EMTEK Ellington Deadbolt Review: Grade 3 Security with Installation Flexibility

The EMTEK Ellington Deadbolt delivers adjustable backset installation options and Grade 3 residential security for Montana contractors handling everything from remodels to new construction. The adjustable 2-3/8” or 2-3/4” backset accommodates various door preparations without additional modifications, while solid brass construction handles temperature swings from -30°F winters to 100°F summers.

This single cylinder deadbolt fits standard doors 1-3/8” to 1-3/4” thick and includes an extension collar for thinner doors. The hardware works for both left and right-handed doors without modification. Four finish options include Satin Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Flat Black, and Polished Chrome.

Installation Flexibility Saves Time on Site

The Ellington’s adjustable design eliminates common installation headaches. The adjustable tubular latch accommodates both 2-3/8” and 2-3/4” backsets, meaning contractors don’t need to stock multiple deadbolt models for different door preps. Standard 2-1/8” face bore and 1” edge bore requirements match typical door preparation specs.

The universal handing fits both right- and left-handed doors, cutting inventory requirements in half. The removable cylinder allows tool-free re-keying — useful when homeowners want to match existing keys or contractors need to re-key multiple units quickly.

Installation Specification	Value
Face bore required	2-1/8”
Edge bore required	1”
Backset options	2-3/8” or 2-3/4”
Door thickness range	1-3/8” to 1-3/4”
Exterior projection	3/4”
Interior projection	1-3/16”

The included extension collar handles installations on doors thinner than 1-3/8”. No special ordering required.

Grade 3 Security Specs Match Residential Needs

ANSI/BHMA Grade 3 certification positions this deadbolt for residential security applications. The certification means the lock passed 120,000 cycles of operation testing and withstood 150 pound-force applied to the bolt. Not bank vault security, but appropriate for Montana’s lower-crime rural areas while meeting code requirements.

The 1” throw hardened steel bolt with radius corner design provides standard residential protection. Standard Schlage C (SC1) keyway comes default, with optional Kwikset (KW1) or Weiser (WR5) keyways available. This flexibility matters when matching existing hardware or meeting homeowner preferences.

Single cylinder design features a key on the exterior and thumbturn on the interior — the standard configuration for residential entry doors where egress requirements prevent double-cylinder installations.

Solid Brass Beats Pot Metal in Montana Weather

The solid brass collar and rosette construction outperforms zinc alloy alternatives when facing Montana’s temperature extremes. Brass maintains dimensional stability through freeze-thaw cycles that can cause cheaper metals to crack or deform.

EMTEK backs the mechanical components with a Limited Lifetime Mechanical Warranty and provides a 5-Year Finish Warranty. The finish warranty excludes living finishes like Oil Rubbed Bronze if intended to patina — an important distinction since many homeowners expect bronze finishes to change over time.

The warranty coverage reflects confidence in the brass construction. Pot metal deadbolts often fail at the 5-7 year mark when internal components corrode. Solid brass internals resist corrosion better, especially in homes where winter humidity from wood stoves accelerates metal degradation.

FAQs

What’s included with the EMTEK Ellington Deadbolt? The kit includes deadbolt exterior and interior assemblies, adjustable tubular latch, strike plate, mounting hardware (screws), keys, and an extension collar for thin doors.

Does this deadbolt work with existing Schlage keys? Yes. The standard keyway is Schlage C (SC1), compatible with most residential Schlage locks. Optional Kwikset (KW1) or Weiser (WR5) keyways are available if you need to match other brands.

Can I install this on a 1-1/4” thick door? Yes. The deadbolt fits standard doors 1-3/8” to 1-3/4” thick and includes an extension collar for thinner doors.

What’s the actual security level of Grade 3? ANSI/BHMA Grade 3 represents residential security and value. It’s tested to 120,000 cycles and 150 pounds of force on the bolt. Appropriate for residential applications, not commercial high-security needs.

Which finish holds up best in Montana? Satin Nickel (US15) typically shows the least wear over time. Oil Rubbed Bronze (US10B) is designed to patina and change, which isn’t covered under the 5-year finish warranty. Flat Black (US19) and Polished Chrome (US26) require more maintenance to keep looking fresh.