Ask FlipLok

Question 1

What is FlipLok?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok is an ultra-fast, mechanical secondary door lock that secures a room with a single flip, in about one to two seconds, with no keys, codes, batteries or electronics. It's used as a lockdown solution in schools and to secure homes, apartments, dorms and offices.

Question 2

What problem does FlipLok solve?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok is built for the critical moments when a room needs to be secured instantly. Where keys, codes or electronics can be slow or fail, FlipLok locks a door in seconds with one simple motion, so teachers, staff or families can protect a room fast.

Question 3

Who created FlipLok?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok was created by founder Anna, a mother and bonus mom of six, after an active-threat warning hit too close to home. She and her husband set out to build the simplest, most reliable way to protect a room.

Question 4

Where is FlipLok based?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok is based in Houston, Texas, at 3250 Bingle Rd., Houston, TX 77055. You can reach the team at (713) 977-1111.

Question 5

Is FlipLok used in schools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. According to the company, FlipLok has been deployed in 500+ schools and is growing, with zero reported failures. It's designed to turn any classroom into a saferoom.

Question 6

Is FlipLok patented?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok is protected by U.S. Patent #11,447,993 B1.

Question 7

How does FlipLok work?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok secures a door with one smooth flip, engaging in about one to two seconds. It's purely mechanical, with no keys, codes, batteries or electronics, and it can be deactivated from inside the room, with a visual indicator showing when it's active.

Question 8

How fast does FlipLok lock?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok engages in roughly one to two seconds with a single flip, far faster than fumbling with keys, codes or electronic locks.

Question 9

Does FlipLok need power or batteries?

Accepted Answer

No. FlipLok is entirely mechanical, with no batteries, no electronics and no Wi-Fi, so there's nothing to charge, update or fail, and zero maintenance.

Question 10

Do you need keys or codes to use it?

Accepted Answer

No. FlipLok locks a room with a simple flip, with no keys or codes required, so anyone in the room can secure it instantly, with no special training.

Question 11

Can FlipLok be unlocked from inside?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok can be deactivated from inside the room so people can exit, and it shows a visual indicator when it's engaged.

Question 12

How do first responders get in?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok includes a keyed unlocking mechanism designed so first responders can open the door safely without excessive force. The unlocking method and key are kept from the public; school officials can contact the team for details.

Question 13

What doors does FlipLok fit?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok makes models for both inward and outward opening doors, and it's used on residential and commercial doors alike, at homes, apartments, dorms, schools and offices.

Question 14

How is FlipLok installed?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok installs in under 10 minutes on an existing door using simple screws and alignment, with no complex hardware changes. It's a quick retrofit, and it's 100% reversible.

Question 15

Is installation reversible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok installation is 100% reversible, so it can be removed without leaving major modifications, which also makes it friendly for renters.

Question 16

Can I install FlipLok myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok is designed for simple DIY installation in minutes with basic screws, and written guides and a how-to video are available. For schools, professional installation is also offered.

Question 17

Will FlipLok damage my door?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok is a quick retrofit that mounts with simple screws and no major modifications, and it's 100% reversible. For questions about a specific door, contact the FlipLok team.

Question 18

How strong is FlipLok?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok is built to hold under real force. The company states it is 10 times stronger than a standard deadbolt, resists 1,600+ lbs in residential use, and its tamper-resistant design has withstood over 2,000 lbs of force in testing.

Question 19

How does FlipLok compare to other locks?

Accepted Answer

Per the company's comparison, FlipLok engages in under two seconds (versus 3-10 seconds for electronic locks and 5-15 for traditional locks) and resists far more force, with zero maintenance and no power required.

Question 20

How reliable is FlipLok?

Accepted Answer

The company reports FlipLok has been deployed in 500+ schools with zero reported failures, and because it's purely mechanical, there are no batteries or electronics to fail and zero maintenance.

Question 21

Is FlipLok tamper-resistant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok has a tamper-resistant design that the company says has withstood over 2,000 lbs of force.

Question 22

Is FlipLok fire-code compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok is fire-code approved and, per the company, complies with NFPA 101 (the Life Safety Code), the IBC and local fire codes, and is ADA compliant for classroom use.

