to be as secure as you can against any lock-picking or lock-bumping incidents. When it comes down to it, a high-security lock's inability to be picked or bumped is what, in the end, defines it as such. Unfortunately, Medeco's performance in this area wasn't all that great. It should be emphasized that neither brand is completely impenetrable, although Medeco's security has been broken. A website devoted to Medeco issues has noticed this! It demonstrates quite clearly how even the most recent M3 generation's security has been penetrated by something as easy as a paper clip, and how older versions (which are still widely used) have major weaknesses. In this case, Mul-T-Lock automatically wins because there haven't been any issues revealed and because it can withstand at least novice lock-picking techniques.

After comparing the three main factors for high-security locks, it is safe to declare that Mul-T-Lock should be the top choice for overall security as it relates to the entire brand. Even while a robust Medeco Maxum lock makes a powerful statement, it is only one product within the entire company, and forced entrance break-ins are more frequent than unforced entry. Medeco is a poor choice due to significant security breaches and a lack of key duplication rules. It makes sense why Mul-T-Lock is praised by local locksmiths and blogs as the best high-security lock.

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How to Secure Basement Doors and Windows

By Ghulam Mustafa • August 1, 2026

Securing basement doors and windows is essential because these entry points are often less visible, less frequently used, and more likely to be overlooked than the main entrances of a home. Reinforcing locks, maintaining the surrounding frames, improving lighting, and regularly inspecting basement access points can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized entry. Many homeowners spend time securing their front and back doors but pay little attention to the basement. Because basement entrances are often hidden behind landscaping, fences, or below ground level, they can provide the privacy that opportunistic burglars look for. Whether your basement includes exterior doors, hopper windows, sliding windows, or egress windows, treating these access points with the same level of security as the rest of your home is an important part of protecting your property. Quick Answer To secure basement doors and windows, install quality locks, reinforce the door frame, ensure windows close and lock properly, improve outdoor lighting, trim nearby landscaping, and inspect all basement entry points regularly. Keeping these areas well maintained and visible helps reduce vulnerabilities and strengthens your home's overall security. Why Are Basement Entry Points More Vulnerable? Basement entrances often receive less attention than front or back doors because they are used less frequently. Many are located at the side or rear of the property, partially hidden from neighboring homes and street traffic. This additional privacy can make them more appealing to someone attempting unauthorized access. Because homeowners may not inspect these areas regularly, worn hardware, loose locks, or damaged frames can remain unnoticed for long periods. Giving basement doors and windows the same attention as other exterior entry points helps eliminate these common weaknesses. How Important Is a Secure Basement Door? If your basement has an exterior door, it should provide the same level of protection as your front entrance. A quality deadbolt , durable lock cylinder , reinforced strike plate , and solid door frame all contribute to stronger security. The door should close tightly without excessive gaps and allow the deadbolt to extend fully into the strike plate. If the door sticks, sags, or requires extra force to lock, correcting the alignment helps both security and long-term lock performance. A secure basement door forms one of the most important barriers protecting the rest of your home. Why Should Basement Windows Be Inspected Regularly? Basement windows are often smaller than standard windows, but they can still provide access if they are damaged or left unsecured. Over time, window locks may wear out, frames can deteriorate, and windows may no longer close completely because of foundation movement or moisture. Testing every basement window periodically ensures the locking hardware operates properly and that there are no visible gaps that could compromise security. Regular inspections also allow homeowners to identify water damage or structural problems before they become more serious. Can Door Reinforcement Improve Basement Security? Absolutely. Even a high-quality lock provides limited protection if the surrounding door frame is weak. During a forced-entry attempt, the frame and strike plate absorb much of the impact. Reinforcing these components improves the door's ability to withstand force while allowing the deadbolt to perform as intended. A reinforced basement entrance also reduces long-term wear by maintaining proper alignment between the door and locking hardware. Why Does Outdoor Lighting Matter Around Basement Entrances? Basement entrances often remain