How to Choose the Right Locks for Your Home
Installing secure and durable locks is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home. With so many lock types and brands on the market, it can be tricky to know where to start. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting locks for your home.
Assess Your Home's Security Needs
Before shopping for locks, take stock of your home's unique security requirements. Ask yourself:
- How many exterior doors need securing?
- Are there any sliding doors or large windows that need locks?
- Do you need special locks for a garage entry door or gates?
- Would you benefit from smart locks with keyless entry?
- Do you need locks that work with an existing home security system?
Creating a list of your home's access points and security priorities will help narrow your options.
Choose Your Lock Types
Once you know where locks are needed, you can zero in on the right lock types for each location. The most common home lock types include:
| Lock Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Deadbolt locks | A deadbolt has a bolt that cannot be moved without the correct key or turnpiece. Deadbolts provide maximum security. |
| Knob locks | Knob locks have a locking mechanism inside the doorknob. They are easy to operate but less secure than deadbolts. |
| Smart/keyless locks | Smart locks provide keyless entry via smartphones, keypads, or biometrics. No key required! |
For most exterior doors, a single-cylinder deadbolt along with a knob lock provides ideal security. Use heavy-duty double cylinder deadbolts for doors with glass near the lock.
Match Your Home's Exterior
You'll also want to choose finishes and styles that complement your home's exterior design. Options include:
- Finishes - Oil rubbed bronze, satin nickel, and bright brass are popular.
- Styles - Choose traditional, modern, or ornate lock designs to match your home.
- Handlesets - Match levers and knobs to your finishes for a cohesive look.
Matching your locks to your home's style promotes security through uniformity. It also looks sharp!
Focus on Proper Installation
To work effectively, locks must be installed correctly:
- Reinforce the strike plate with long screws secured deeply into the door frame.
- Make sure the deadbolt extends fully into the strike plate.
- Follow all manufacturer installation instructions carefully.
Hiring a professional locksmith for installation is highly recommended to ensure proper alignment, reinforcement, and function.
Invest in Quality and Durability
It's worth spending more for high-quality locks made by reputable brands like Schlage and Kwikset. Cheaper locks can have looser manufacturing tolerances that allow more wiggle room for break-ins. Top brands also come with longer warranties, a sign of durability. Buying quality locks the first time is cheaper than replacing flimsy models later.
By taking the time to assess your home's security needs, select the right types of locks, and install them properly, you can fortify your home against intruders. Investing in durable, quality locks from trusted brands is the smart choice when protecting what matters most - your home and family.
Types of Door Locks
When securing a home, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right types of locks. The main lock categories include deadbolts, knob locks, smart locks, and more. Understanding the pros and cons of each lock type will help you pick the best options for your home.
Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolts are locks with a strong bolt that extends into the door frame when locked. The bolt cannot be moved without a key or turning the thumbturn on the interior side. Deadbolts offer maximum residential security.
There are two common deadbolt types:
- Single cylinder - Keyed on exterior side only
- Double cylinder - Keyed on both interior and exterior sides
A single cylinder deadbolt allows quick exit in an emergency. Double cylinder models provide extra security for doors with nearby windows.
Knob Locks
Knob locks have the locking mechanism housed within the doorknob rather than a separate deadbolt. Turning the knob engages the lock. Knob locks are convenient since you can lock/unlock and open the door in one motion.
However, knob locks are easier to force open than deadbolts. Using both a deadbolt and a knob lock together provides optimal security.
Smart Locks
Smart locks provide electronic, keyless entry. Options include:
- Keypad - Enter access code on a keypad
- Touchscreen - Similar to keypad but on a touchscreen
- App-connected - Lock/unlock with a smartphone app
- Biometric - Scan fingerprint or face to unlock
Smart locks add convenience but some rely on batteries so they are not as foolproof as standard locks. However, technology is improving rapidly.
Other Lock Types
Less common but still useful lock types include:
- Padlocks - For securing gates, storage sheds, fences
- Door chains - Provide a partially open but secured door
- Door guards - Prevent forced entry by wedging under the door
- Sliding door locks - Special locks to secure sliding glass doors
Choosing the right locks for your home's unique needs provides peace of mind knowing your family and property are properly secured.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Locks
Installing new locks requires evaluating your needs across a few key factors. The main considerations that should guide your lock selection are security, convenience, and style.
Security
The level of security a lock provides is a top priority. Important security factors include:
- Lock type - Deadbolts are more secure than simple knob locks
- Grade level - Higher grades withstand more forceful attacks
- Reinforced strike plate - Adds strength against kicking in doors
- Double cylinder - Extra protection for vulnerable doors
- Pick resistance - Special pins to prevent lock picking
Evaluate each exterior door and large window to determine the level of security needed. Invest in higher security for entrance doors and ground floor windows.
Convenience
While security is crucial, you also need locks to be convenient for everyday use. Convenience factors include:
- Keyless entry - Codes, fingerprints, smartphones
- Auto-lock/unlock - Locks itself when you leave
- Number of keys - Keying all locks alike
- Ease of installation - Simple DIY or professional install?
Keyless smart locks add convenience without sacrificing security. Standard deadbolts require carrying keys but provide maximum residential security.
Style
Lastly, match locks to your home's style for a cohesive look:
- Finishes - Oil rubbed bronze, satin nickel, brass
- Handles - Match levers/knobs to finishes
- Design - Traditional, modern, rustic
Choosing locks in a finish and style that complements your home's exterior design promotes security through uniformity.
By balancing important factors like security, convenience, and style, you can select the ideal locks to protect your home.
