Some are designed to be functional without drawing too much attention, while others are intended to be a beautiful addition to the overall look of the door. Many door entry sets include two different types of locks a deadbolt and a thumbscrew lock giving you two levels of protection. For more information on these specialty locks, check out our article on how to shop for mortise locks. To be truly secure, any exterior door needs a dead bolt. This Schlage comes with a 25-year warranty on its internal mechanism and a five-year warranty on its finish. A Grade 2 rating is more expensive and typically unnecessary. For my latest obsessions, follow me on Take some time to browse your options. Kwikset door hardware featuring Microban technology has an added layer of protection against the growth of bacteria to protect the hardware. And because a latch or bolt is only as strong as the strike plate it engages, make sure the lock you're considering comes with a heavy-duty plate and 3-in. If thieves use a saw on the bolt, the steel will resist the blade and the pin will spin, frustrating the cutting action of the saw. deadbolt handleset knob The rating must be for the entire lock. If you buy a lever-handle unitgreat for improving accessdetermine whether your door is a left- or right-hand model, then buy the appropriate handle. Weiser Lock's Powerbolt 3000 dead bolt can be unlocked by remote control. A homeowner may need to choose a keyless entry system to allow multiple users, or they may opt for a lock that coordinates with voice command apps on a phone or smart home assistant. Higher-end units typically feature solid, forged-brass components and a Grade 2 or even a Grade 1 (commercial duty) security rating. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. This prevents thieves from sheering the dead bolt off with repeated hammer blows. kwikset exterior handlesets hawthorne deadbolt smartkey handleset smt The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. While safety is certainly important, when it comes to dealing with those door entry sets day after day, convenience is the main factor that will affect your everyday experience. hole saw. Features to look for: Dual-torque springs to keep knobs from sagging or loosening with use over time. Grade 3 security is sufficient. Another terrific convenience is universal keying, which allows you to carry one house key despite having installed locks on other doors from different makers. They rely on proximity sensors to offer much of the same convenience as other keyless entry options, but without having to worry about remembering a code. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Still, the lock offers a number of useful features, including a touch-screen keypad for PINs, an access log to track who comes and goes, and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. high, with dead bolts 6 to 12 in. The cross-bore measurement refers to the size of the bore hole drilled through the door that will house the knob or deadbolt lock type. Heres what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. But the best front door lock set is a timeless, versatile hardware that will match your homes style for years to come. Most doors feature a round bore hole of 2 1/8 inches, though the hole can be made larger for some designs. A six-pin keying system, which is harder to pick than a five-pin system. A protective shroud behind the rose (the decorative circular collar mounted flush to the door). Look for Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. Look for ANSI/BHMA rated locks that have passed the American National Standards Institute security standards. Look for the security of a deadbolt with the modern design of an electronic lock. A free-spinning, sawproof, hardened-steel pin at the center of the bolt. That means youll need to connect it to a smart home hub that supports Z-Wave devices, such as a Samsung SmartThings smart home hub, Hubitat smart home hub, or Ring Alarm system. No matter what type of hardware you buy, there is a wide variety of styles available. With the nail mark as an indicator, drill a 5/8-in.-deep hole for the strike or a 1-in.-deep hole for the dead bolt using the 1-in. Shopping for home improvement essentials has never been easier. Features to look for: For most homes, a Grade 2 rating. Add to this moisture warm temperatures and mold spores (which are always in the air), and its the perfect storm for a mold infestation. The backset can be 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 in. If you do not receive the coupon soon, check your spam folder. The lever itself is very minimal in design but can be ornate in style, and the set is completed with a keyed deadbolt. The key can then turn and unlock the bolt. If youre replacing one set with another, it probably wont take very long. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. Read on to get the details on the types of entry door sets out there to find the best match for your home. Phone: (800) 375-3403, Email: cs@build.com402 Otterson Dr. STE 100, Chico, CA 95928 20002022 Build.