Expert Installation of Grade 1 Deadbolts in Los Angeles & Sherman Oaks

In the world of high security, not all locks are created equal. While many brands offer a basic level of protection, only a select few deliver a truly comprehensive security ecosystem designed to defeat a wide array of threats. Mul-T-Lock® has been a global leader in this elite category for nearly five decades, engineering innovative and robust locking solutions for residential, commercial, and institutional use. At Guardian Angel Locksmith, we are a fully authorized dealer and professional installer of Mul-T-Lock® products, and the Interactive+ platform is one of the most reliable and effective high-security solutions we recommend.

This guide will serve as a deep dive into the technology, hardware, and key control systems that make the Mul-T-Lock® Interactive+ a superior choice for securing your home or business. We will explore the advanced cylinder mechanism, the different types of Grade 1 Hercular deadbolts, and the critical importance of the patented key authorization system that puts you in absolute control of your property’s security.

A Critical Security Alert: Is Your Older Mul-T-Lock® System Still Secure?

Before exploring the features of the current platform, it is crucial to address an important security update. The Mul-T-Lock® Interactive+ is one of the most commonly sold products when it comes to high security solutions. This reliable platform offers a unique, double locking mechanism, enhanced key control, and patented laser cut keys. One important thing to note is that the Interactive®+ platform has replaced the original Interactive® platform, which is no longer patent-protected (as of 2014).

Why does this matter? A patent is the legal foundation of true key control. Once a patent expires, any manufacturer can legally produce duplicate key blanks, which completely undermines the system’s security against unauthorized key copying. If you currently have the older Interactive® technology, your keys can potentially be duplicated without your knowledge or consent. We highly recommend upgrading to the currently patented MT5®+ or Interactive®+ platforms to restore the integrity of your key control. As an authorized dealer, Guardian Angel Locksmith can assess your current system and provide a seamless upgrade path.

The Heart of the Lock: The Unrivaled Interactive+ Cylinder

The design of the Mul-T-Lock® cylinders are state of the art and truly unrivaled. The security of the entire system begins with the genius of its core component: the lock cylinder. This is where the interaction between the key and the locking mechanism occurs, and where the resistance to covert attacks like picking and bumping is determined.

The Double Locking Mechanism: Telescopic Pins Explained

The Mul-T-Lock® Interactive®+ cylinders have a special telescopic pin tumbler mechanism with both internal and external pins. No other high security manufacturer does this. While a standard lock uses a single, solid pin that must be lifted to one position (the shear line), Mul-T-Lock’s design uses a sophisticated pin-within-a-pin system. This means that for the lock to open, both the internal and external shear lines must be aligned simultaneously. This dual-alignment requirement exponentially increases the number of possible key combinations and makes the lock incredibly difficult for a criminal to manipulate with standard picking tools.

The “Virtual Combination”: The Patented Floating Disk Key

The design of the Interactive®+ key is equally as impressive. Adding another layer of sophisticated security, the cylinder mechanism contains a spring-loaded, unique pin designed to interact with a special patented floating disk embedded within the key itself.

When the key is inserted into the lock, this floating disk must be present in the correct position to create a “virtual combination” and align the final locking component. This means the lock is not just reading the cuts on the key’s blade; it’s physically interacting with a moving part inside the key. This technology provides an exceptionally strong defense against 3D-printed keys and other advanced bypass techniques.

The Hardware: The Hercular Grade 1 Deadbolt

A high-security cylinder needs to be housed in equally robust hardware. The Mul-T-Lock® Grade 1 Hercular deadbolt is hands down the most versatile, and heavy duty deadbolt available. This isn’t your typical Home Depot or Lowes brand deadbolt; this is Mul-T-Lock® high-security, designed to keep intruders out with quality material and technology that has been independently tested and certified to meet the industry’s highest standard: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1.

Mul-T-Lock® Grade 1 – Single Cylinder Deadbolt

This is the most common and widely recommended configuration for residential and most commercial doors. It features a keyway on the exterior and a user-friendly thumbturn on the interior. The Mul-T-Lock® Grade 1 deadbolt boasts a heavy duty drill and pick resistant cylinder, and a robust ball bearing deadbolt.

This interlocking ball bearing mechanism helps to securely lock the bolt into the strike plate, preventing it from being pried, forced back, or compromised by kick-ins and crowbar attacks. The iconic laser cut keys provide the ultimate in key control. This setup provides the perfect balance of high security against external threats and safe, easy egress in an emergency, which is often required by fire codes.

Mul-T-Lock® Grade 1 – Double Cylinder Deadbolt

The Mul-T-Lock® Grade 1 double cylinder deadbolt is ideal for maximum security applications. This configuration features a keyway on both the outside and the inside of the door. When the bolt is thrown, you need a key to either enter or exit the building. This is a critical security feature for doors with glass panels or sidelights, as it prevents an intruder from breaking the glass, reaching in, and unlocking the door via a thumbturn.

However, due to California Building Codes, this type of deadbolt can only be used for specific purposes. For example, you would not be able to use this on a primary residential or commercial exit door, where free egress is required in case of a fire. Our expert technicians can advise you on where a double cylinder deadbolt can be safely and legally installed to provide the highest level of security.

Mul-T-Lock® Grade 1 – Captive Deadbolt

The Mul-T-Lock® captive deadbolt is an ingenious hybrid solution that offers the benefits of both a single and double cylinder deadbolt. The inside part of the Hercular incorporates two cylinders. When the user wants the Hercular to act as a Single Cylinder Deadbolt for safe and easy exit, they will insert a special key with a thumbturn attached to it into the central cylinder. A piece inside the lock captures this key, allowing it to function as a normal thumbturn.

When the user would like to convert the Hercular into a Double Cylinder application for maximum security (for example, when leaving for vacation), they simply insert their normal key into the other cylinder on the inside, turn it, and the thumbturn key is released and can be removed. This makes the Hercular into a Double Cylinder Deadbolt and provides the security of a double-sided lock without violating building codes, as the thumbturn can be left in for daily use.

The Final Control Layer: The Mul-T-Lock Key Authorization System

 

 

The Concept of True Key Control

 

After hardening the door assembly against forced entry and installing a cylinder resistant to covert manipulation, one final layer of security remains: procedural control. The most sophisticated mechanical lock in the world is rendered worthless if unauthorized individuals can easily obtain a copy of the key. True key control is the system that prevents this from happening.

 

The Mul-T-Lock® Key Order Card

 

The cornerstone of Mul-T-Lock’s system is the Key Order Card. With every new Mul-T-Lock® cylinder or system, the owner is issued a unique, credit card-style authorization card that contains a specific magnetic code tied to that exact lock. This card is the sole and absolute proof of authority required to obtain duplicate keys. Its purpose is to ensure that only the registered owner of the lock system can authorize the creation of new keys.   

 

The Role of the Authorized Dealer

 

This system is enforced through a strict, closed-loop protocol involving a network of authorized dealers. As an authorized Mul-T-Lock® dealer, Guardian Angel Locksmith is contractually and ethically obligated to refuse any request for a key copy if the valid Key Order Card is not presented and verified.

The magnetic code on the card is read by a proprietary key-cutting machine that is programmed to cut the key only after successful authentication. This meticulous process removes the possibility of unauthorized duplication and places the power of access management firmly and exclusively in the hands of the property owner. It provides unparalleled peace of mind, ensuring that the security perimeter is protected not only by superior hardware but also by an unbreachable procedural protocol.