Security in residential and commercial environments is essential, and often we rely on a mere lock to keep our family and belongings secure. With the numerous options available, the choice of a fail proof lock can be overwhelming.
Two names that often come up in high-security lock conversations are Medeco and Schlage. Let’s delve deep into a comparison between their latest high-security platforms, Medeco 4 Maxum and Schlage Primus, to understand what sets them apart.
| Medeco M4 Maxum | Schlage Primus | |
| Design | Two Locking Mechanisms: Primary and Secondary Cut | Secondary, Independent Sidebar and Finger Pin Locking Mechanism |
| Keying & Master Keying | 10 Possible Positions; 9 Million Theoretical Combinations | Unique Factory-milled Side Bitting |
| Servicing | Uses the Same Bottom, Master, and Top Pins as Biaxial and M3 | Uses Six Standard Key Cuts |
| Security | ANSI/BHMA A156.30 and 156.5 Certified; UL 437 Listed | Optional UL 437 Listed Cylinders |
| Convenience | Compatible with Previous Medeco Platforms | Compatibility with Non-Primus Everest 29 and Legacy Everest Cylinders |
Table: Overview of Specifications
Construction and Design
Medeco 4 (M4)
Medeco, a veteran in the high-security lock industry, launched its fourth-generation platform, Medeco 4 Maxum (or M4), in January 2021. This platform centers around a sidebar design that includes two locking mechanisms – primary cuts and secondary cuts or sidecuts.
The primary cuts in M4 use the same fore and aft configurations of left, right, and center angled cuts and corresponding pins that were introduced with the Biaxial platform nearly 40 years ago.
Secondary cuts, or sidecuts, feature finger pins with three possible depths, and among these is a permanently retained, stainless steel key movable element (ME), offering protection against 3D-printed key copies.
M4 shares a lot in common with its predecessors, Biaxial and M3, using the same bottom, master, and top pins, as well as the same spacing and depths.
This compatibility also implies that machines capable of cutting Biaxial and M3 keys can also cut M4 keys with the appropriate jaw or jaw accessory.
Schlage Primus
On the other side, we have Schlage Primus, an equally robust high-security lock platform known for its patented key duplication protection. It also features a secondary, independent sidebar and finger pin locking mechanism to safeguard against picking and bumping.
Primus keys have a unique factory-milled side bitting design that is geographically defined and can be made exclusive to the user at a local or even national level. This design helps in controlling unauthorized key duplication, providing an additional layer of security.
The platform uses six standard key cuts, negating the need for special key duplication equipment.
In my opinion the Medeco 4 has a more fail-proof design.
Keying and Master Keying
Medeco 4 (M4)
M4 offers the largest theoretical keying capacities of any mechanical Medeco platform, making it an ideal solution for those supplying Medeco products for masterkey systems.
With ten possible positions (six primary cuts plus four secondary cuts), M4 cylinders and keys can provide up to 9 million theoretical combinations in a two-level master key system.
This number is significantly higher than its predecessor platforms, Biaxial and M3, which offer 1 million and 6 million theoretical combinations, respectively, under the same criteria.
This boost in keying capacities comes from mastered finger pins that allow cylinders to accommodate keys with different side cuts.
Schlage Primus
In contrast, Schlage Primus offers convenience in key control and management using the website “restrictedproduct.allegion.com”. Schlage’s SiteMaster 200® software aids in setting up and managing the entire key system.
Primus XP keys are also compatible with non-Primus Everest 29 and legacy Everest cylinders, simplifying the key management process.
Servicing
Medeco 4 (M4)
From a servicing perspective, M4 scores high as it utilizes the same bottom, master, and top pins as Biaxial and M3. Thus, if a locksmith is equipped to pin either Biaxial or M3, they’re set to pin M4 as well.
M4 comes preloaded with finger pins, meaning locksmiths won’t have to bother with anything beyond the primary pins, springs, and caps unless they build highly complex masterkey systems.
For those who do, Medeco provides a detailed guide in the Medeco 4 Technical Information Manual.
Schlage Primus
Schlage Primus’s design ensures it can be applied to any Schlage key-in-lever, rim, or mortise need. This modular nature makes it a versatile solution for various security applications.
The platform is also designed to be master keyed in open or restricted keyways options.
In a nutshell, both locks are equally easy to be serviced and master keyed.
Cutting Keys
Medeco 4 (M4)
For key cutting, Medeco offers an M4 quick-change vise jaw that allows locksmiths to cut M4 keys using their existing Medeco Biaxial/M3 key machines.
Additionally, several aftermarket key machines can also cut M4 keys through the purchase of a new jaw from the manufacturer. These include the Framon KX-1 and HPC Blitz, CodeMax, and Tiger SHARK2.
Schlage Primus
In contrast, Schlage Primus keys utilize six standard key cuts, eliminating the need for special key duplication equipment. This feature significantly simplifies the key-cutting process.
Security
Both locking systems meet or exceed industry security standards. The Medeco 4 is ANSI/BHMA A156.30 and 156.5 certified and UL 437 listed.
Schlage Primus also offers an optional UL 437 listed cylinder that features hardened steel, anti-drill pins, making it pick-resistant, drill-resistant, and capable of withstanding extreme physical attacks.
This also means that you have to pay extra for the optional upgrade, which makes the Medeco a clear winner in the security department.
Convenience
The M4 platform shares many similarities with its predecessors, making it a familiar system for those who have worked with Biaxial and M3 platforms.
The M4’s compatibility with previous Medeco key machines also makes it a more seamless transition for those looking to upgrade their security.
Adding to the positives, Schlage Primus provides additional convenience by ensuring that Primus XP keys are compatible with non-Primus Everest 29 and legacy Everest cylinders sharing the same keyway family.
Furthermore, Primus keys can work with non-Primus cylinders, eliminating the need for a complete re-key in certain scenarios.
All in all, convenience will never be an issue if you go for either of them.
Price and Value for Money
Medeco M4 costs close to $150 while the Schlage alternative is around $30-50 more epxensive than it, depending on where you buy them from.
This puts Medeco in the lead, because the difference in price is not trivial, especially when you are buying multiple locks for your entire home. This does not even factor in the premuim you will have to pay if you get the UL-437 listed Primus.
Thus, Medeco M4 is a clear winner, not only in terms of the price but also the value for money, as it has a more durable build and excels in the security aspect as well. You can click on the image below to check the updated price of M4 from Amazon, which regularly offers it for a discount.
Final Verdict
Both the Medeco M4 and Schlage Primus stand out in the high-security locks market, offering robust security features and flexible keying options. However, the choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
If you’re a person who feels safe with complex combinations, Medeco 4 would be the one. It also provides a higher value for money and, arguably, is more secure.
On the contrary, if you’re looking for a more user-focused designed and innovative lock, then Schlage Primus would be the better bet.
I, being a security geek, would go for Medeco 4 Maxum Lock, because of its ANSI/BHMA A156.5, Grade 1 rating and UL437 Listing.
Also, I believe thoughtful homeowners would not mind a bit of extra complexity to add a whole new layer of security to their homes. You can click here to buy Medeco M4 from Amazon, at the lowest possible price.
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