Editorial

The Locksmith Reference: Lock Types, Brands, and Industry Lexicon

Updated 2026-05-28. Locksmith School Info editorial team.

Overview of the Modern Locksmith Landscape

The locksmith trade has evolved from a niche craft into a multi‑billion‑dollar industry that blends mechanical expertise, electronic know‑how, and entrepreneurial acumen. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, there were approximately 55,200 employed locksmiths in 2022, with a median annual wage of $57,560 and an expected growth rate of 5 % through 2032 (BLS, 2023). IBISWorld estimates total industry revenue at $8.6 billion in 2023, driven by residential security upgrades, commercial high‑security installations, and the rapid adoption of smart‑lock technology (IBISWorld, 2024).

For a working locksmith, success hinges on three pillars that define the brand promise of Locksmith School Info: skill mastery, business profitability, and city‑level presence. This article delivers a comprehensive reference of lock types, leading manufacturers, and the industry lexicon that every practitioner needs to dominate a local market while staying ahead of national trends.

Core Lock Types Every Working Locksmith Must Master

Understanding the mechanical and electronic foundations of each lock family is essential for accurate diagnostics, efficient service, and credible client communication. Below is a breakdown of the most common lock categories you will encounter on the job.

Cylindrical Locks

Cylindrical locks dominate residential and light‑commercial applications. They consist of a removable core that houses the pin tumblers. Installation is straightforward—often a single‑screw fit into a pre‑drilled hole. Key points for technicians:

• Pinning: Standard pin stacks range from 4 to 6 pins; each pin’s length determines the key’s bitting.
• Keyways: Common profiles include Schlage (SC1), Kwikset (KW1), and Yale (Y1). Matching the keyway is critical when rekeying or replacing cores.
• Rekeying cost: Residential rekey jobs typically command $80‑$120, while commercial cylindrical rekey can reach $150‑$250 (Locksmith Business Survey, 2023).

Mortise Locks

Mortise locks are the workhorse of older commercial buildings and high‑traffic entryways. The lock body fits into a mortised pocket cut into the door jamb, providing a robust bolt mechanism.

• Deadbolt & latch: Mortise units often combine a deadbolt with a latch bolt, offering both security and convenience.
• Installation complexity: Requires a pocket cut (typically 1.5‑in. deep) and a strike plate reinforcement.
• Pricing: Installation of a new mortise lock averages $250‑$400, including labor and hardware (Florida DBPR, 2024).

Deadbolt Locks

Deadbolts are the simplest yet most effective mechanical security device. They come in three primary forms: single‑cylinder, double‑cylinder, and lockable thumbturn.

• Single‑cylinder: Operated with a key on the exterior and a thumbturn on the interior; the most common residential style.
• Double‑cylinder: Requires a key on both sides, often mandated in high‑security installations where interior key control is critical.
• Average job fee: Residential deadbolt replacement runs $120‑$200; commercial high‑security deadbolts can exceed $350 per unit (Texas DPS Locksmith Program, 2024).

Electronic & Smart Locks

Smart locks blend mechanical locking with wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, Z‑Wave). They are increasingly popular in multifamily housing and office spaces.

• Power source: Most units use AA batteries with a typical lifespan of 12‑18 months.
• Credential types: Keypad codes, RFID cards, mobile app credentials, and biometric templates.
• Installation considerations: Requires low‑voltage wiring (often 12 V) and a compatible smart hub for remote management.
• Service rates: Smart‑lock programming and troubleshooting command $130‑$180 per visit (ILO, 2024).

High‑Security Locks

Brands such as Medeco, Mul‑T‑Lock, and ASSA ABLOY produce locks with patented key control, hardened steel inserts, and anti‑bump features.

• Key control: Restricted keyways prevent unauthorized duplication; many jurisdictions require a “key control” certificate.
• Anti‑bump & pick resistance: Dual‑pin technology and side‑bar relocking mechanisms increase resistance to bumping and picking.
• Cost: High‑security lock sets range $250‑$500 per door; installation can add $150‑$250 depending on complexity (NCLLB, 2024).

Specialty Locks (RFID, Biometric, and Mechanical‑Electronic Hybrids)

Specialty locks cater to niche markets such as data centers, healthcare facilities, and high‑value retail.

• RFID: Uses proximity cards; often paired with audit trails for compliance reporting.
• Biometric: Fingerprint or palm‑vein readers provide “who‑entered‑when” data, essential for regulated environments.
• Hybrid units: Combine mechanical deadbolts with electronic credential readers, offering fallback mechanical security if power fails.
• Service pricing: Installation of RFID access control can range $300‑$600 per door; biometric systems often exceed $800 per unit (SAFETECH, 2024).

Leading Lock Manufacturers and What Sets Their Products Apart

Choosing the right lock brand is as much a business decision as a technical one. Below is a snapshot of the most widely specified manufacturers, their flagship product lines, and the unique selling points that influence a locksmith’s recommendation.

Schlage (ASSA ABLOY)

Schlage leads the residential market with its Schlage Encode smart lock and the classic Schlage B660 deadbolt. Key differentiators include:

• Extensive dealer network and readily available key blanks.
• Integrated Wi‑Fi for remote access without a third‑party hub.
• Robust warranty (lifetime for residential deadbolts).

Kwikset (Spectrum Brands)

Kwikset’s SmartKey technology offers a rekey‑by‑owner feature, allowing homeowners to change the lock’s keying without tools—a popular selling point for rental property managers.

• Patented SmartKey cylinder reduces pick resistance.
• Competitive pricing (average $120 for a residential deadbolt).
• Strong presence in the Midwest and South, aligning with regional licensing trends (Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation, 2024).

Medeco (Assa Abloy)

Medeco is synonymous with high‑security solutions. The Medeco Max series incorporates angled cuts and rotating pins, delivering a lock that is both pick‑resistant and bump‑proof.

• Restricted keyway (requires Medeco‑approved key control program).
• High‑security rating (UL 437, Grade 1).
• Premium pricing—typically $300‑$500 per lock, but justified by the reduced liability for commercial clients.

Mul‑T‑Lock (Mul‑T‑Lock Group)

Mul‑T‑Lock’s MT5+ series is favored by government and financial institutions for its patented “Key Control” system.

• Key control levels range from “Standard” to “Restricted,” allowing granular permission settings.
• Hardened steel inserts and anti‑drill plates increase physical resilience.
• Installation training is often mandated by state security agencies (California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, 2024).

Yale (ASSA ABLOY)

Yale offers a broad portfolio from traditional deadbolts to the Yale Assure smart lock line, which integrates with major smart‑home ecosystems.

• Simple retro‑fit kits for existing cylinders, minimizing installation time.
• Competitive pricing for entry‑level smart locks ($150‑$200).
• Strong presence in the Northeast, where historic buildings often require discreet upgrades.

Baldwin (Assa Abloy)

Baldwin is known for its premium hardware finishes and architectural aesthetics. While not a high‑security specialist, its locks are frequently specified for upscale residential projects.

• Hand‑crafted brass and bronze finishes.
• Customizable keyways for boutique projects.
• Higher labor costs ($250‑$400 per lock) offset by premium client budgets.

The Locksmith Lexicon: Terminology You’ll Hear on the Job

Effective communication with clients, suppliers, and fellow technicians depends on a shared vocabulary. Below are the most common terms, grouped by functional area.