Question 23

Does it keep emergency exits usable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok is designed to preserve emergency egress, doors can still be opened from the inside for evacuation, which is central to its fire-code and life-safety compliance.

Question 24

Is FlipLok ADA compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok states it is ADA compliant and approved for classroom use, meeting IBC, NFPA and ADA requirements.

Question 25

Will my fire marshal approve FlipLok?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok is designed to meet NFPA 101, IBC and local fire codes and to keep egress available. Requirements can vary locally, so FlipLok recommends school officials contact the team with specific questions for their jurisdiction.

Question 26

How does FlipLok work for schools?

Accepted Answer

In a lockdown, a teacher, student or staff member secures the classroom door with a single flip in seconds, no keys, power or training needed, with a visual indicator showing it's active. It keeps emergency egress available and can be released from inside. Schools can get professional installation and a demo.

Question 27

Does FlipLok offer professional installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok's team can install FlipLoks throughout an entire school in less than a day, or train your staff, engineers, custodians or teachers to install them. It's a quick retrofit to existing doors.

Question 28

Do you work with districts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok works with districts of all sizes, from a single school to large multi-campus districts, with volume pricing for district-wide rollouts and coordinated, simultaneous installations across campuses.

Question 29

Is there training for staff?

Accepted Answer

Activation needs no special training, and FlipLok offers centralized training and ongoing support for districts, including guidance on when to activate to limit false alarms.

Question 30

How do I request a school demo?

Accepted Answer

Use the contact form at fliplok.com, call (713) 977-1111 or email Info@FlipLok.com to request a demo. You can also leave your details here and the team will follow up about a demo and district pricing.

Question 31

How does FlipLok fit into our safety plan?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok is a fast, reliable secondary lock that complements a school's broader safety plan: it secures doors instantly, keeps egress available, can be released from inside, and allows first-responder access. The team can advise on activation guidance and rollout.

Question 32

What models of FlipLok are there?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok offers an Outward Lock and an Inward Lock (including the Inward Lock 2.0) for outward- and inward-opening doors, plus HomeLok for securing residential doors. Contact the team to match the right model to your door.

Question 33

What is HomeLok?

Accepted Answer

HomeLok is FlipLok's residential option, letting you secure your home's doors with the same one-flip simplicity, installed yourself in minutes.

Question 34

What is the Inward Lock 2.0?

Accepted Answer

The Inward Lock 2.0 is an updated version of FlipLok's inward-opening door lock. Contact the team or see the website for the latest details on each model.

Question 35

Which FlipLok do I need for my door?

Accepted Answer

It depends on whether your door opens inward or outward and whether it's residential or commercial. Use the "Where will you use FlipLok?" section on this page, or contact the team and they'll match the right model to your door.

Question 36

How do I buy FlipLok?

Accepted Answer

You can buy FlipLok through the online store at fliplok.com/shop-fliplok, or on Amazon (linked from the website). Schools and districts can request a demo and a quote through the contact form.

Question 37

How much does FlipLok cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the model and quantity, and schools and districts can get volume pricing. For current prices, see the online store at fliplok.com or request a quote from the team.

Question 38

Can I use FlipLok at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HomeLok lets you secure your home's doors with the same one-flip simplicity, with easy DIY installation. You can buy it from the online store or Amazon.

Question 39

Does FlipLok work for apartments and dorms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok is used in apartments and dorms, and because installation is 100% reversible, it's friendly for renters who can't make permanent changes.

Question 40

Can businesses use FlipLok?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FlipLok secures offices and institutional spaces, letting staff lock a room fast in an emergency with no keys, codes or power.

Question 41

What is your return or warranty policy?

Accepted Answer

For current warranty, return and shipping details, please see the policies on fliplok.com or contact the FlipLok team directly.

Question 42

How do I contact FlipLok?

Accepted Answer

Call (713) 977-1111, email Info@FlipLok.com, or use the contact form at fliplok.com. The office is at 3250 Bingle Rd., Houston, TX 77055. You can also leave your details here and the team will follow up.

Question 43

Where can I follow FlipLok online?

Accepted Answer

FlipLok is on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, and is also on Amazon. Links are on the website.

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