Most gear sites claim they “tested 27 products.” We won’t insult your intelligence.
What we actually do
- Start with the specs. Weight, dimensions, materials, security ratings, compatibility — the numbers manufacturers publish. We put competing products side by side so differences are visible, not vibes-based.
- Lean on independent certifications. A Sold Secure Gold or ART 2-star rating comes from labs that attack locks for a living. That means more than any blogger’s opinion, including ours.
- Aggregate owner feedback. We read hundreds of verified-purchase reviews and owner forums, looking for patterns: what breaks, what’s annoying, what people rebuy.
- Flag what we don’t know. If a claim needs hands-on testing we haven’t done, we say so — and point you to who has tested it.
What we don’t do
- We don’t invent test results.
- We don’t rank by commission. Affiliate relationships never determine order — if a non-commissioned product wins, it wins.
- We don’t cover batteries or chargers beyond safety-certification guidance (UL 2271/2272, and state rules like California’s). Fire safety isn’t a review category.
How we make money
When you buy through links on this site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It keeps the lights on and never influences rankings. Full details on our affiliate disclosure page.