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Grade 3 locks provide basic residential security. For the latest trends and design inspiration, sign up for the Build with Ferguson catalog or browse the online version today. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Decide for yourself what height is comfortable. Tired of running out of hot water? ; many locksets accommodate both. Where to Find It:Masco 841 E. Wyomissing Blvd. Deadbolts can be paired with door handlesets, knobs, or levers, to create a unique look that adds to the overall style of your home. Grade 2 locks provide high residential or light commercial security and are more difficult to pick. But dont overlook the importance of finding a lock that works smoothly enough for every member of the household to consistently use correctly. spade bit and drill through to the large hole where the cylinder will sit. It also performs poorly in our tests for ease of remote access and convenience. They're ideal for French doors, provided they work in tandem with a dead bolt and one door is fitted with an integrated vertical lock or slide bolts. Another important consideration when buying door hardware is how difficult it will be to install. Handlesets typically include a type of deadbolt lock and an elongated handle. Features to look for: A no-lockout or latch-kickoff feature that unlocks the door each time it's shutessential for push-button locking systems. The classic look of the door knob can be paired with keyless or keyed entry locks. Twitter (@danwroc). Secure it with 3-in.-long screws that go through the jamb into the framing. But picking the right lockset can be very confusing. Weve also included four models to skip. throw, which means the bolt extends a full 1 in. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar generators on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. This is referred to as a keyed entry lock. The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are third party organizations that test out most of the locks youll see on the market. I'm obsessed with smart home tech and channel my obsession into new stories for Consumer Reports. Matching the lock to the task is the key. Which Brands Make the Most Reliable Appliances? Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. These options are still strong on security, but can make getting in and out of your own home each day easier for you. Although not all break-ins are preventable, exterior locks and dead bolts are your most important line of defense. A keyless entry lock uses magnets rather than the tumbler system to move the bolt from inside the door to block into the jamb. Now that we know more about the different types of entry hardware sets, lets take a closer look at some of the important factors that you will need to consider as you browse for the right fit for your home. All rights reserved. There are stronger, more feature-rich smart locks worth considering. A tarnish-free finish and mechanical warranty (both lifetime). Consider whether the handles are pet-friendly to avoid unexpected escapes. A grade 3 lock is a perfect solution for a quiet rural apartment complex, while a grade 1 might better stand up to the traffic near a store front on a busy city street. They lock with a turn of a center knob, by push button or with a key. As such, most exterior door lock sets will be sized to fit these dimensions. An antitheft option you should look for on locksets or handle sets is a dead-locking latch bolt; it prevents burglars from jimmying the latch with a credit card. schlage handleset The shroud shields the lock mechanism even if the rose is pried off. Install the Hardware. The main drawback to choosing this entry hardware style is that they can be difficult to grasp and turn for those affected by arthritis or otherwise diminished hand strength or coordination. Smart locks are a subset of the keyless entry category and theyve become a much bigger part of the market in recent years. Proponents suggest hiding a key nearby, but building codes in many areas require single-cylinder units that have a turnpiece on the inside. Determining the right type of entry lock set for your home is more than just picking the one that looks best. The drawback of installing a lever handle is that, when the latch is unlocked, they can be very easy for pets and children to open as well. Most homeowners with just a little bit of DIY experience will likely be able to take care of installation themselves. An electronic door lock is very handy for people who are forgetful with their keys, or anyone that wants to make it easy for guests to be able to come and go as needed. Microbes, such as harmful bacteria, can be found on the surface of products used throughout the home. If trying to find your keys, whether in a purse or backpack, or while juggling groceries, or keeping track of rambunctious pets or kids, is a regular challenge, then youll be happier buying a keyless entry set. Handle