darker than other areas around the home. Without adequate lighting, someone can approach the door or window with a reduced chance of being noticed. Motion-activated lighting immediately increases visibility whenever movement is detected, making concealed access more difficult. Installing lighting near basement stairwells, exterior doors, and window wells also improves safety for homeowners accessing these areas after dark. Good visibility is one of the simplest and most effective security improvements. Can Landscaping Affect Basement Security? Yes. Dense shrubs, tall plants, or overgrown vegetation around basement windows and doors may provide cover for someone attempting to enter the home unnoticed. Keeping landscaping neatly trimmed improves visibility while reducing hiding places around vulnerable entry points. Clear sightlines also make it easier for neighbors or passing pedestrians to notice suspicious activity near the basement. Balancing privacy with visibility helps create a more secure property. Why Is Proper Lock Maintenance Important? Locks that are rarely used often receive the least maintenance. Dust, moisture, and dirt can accumulate inside the keyway , affecting the smooth movement of internal pins and springs. A lock that feels stiff today may eventually become difficult to operate if ignored. Cleaning and lubricating basement door locks with an appropriate dry lubricant helps extend their lifespan while ensuring reliable performance whenever the entrance is used. Routine maintenance also allows homeowners to identify worn components before they fail. Should Egress Windows Remain Secure? Yes, but they must also remain functional for emergencies. Basement egress windows are designed to provide a safe exit during fires or other emergencies. While they should always be secured against unauthorized entry, any security measures used should still allow occupants to open the window quickly from inside when necessary. Regular testing ensures both the locking hardware and emergency release function correctly. Balancing security with emergency accessibility is especially important for finished basements used as living spaces or bedrooms. Can Smart Security Devices Help Protect Basement Entrances? Smart home technology can provide additional protection for basement access points. Security cameras positioned near basement doors or stairwells allow homeowners to monitor activity remotely. Motion sensors and smart lighting systems can also provide alerts whenever movement is detected around these less frequently used areas. These systems work best when combined with strong physical security such as reinforced doors, quality locks, and properly maintained windows. Technology should enhance—not replace—solid mechanical security. When Should You Have a Locksmith Inspect Basement Entry Points? If your basement doors or windows have not been inspected in several years, a professional evaluation can identify issues that may not be immediately visible. A locksmith can examine the deadbolt , lock cylinder , door frame , strike plate , hinges, and overall door alignment to ensure the entrance provides dependable protection. They can also recommend repairs or adjustments that improve security without necessarily replacing existing hardware. Professional inspections are especially valuable after renovations, foundation movement, or signs of attempted forced entry. Frequently Asked Questions Are basement doors easier to break into? They can be if they have outdated locks, weak door frames, poor lighting, or are hidden from public view. Proper reinforcement greatly improves security. Should basement windows always be locked? Yes. Every basement window should remain securely locked whenever it is not being used for ventilation or emergency access. Can landscaping affect basement security? Yes. Overgrown shrubs and dense vegetation can provide hiding places near basement doors and windows, making unauthorized access easier to conceal. Do basement locks require maintenance? Absolutely. Cleaning and lubricating locks periodically helps maintain smooth operation and extends the life of the locking mechanism. Are security cameras useful for basement entrances? Yes. Cameras help monitor areas that are less frequently used and may discourage suspicious activity around basement doors and windows. When should I call a locksmith? You should contact a locksmith if your basement door becomes difficult to lock, the frame shows signs of damage, the hardware feels loose, or you want a professional security inspection. Final Thoughts on How to Secure Basement Doors and Windows Basement doors and windows deserve the same level of protection as every other exterior entrance. Reinforced door frames , quality deadbolts , secure window locks, proper lighting, and regular maintenance all help reduce vulnerabilities that could otherwise be overlooked. Creating a secure basement is about combining strong physical security with consistent inspections and preventative maintenance. By identifying small problems early and ensuring every basement entry point remains in good condition, homeowners can improve the overall security of their property while gaining greater peace of mind.