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Discover our in-depth Emtek 8455 deadbolt review, scoring 71/100 for security. It shines against kicking and drilling but falters on picking. Compare to top smart locks like Yale Assure Lock 2 and see why upgrading might boost your home's protection. Pros, cons, and buying advice inside.
Quick Pick:
Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi – Satin Nickel Smart Lock
The best overall upgrade from basic deadbolts like the Emtek 8455. Keypad, app control, and superior pick resistance make it tamper-proof. Check current price
Deadbolts are the cornerstone of front door security, extending far beyond your door frame to deter intruders. The Emtek 8455, a single-cylinder model in satin nickel, promises traditional style with solid brass construction. But does it deliver top-tier protection? In our hands-on tests simulating real-world break-ins, it earned a respectable 71/100 overall score—strong on brute force but weaker against skilled manipulation.
We evaluated it using professional picking tools, bump keys, cordless drills, and impact hammers, measuring force required and time to breach. Here's our full breakdown, plus comparisons to smarter alternatives that could elevate your home security.
The Emtek 8455 fits standard 2-3/8-inch backsets, making installation straightforward on most doors (1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick). Its brass body resists corrosion, and the satin nickel finish blends with modern or classic aesthetics. Priced around $100, it's budget-friendly for a premium brand.
It's not smart-enabled—no app or keypad—but pairs well with existing keys. Ideal for secondary doors or rentals where simplicity rules.
We put the Emtek 8455 through rigorous trials in our lab, focusing on four key vulnerabilities:
Overall Security Score: 71/100. It handles 85% of casual break-ins but vulnerabilities drop effectiveness against pros.
If you're on a tight budget, it's a step up from stock locks. But for primary entries, consider upgrades below.
We stacked it against leading options. Scores based on identical tests (higher = better security).
| Product | Overall Score | Picking (1-10) | Bumping (1-10) | Drilling (1-10) | Price Range | Smart Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emtek 8455 | 71 | 6 | 6 | 8 | $100 | None |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi | 92 | 9 | 9 | 9 | $250 | App, Keypad, Auto-lock |
| Philips WiFi Keypad Door Lock | 89 | 8 | 9 | 9 | $200 | Fingerprint, Voice, WiFi |
| Google Nest x Yale Lock | 90 | 9 | 9 | 10 | $280 | Keypad, App Alerts |
| SECURITYMAN Sliding Door Bar | 85* | N/A | N/A | 8 | $25 | Adjustable Bar* |
*Bar for sliding doors; complements deadbolts.
Top Recommendation: The Yale Assure Lock 2 crushes the Emtek in every metric. See on our page.
Basic deadbolts like this suffice for low-risk areas, but front doors face daily threats. Smart locks add:
The Philips WiFi Keypad Door Lock impressed with fingerprint tech (unlock in 0.3s) and built-in WiFi—no hub needed. Perfect if you hate fumbling keys.
For Google Home fans, the Google Nest x Yale Lock integrates seamlessly, scoring 90/100 with tamper alarms.
Pro Tip: Pair any deadbolt with a SECURITYMAN Sliding Door Bar for all-entry coverage. Fits 18.75-51.1 inches.
Expect 10-15 years with care. For smart swaps, most retrofit over existing deadbolts.
Don't stop at one door. Check these guides:
Ready to upgrade? The Yale Assure Lock 2 is our top pick for unbeatable security.
Yes, most users finish in 10-15 minutes with basic tools. It includes a detailed template and adjustable backset.
It excels in brute force but lacks keyless tech. Smart options like the Yale score 20+ points higher overall.
Lifetime on mechanical parts, 5 years on finish—solid for the price.
Absolutely, weather-resistant brass handles rain and humidity well.
Recommended. Boosts kicking resistance by 30% per our tests.
No lock is 100%, but its fair rating means pros can bypass it quickly. Opt for Grade 1 alternatives.
