Before we start comparing between these 2 brands let us be clear both companies manufacture many different locks like doorknobs, deadbolts and keypads for homes. Schlage also makes many commercial locks including some for heavy duty usage while Kwikset offers a smaller range of commercial locks.
To keep it simple our comparing is focused on a standard residential deadbolt lock from each brand. This type of lock is the most commonly used and since the manufacturing process, materials and quality standards are similar across different locks from the same company looking at their standard deadbolts will give us a good idea of which company makes better locks.
Lock Housing
A common way thieves break in is by drilling through the lock housing which is the metal part around the lock cylinder. This method is quite destructive but fast and easy for them even though it is very noisy. The stronger this metal housing is the harder it is to drill through. Schlage deadbolts have a thicker solid housing than the Kwikset deadbolt and it protects the cylinder in a better way which makes Schlage deadbolts more secure against break-ins compared to Kwikset.
The Bolt
When a thieve tries to kick the door open what keeps the door securely locked is the bolt. A bigger and stronger bolt is what makes the difference. When you look at bolts from Schlage and Kwikset the Schlage bolt is a little bit bigger therefore stronger an it fits tightly in its spot on the door frame.
Drill Resistant
Schlage deadbolts have a full housing that has better drill resistant than a Kwikset deadbolt. It’s not just the screws that are better protected but the whole front of the lock has an improved protection specifically where the key goes in because it is covered by a tough plate. Kwikset deadbolts don’t have this kind of protection and they are much easier to drill into.
Screw Size
When someone wants to break into your home they would probably try to drill through the deadbolt screws and by comparing the screw size of a deadbolt is significant because it affects how secure the lock is. The screws on Schlage locks have a plate that protects them but even if that plate is somehow bypassed drilling through the screws themselves is tough. Kwikset deadbolt’s screws are thinner than Schlage deadbolt’s which means they’re easier to drill through although Schlage screws can still be drilled too but with a bigger effort.
Security
Cylinder tolerance refers to the wiggle space in the inner part of a lock where you insert the key. Many deadbolt locks like those from Schlage and Kwikset have a small gap within the inner parts which makes them vulnerable to a special break in method called lock pick which can open a lock quietly and without being noticed. Generally Kwikset locks are easier to pick because they have a larger gap compared to Schlage deadbolt locks. Also Schlage deadbolts include more security pins than Kwikset making them harder for lock picking.