Lock Features to Understand
From keyed and keyless operation to connectivity and grade levels, today's locks offer a wide range of features. Knowing the capabilities of different lock features will help you choose the right options for your home.
Keyed vs Keyless
The most basic decision is choosing keyed or keyless operation:
- Keyed - Unlock with a traditional mechanical key. Provides maximum residential security.
- Keyless - Unlock without a key using a code, fingerprint, app, etc. More convenient but often less secure.
Many people opt for keyless smart locks on main doors for convenience and keyed deadbolts on more vulnerable doors for added security.
Connectivity
Some smart locks can connect to your home WiFi and/or Bluetooth:
- WiFi - Allows remote access and control via smartphone app.
- Bluetooth - Connects directly to your phone when in close proximity.
Connected locks provide more capabilities, like remotely checking lock status or letting in guests, but introduce potential hacking risks.
Grade Levels
Lock grade levels indicate durability and resistance to forced entry:
| Grade Level | Minutes to Break In |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 1 minute |
| Grade 2 | 5 minutes |
| Grade 3 | 15 minutes |
Grade 1 locks are suitable for low risk areas. Use Grade 2 or 3 for exterior doors and ground floor windows.
Other Features
Special features like these also enhance lock security and durability:
- Bump/pick resistance
- Forced entry protection
- Weather/corrosion resistance
- Door reinforcement brackets
Understanding available lock features will help you find the right balance of security, convenience, and connectivity for your unique needs.
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Locking Door Handles vs Knobs
When selecting locks for your home, one choice is between handles with built-in locks or traditional locking doorknobs. Both options have their pros and cons.
Locking Door Handles
Locking handles contain the locking mechanism within the handle itself. Keyed handles require a key to lock/unlock from the exterior. Lever/knob handles often have a push button or switch to lock from the inside.
Benefits of locking handles include:
- Stylish, streamlined look
- Increased security in one complete unit
- Easy to lock/unlock and open in one motion
- Come in many finish and style options
Potential downsides are less hardware strength in the handle vs. a separate deadbolt and increased cost.
Locking Doorknobs
Traditional locking knobs require a second deadbolt to maximize security. The knob locks control entry while the deadbolt provides real security.
Benefits of this approach include:
- Deadbolts provide maximum residential security
- Knobs allow convenient unlocking/opening
- More affordable than all-in-one handles
- Wide variety of knobs and deadbolts available
The main disadvantage is the separate installation of two units instead of a single handle.
Other Considerations
No matter which option you choose, also evaluate:
- Grade level of the locks
- Availability of smart technology
- Compatibility with your decor
- Ease of installation
For many homeowners, the ideal combination is an attractive locking handleset on main doors paired with sturdy Grade 2 deadbolts on back doors and vulnerable entry points.
With the right knowledge, you can choose secure, convenient locks tailored to your home's unique needs.
Using Amazon Prime for Door Hardware & Locks
For those who frequently purchase door hardware and locks, an Amazon Prime membership can be extremely useful. Here's how Amazon Prime can benefit regular buyers of products in this category.
Free Two-Day Shipping
One of the biggest perks of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items. When you need to purchase door locks or hardware quickly, Prime ensures you'll get your order rapidly with no extra shipping fees.
This perk saves regular buyers of door hardware money on every order. It also provides convenience - no more waiting over a week for essential security items to arrive.
In-Depth Product Research
Amazon offers tons of door lock and hardware options along with a wealth of customer reviews. As a Prime member you can dive deep into the research before purchasing. This helps you select the best products for your needs the first time.
You can check out detailed customer reviews, Q&As, installation photos, videos, size charts and more. Research is quick and easy with all the product details at your fingertips.
Trying Before Buying
Amazon Prime includes a "Try Before You Buy" program that allows you to have certain products shipped to your home for free to test out before purchasing. This includes some door locks and hardware.
Being able to examine, install and use products firsthand helps identify the keepers. You can make sure something will work for your doors before taking the full plunge.
Streamlined Reordering
When you need to reorder the same door locks or hardware again, your purchase history makes it simple. You can quickly find and buy the same exact products in just a few clicks.
For regular purchasers of door hardware that need to buy the same items repeatedly, this saves substantial time and effort.
Overall, a Prime membership can provide great benefits for those furnishing their properties with regular door hardware and lock purchases. The shipping, research, try-before-you-buy, and reordering perks add up to real savings for frequent buyers.
How To Choose The Best Door Hardware & Locks For Your Home?
Choosing the best door hardware and locks for your home can be a daunting task, but it is essential for the safety and security of your family. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right door hardware and locks:
- Type of lock - There are various types of locks available in the market, such as deadbolts, smart locks, and keypad locks. Choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
- Material - Most door locks are made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both. While all-metal locks are more durable, they may not match your home's aesthetic. Consider what you prioritize before making your purchase.
- Security level - Look for locks that offer added security features, such as reinforced strike plates, anti-pick pins, and bump-resistant locks.
- Brand reputation - Choose a reputable brand that has a proven track record of producing high-quality and reliable door hardware and locks.
- Price - Door hardware and locks come in a wide range of prices. Determine your budget and choose the best option within your price range.
- Compatibility - Ensure that the lock you choose is compatible with your door and existing hardware.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best door hardware and locks for your home that will provide you with peace of mind and security.
What Are The Most Important Factors To Consider When Choosing Door Hardware & Locks?
When choosing door hardware and locks, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Quality - Choose high-quality door hardware and locks that are durable and reliable.
- Material - Door locks are typically made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both. Consider the material that best suits your needs and aesthetic preferences.
- Style and finish - