38 Keynotes December 2025 aloa.org durability, key control and resistance to physical attack, while also verifying that electronic inputs like keypads or credential readers can withstand envi- ronmental conditions and repeated use. For locksmiths, this standard provides confidence when specifying or install- ing components in master key systems, high-traffic areas or modern access control retrofits. It helps distinguish professional-grade products from con- sumer-grade hardware that may look similar but lack tested performance. Hardware Grades Residential To simplify performance ratings for res- idential hardware, BHMA introduced a new labeling system that grades locks in three key areas: Security, Durabil- ity and Finish — using an easy-to-un- derstand A, B, C scale. A grade of “A” indicates the highest performance level in that category, while “C” meets the minimum acceptable threshold. For example, a lock rated A in Security, B in Durability and C in Finish offers top- tier protection against forced entry and has solid mechanical longevity, but has only basic corrosion or wear resistance on its exterior. This new labeling appears on packaging for residential-grade locks and deadbolts, making it easier for con- sumers — and locksmiths — to compare products based on actual performance and not marketing claims. Commercial Grade 1. This is the highest rating and indicates heavy-duty commercial use. Hardware with this grade has passed the most rigorous tests for cycle count, strength and security. Examples: locks used on exterior doors of public buildings, schools, hospitals and other high-traffic or high-security areas. Grade 2. This is medium-duty commercial or heavy-duty residential. It’s suitable for areas with moderate traffic or security needs — like inte- rior office doors or apartment entries. Grade 2 hardware performs well but isn’t designed for constant abuse. Grade 3. This is the lowest rating, meeting the minimum acceptable per- formance for residential use. It is not recommended for commercial settings. Typically found in low-cost hardware sold at retail home improvement stores. Why It Matters For locksmiths, understanding these grades helps ensure you’re installing hardware that matches the expected use and abuse of the location. Over-speci- fying wastes money; under-specifying leads to callbacks and failures. The BHMA Logo: Not Just a Sticker The BHMA Certified logo is not a dec- orative suggestion. It is a license, and using it without active certification is a violation of BHMA policy. Unfortu- nately, some manufacturers continue to display the logo long after their certifi- cation has lapsed. Locksmiths need to be skeptical. Always cross-check the CPD before trusting a logo. It’s your name on the install, and if that lock fails, your repu- tation is what’s on the line. Why Locksmiths Should Care You’re the expert. When you specify or install hardware, clients trust that you’re making decisions based on safety and quality. You carry the risk. If a lock fails and it wasn’t certified, it won’t be the manu- facturer they call — it’ll be you. You can win work. When you explain BHMA certification to clients and show them how to verify listings in the CPD, you distinguish yourself as a professional. You defend the trade. Holding prod- ucts to a higher standard helps push back against the flood of imported knock-offs and uncertified “smart locks” that hurt our industry. Conclusion: Be the Locksmith Who Knows BHMA certification isn’t just a technical detail — it’s a tool for separating the good from the bad, the reliable from the risky. When a product is certified, it means someone tested it, validated it and continues to monitor it. When it’s not certified, it means you’re rolling the dice. Know the standards. Use the CPD. Question the marketing. And never be afraid to ask: Is this lock really certified? BHMA approval is all you need to answer that age-old client question, “Is this a good lock?” Jon Payne Sr., CML, CAI, has been a locksmith since 1972, with global experi- ence in lock manufactur- ing and servicing. He is a life member of ALOA and a member of SAVTA and IAIL. He provides expert witness, consulting and training services through his company Locksmith Lessons LLC. He also manufactures useful locksmith gadgets at LocksetBlocks.com. Jon is a credentialed and certified trainer, instructor and instructional designer. The certification is not a one- time event. Certified products must be retested every four years to maintain their listing.
