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Next Gen High Security | The Evolution of MT5+
A patented moving element on the key blade engages a special pin at the rear of the shear line, creating an additional layer of shear line security that is extremely difficult to bypass.
Engineered to withstand extreme physical attacks. The cylinder is hardened against drilling, picking, and bumping using telescopic pin technology and solid brass construction.
Immediate re-keying capability. The cylinder configuration can be changed instantly up to two times by simply turning a different key, rendering previous keys useless.
At Guardian Angel Locksmith, the #1 question we get from customers is: “Do I really need a Grade 1 lock, or is Grade 2 enough?”
Designation: Light Commercial / Residential
Grade 2 hardware is the standard for most residential homes and light-duty office doors. While it offers adequate protection for standard risks, it is not designed for high-abuse environments.
Designation: Heavy Commercial / High Security
Grade 1 is the highest certification available. It is engineered for heavy traffic, extreme abuse, and critical security points. The MTL-800 platform exceeds these rigorous standards.
| Feature | Grade 2 (Standard Deadbolt) | Grade 1 (Mul-T-Lock 800) |
| Metal Quality | Standard cast metal (lighter) | Reinforced High-Density Metal (Heavier) |
| Drill Resistance | Minimal. Can often be drilled out. | Maximum. Deflects drill bits. |
| Crowbar Resistance | Bolt can be pried/bent away from frame. | Interlocking. Balls bearings lock bolt to frame. |
| Best Used For | Interior doors or low-risk entry. | Front doors, businesses, & high-security needs. |
We recommend the Mul-T-Lock 800 because it doesn’t just meet Grade 1 standards—it exceeds them with three specific technologies designed to stop forced entry:
Standard locks have a soft “shear line” that burglars can drill through in seconds. The Mul-T-Lock 800 features Dual Anti-Drill Ball Bearings.
How it works: Two free-spinning bearings surround the screws inside the cylinder.
The Result: If a burglar tries to drill the lock, the bearings spin with the drill bit. This prevents the drill from penetrating, causes the drill to screech loudly, and usually ruins the burglar’s drill bit.
A common method of entry is using a crowbar to spread the door frame until the bolt pops out.
The Solution: The Mul-T-Lock 800 bolt contains two hardened steel ball bearings.
The Result: When you lock the door, these bearings expand and engage with the strike plate. This creates a “claw-like” grip that makes it nearly impossible to separate the door from the frame using a crowbar.
You can feel the difference simply by holding it. The Mul-T-Lock 800 is built with a Hardened Anti-Drill Plate and high-density metal. It is designed to take a physical beating and stay locked.
If you are looking for standard privacy, Grade 2 is acceptable. But if you are looking for true security a lock that actively fights against drilling and prying the Grade 1 Mul-T-Lock 800 is the investment that protects your home and family.
The Mul-T-Lock MTL-800 is fully ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Certified.
| Material | Solid Brass Body & Plug, Nickel Silver and Stainless Steel Pins |
|---|---|
| Cylinder Platform | MTL-800 (Evolution of the MT5+ platform) |
| Keyway Type | Patented Double-Sided Flat Key with Moving Alpha Spring |
| Finishes | Shiny Brass, Antique Brass, Satin Nickel, Shiny Chrome, Matte Black |
| Compliance | ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, UL 437 (Pick/Drill Resistance) |
| Pin Technology | Telescopic Pin-in-Pin + Alpha Spring + Locking Bar |
Security challenges in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles require more than standard hardware. From Santa Monica storefronts to Hollywood Hills estates, the demand for restricted keyways and drill-resistant cylinders has surged. This guide details why the MTL-800 is the preferred choice for Mul-T-Lock installers in Los Angeles.
The urban density of Los Angeles creates unique security vectors. Burglary statistics in LA County suggest a high prevalence of “brute force” entry and “lock bumping.” Standard Grade 2 locks, commonly found in big-box stores, often fail against these specific attack methods. A Grade 1 cylinder like the MTL-800 provides the necessary physical resistance to withstand forced entry attempts that would shatter lesser hardware.
Furthermore, the “800,000 cycle” requirement for Grade 1 is not just a number—it represents longevity in the corrosive coastal air of Los Angeles. Salt air can seize internal tumblers in cheaper locks; the solid brass and nickel silver construction of the MTL-800 resists environmental corrosion, ensuring smooth operation for decades.
Lock bumping is a technique where a specially cut key is inserted and struck to jump the pins, allowing the cylinder to turn. It is a silent and fast method of entry. The MTL-800 utilizes a locking bar mechanism and telescopic pins that render bumping physically impossible. The pins must not only be raised to a specific height but also rotated and compressed simultaneously—a feat a bump key cannot achieve. For Los Angeles homeowners, this provides peace of mind that silence does not equal vulnerability.
One of the primary reasons businesses seek Mul-T-Lock installations in Los Angeles is unauthorized key duplication. With standard keys, an employee or tenant can visit a kiosk and duplicate a key in minutes. The MTL-800 system uses a patented magnetic card system. Keys can only be duplicated by authorized Mul-T-Lock dealers upon presentation of the unique magnetic key card. This “Chain of Custody” is essential for commercial buildings in Downtown LA, ensuring that when an employee leaves, you know exactly how many keys are in circulation.
Installing a high-security cylinder like the MTL-800 is not a DIY project. The tolerances within the cylinder are measured in microns. Improper alignment of the deadbolt or mortise cylinder can apply shear force to the pins, causing premature wear or lockout.
Professional Mul-T-Lock installers in Los Angeles follow a specific protocol:
Door Assessment: Ensuring the door material (solid wood or hollow metal) can support the hardware without warping.
Strike Plate Reinforcement: A lock is only as strong as the frame. Installers typically reinforce the strike plate with 3-inch screws to anchor it to the structural studs of the building, not just the door jamb.
Cylinder Calibration: Adjusting the tailpiece to the correct length to ensure the Alpha Spring engages smoothly without friction.
Modern security is hybrid. The MTL-800 is often used in conjunction with CLIQ technology or electronic access control systems. In many high-end Los Angeles renovations, the MTL-800 serves as the physical override for electronic strikes, providing a fail-secure layer that does not rely on electricity or Wi-Fi. This mechanical redundancy is critical during power outages or network failures.
Many users ask about the difference between the legacy MT5+ and the new MTL-800. While they share the core Alpha Spring technology, the MTL-800 represents a consolidation of the platform with tighter manufacturing tolerances and improved material composition for the sidebar mechanism. It is backward compatible in many master key systems, allowing facilities to upgrade gradually.
To maintain the 800,000-cycle lifespan, maintenance is required. Do not use graphite powder, as it clumps with humidity. Authorized installers recommend a specific PTFE-based lubricant applied once annually. This is particularly important in the dusty canyons of Los Angeles or coastal areas like Venice Beach.
Insurance Discounts: Many insurance carriers offer premiums reductions for homes equipped with ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts.
Resale Value: High-security hardware is a tangible asset in luxury real estate listings.
Personal Safety: The psychological benefit of knowing your lock cannot be picked or bumped is immeasurable.
Find an authorized Mul-T-Lock professional in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Culver City, Calabasas, Canyon Country, Century City, Encino, Glendale, Granada Hills, Hollywood, Lake Balboa, Los Angeles, Malibu, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacific Palisades, Pacoima, Pasadena, Reseda, San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks, Sylmar, Stevenson Ranch, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sunland, Tarzana, Thousand Oaks, Toluca Lake, Topanga, Tujunga, Universal City, Valencia, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Venice, West Hills, West Hollywood, Westlake Village, Westwood, Winnetka, Woodland Hills
