In today's world, a hardware door lock is considered essential for home security, yet many people overlook its shelf life. China has become the largest producer and consumer of locks globally, with annual sales exceeding 40 billion yuan and production capacity surpassing 2 billion sets. The country also exports more than 10 billion yuan worth of locks each year.
However, most manufacturers rely on low labor costs to secure production orders, leading to significant price variations and inconsistent quality in the market. Locks that look identical can range from just a few yuan to several hundred, depending on the brand and materials used. Similarly, keys that open multiple locks can cost anywhere from a dozen yuan to hundreds of dollars, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between genuine security and cheap imitations.
"Generally, both regular doors and anti-theft doors should be replaced after five years," said an expert. "It's best to choose a reputable brand with high-quality products." While visiting the local lock market, the author found that few shopkeepers could clearly explain how to choose a reliable lock.
Currently, there are three main types of lock cylinders available: A-class, B-class, and Super B-class. A-class locks have an anti-destructive opening time of over 15 minutes and a technical opening time of more than one minute. B-class locks offer better protection, with an anti-destructive opening time of over 30 minutes and a technical opening time of over five minutes. Super B-class locks are the most secure, with a technical opening time exceeding 240 minutes.
"The number of marbles inside the lock cylinder can help determine its security level," explained a master locksmith. "Multi-row marble locks are superior to single-row ones, and stealth multi-row designs are even better." He added that although B-class locks are much more expensive than A-class ones, most manufacturers still produce A-class locks due to lower costs. If a user’s front door key has only a single row of marbles, it likely has an A-class lock. For better security, upgrading to a Super B-class cylinder is recommended.
In addition to the lock core, other hardware components such as hinges and handles also play a role in overall security. Materials like aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and copper are commonly used. Copper is the most durable but also the most expensive. However, even within copper locks, the quality can vary significantly, making it hard for consumers to tell the difference. According to a salesperson, the best way to identify a quality lock is by experience—well-made locks operate smoothly, while cheaper ones may feel rough, have visible scratches, or make dull sounds when opened.
According to Chen Li, chairman of Mingmen Lock Industry, household door locks typically need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Many people are unaware of this, which is why companies are working to raise awareness and educate the public about lock maintenance and replacement.
"Over time, general locks can age and wear out, making them vulnerable to being picked by similar keys," he said. Many residential buildings install locks in bulk, often using the same brand across entire communities. This can create security risks, as multiple residents may end up with the same type of lock, increasing the chances of unauthorized access.
A locksmith on Guangfu Road shared that many residents neglect their locks, using them for over ten or even twenty years. Modern locks typically have five pins, and after prolonged use, if two of them become worn, the lock can be easily opened by inserting a key that matches the remaining three. To prevent this, he recommends replacing ordinary door locks after no more than five years of use.
**Global Hardware Network**
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**Tags:** Hardware Door Locks, Shelf Life, 3~5 Years
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