sets always include a dead bolt. As for esthetics, look for dual-torque springs that prevent knobs from sagging and a no-tarnish lifetime finish. While keyless entry may rely on an entry pad to type a code, a smart look automatically unlocks the door when it detects your phone is within range, or with a simple tap of an app button on your phone screen. Some require specific reinforcement on installation as a way of adding security and may require the help of a professional. Check your email for a 5% off coupon code.If you dont see it, check your spam folder. Look to the customer reviews to see what people say about the installation process. If doors need only outward-facing knobs because spring catches or magnets are used instead of a latch-and-strike mechanism, buy a low-cost dummy knob that's surface-mounted and requires no drilling for latch installation. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Make sure you check the handing of your door and that the door hardware you buy is compatible with it. Andover Passage Door Knob Set with Decorative Addison Trim, Filmore Crystal Passage Door Knob Set with Premium 28 Estate Latch and Concealed Screws, Arts and Crafts Single Cylinder Keyed Entry Designer Brass Handleset, Hancock Keyed Entry Single Cylinder Knob Set with SmartKey, Camelot Electronic Keypad Single Cylinder Deadbolt, Contemporary Round Single Cylinder Keyed Entry Deadbolt, Connect Century Touchscreen Handleset with Latitude Lever, Decorative Century Rose, and Built-in Alarm, FREE Standard Ground Shipping on Orders over $49, See complete Promotional Terms and Conditions. At the door edge, use the template to drill a 2-in.-deep pilot hole for drilling for the strike or bolt. CR members can click on each model name for detailed ratings and reviews. These entry sets may vary from standard, keyed mortise locks, to the more modern keyless entry door hardware. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. First impressions are important, and the front entry of your home is one of the first details you experience every day. The door hardware you choose should inspire impressions via the design elements of the entry way or front porch, comparing or contrasting with key features like the porch light, windows, or patio furniture. This makes it more secureburglars can't unlock the door by breaking door glazing or a sidelight and reaching inbut it can be very dangerous if there's a fire and you need to make a fast exit in smoky, poor-visibility conditions. CRs take: The Yale Edge Series YR82EB is a weak deadbolt that cant stand up to drilling, picking, and kick-ins as sold. Keyless entry makes it possible for you to unlock the door either with a code, a smartphone app, or by simply walking up with the keys in your bag. In our tests, it receives high scores across the board, including an Excellent rating for ease of remote access. A big trend in home improvement is to opt for keyless door entry sets which utilize either smart technology or keypads, or a combination of both, that allow you to unlock your door with a code or smart phone. Mortise handlesets, as an example, may require you to call a professional. Conveniences that also add security. CRs take: The Bosma Aegis is a retrofit smart lock, meaning it only replaces the interior side of your deadbolt, allowing you to keep using your existing keys. An exterior door lock is sturdier, though they come in standard sizes. spade bit (sizes vary, so check instructions). Next, insert the handle set and cylindrical lock or dead bolt assembly so the spindle or tailpiece aligns with the strike assembly. These organizations provide locks with a grade based on how well they stand up to use over time and how hard they are to disable, with a grade 1 rating being the best, most reliable hardware. No more worrying if you left the garage side door unlocked all day while you sit at work. With a few easy measurements, you can ensure that the entry door handleset or knob you choose makes a secure fit for the door. For security, its a good idea to change passcodes frequently, and some smart locks allow you to assign different codes for different people who access your home. In particular, handlesets are often ornate and decorative, while a knob or handle may be more simple by design. Bump-proof locks can resist such break-in efforts to help keep your family safe. pilot holes through the door to center the 2 1/8-in. Large turnpieces on the interior side that offer more leverage for children or anyone else who has difficulty opening dead bolts. Picking out the right door lock can determine how well your exterior doors hold up to the job of keeping your home secure. Some locksets, like Titan's, are reversible. The entry door hardware is the lock and handleset installed on any exterior door that leads into the home, like those at the front door or even the inside garage or basement doors. But you might want a model with a latch kickoff that keeps the door from accidentally locking behind you. If youre worried about how secure