Medeco vs. Schlage Primus vs. Mul-T-Lock — Which High-Security Lock for Your Fort Collins Home?

If you've decided to upgrade beyond a standard Kwikset or Schlage Plymouth deadbolt, you're looking at three serious options: Medeco, Schlage Primus, and Mul-T-Lock. All three are excellent. Choosing between them depends on what threat model matters most to you. Here's the honest comparison from someone who installs all three.

Medeco Maxum / M3 — Best for Key Control

Medeco's signature is angled pin cuts that rotate as they elevate — making picking and impressioning extraordinarily hard. The M3 keyway is restricted: keys can only be cut by authorized Medeco dealers with your signature on file. If you want maximum protection against unauthorized duplication (e.g., contractors, ex-partners, cleaning staff), Medeco wins. Downside: keys cost $20-$35 each to duplicate, and only an authorized dealer can do it.

Schlage Primus XP — Best Balance of Security + Convenience

Primus combines standard pin tumblers with side-bar finger pins for an additional bypass layer. UL 437 certified pick + drill resistance. Primus keys are restricted (signature card on file with dealer) but cheaper to duplicate than Medeco ($12-$20). Schlage Primus is our most-installed high-security lock for Fort Collins homes — best balance of true security + practical key control.

Mul-T-Lock MT5+ — Best for Bump + Pick Resistance

Mul-T-Lock uses interactive pin tumblers + telescoping pins — picking takes specialized tools and 30+ minutes for an expert. The MT5+ is rated against destructive bypass at the highest residential tier. Israeli-engineered, used in Israeli government buildings. Downside: aesthetics — the cylinder face is wider than US-standard, may require frame adjustment on older Fort Collins homes.

Real Fort Collins Recommendations

For Old Town historic homes with door-frame constraints: Schlage Primus (fits standard hardware). For high-value contents (jewelry, firearms, art): Medeco M3 with key signature control. For maximum-paranoia security buffs: Mul-T-Lock MT5+. For rental properties with frequent tenant turnover: Schlage Primus (easier to rekey, cheaper to duplicate).

What Most Fort Collins Homes Actually Need

Honest answer: 95% of Fort Collins residential burglaries are smash-and-grab — broken window, kicked door, or unlocked garage. The lock cylinder almost never matters. Spend money on: (1) reinforced strike plates with 3-inch screws (huge upgrade for $20), (2) a quality deadbolt (not the kitchen-drawer special), (3) outdoor cameras, (4) a smart lock you'll actually use. THEN upgrade to high-security cylinders if you have specific contents to protect.

Installation + Pricing in Fort Collins

Schlage Primus deadbolt installed: $185-$245. Medeco M3 installed: $245-$385 (per cylinder). Mul-T-Lock MT5+ installed: $285-$425. Whole-home upgrade (4-6 cylinders): $850-$1,800. Worth it for the right home and threat model. Not worth it for a typical 1,500 sq ft Fort Collins home with no high-value contents.

If you're not sure what you need, call us at (970) 397-2002. Owner Omer will do a 15-minute walk-around assessment of your Fort Collins home and recommend what's appropriate — including telling you "keep what you have and just install a Ring camera." We make money from real solutions, not from overselling.