an entry set youre considering really is, you dont have to trust in marketing promises provided by the manufacturer. deadbolt knobs Safe Summer Activities for Kids During the Pandemic, What You Need to Know About Bug Spray for Kids, Best Cooling Mattress Toppers From Consumer Reports' Tests. Nearly 3 million U.S. homes are broken into every year. When security and durability are priorities for you, the grade of the lock is going to be an important factor in your decision. Some doors call for mortise locks, which feature a deep-pocket design that is cut into the edge of the door itself. These performed poorly in our physical challenges and/or our tests specific to smart locks. Whether modern, rustic or traditional, you should have no problems finding the door hardware to match the decor in your home. Entry door sets come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Features to look for: A dead-locking latch bolt, or dead latch. Interior locks cost considerably less than exterior locks. keyed deadbolt Handle sets are locksets with doorknobs or lever handles inside and swan's neck-type handles outside. Different types of entry sets have a variety of advantages and features that you can match up with your households habits and lifestyle. schlage keyless camelot gokeyless lever keypad deadbolt And for more door lock options, see our complete door lock ratings. When shopping for your front door knobs and locks, narrow your search by both the door thickness and backset to ensure the options that appear in your search are designed to fit in your door. Other locks are better designed to resist picking, though. Where they go: With only a knob and nonlocking strike, passage sets are designed for closet and hallway doors. Keyless entry handlesets and deadbolts can also connect to home assistants or phone apps to respond to voice commands. Drill the Door face and mark the jamb. Then drill 1/8-in. While some door hardware is not limited to specifically exterior or interior applications, only exterior door locks and hardware should be used at your homes entry points. The right hardware complements your homes exterior and sets the tone for your interior design style. kwikset lever balboa deadbolt nickel cylinder keyed smartkey brushed bhma ansi levers Avoid less expensive locks that have softer brass-plated zinc cylinders and plugs. Using a drill with a bubble level or a torpedo level taped on top, drill halfway through the door from each side with the hole saw to prevent blowout splintering. Universal keying, which allows a single key to operate locks from different manufacturers. It also comes with plenty of features, such as auto-locking, auto-unlocking, voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, electronic keys, an access log, a door open/close sensor, and a tamper alarm to warn you of a possible break-in. The Key to Security The obvious purpose of any lock is to keep unwanted people out, but the kind of lock you buy depends on where it's going in the house and your budget. The front door is a transition space that blends one area to another, so entry door hardware is versatile to allow the style to shift between different looks. door lock deadbolt knob steel stainless entry entrance combo cylinder single button walmart CRs take: The Yale Premier Single Cylinder YH82 is one of the strongest conventional deadbolts you can buy. This is the term for the space from the edge of the door and the center of the hole. Some thieves will bump a tumbler-equipped cylinder lock, tapping in a special key to loosen the tumbler placement enough to open the door. As you browse through the options, make sure that youre looking for hardware that matches the needs for the door you intend to install it on. above the keyed entry (locking door handle) or handle set (handle and dead bolt combination) for added security. This Yale lock also comes with a lifetime warranty on its internal mechanism and its finish. First, take a precise measurement of the thickness of the door and have it handy for reference while you shop. A forged, solid-brass plug (the part that the key turns) and cylinder (the part that surrounds the plug). If its easy, theyll let you know so you can go into the purchase without worry. The traditional locks built into doorknobs use hidden mechanics that prevent the bolt from turning without first fitting a unique key to move the tumblers into a line. Titan's NightSight model has a motion detector that switches on a light to illuminate the cylinder, making it easier to find. We respect your privacy and promise to never spam you. The door handing indicates which side of the door is attached to the door frame and determines which side the door hardware will be installed on (hint: its the opposite side). 3. CRs take: If you want a door lock with a keypad but dont want it to connect to the internet or your smartphone, consider this Schlage Touch Keyless FE375 CAM electronic deadbolt. Exterior doors. Position the Template. 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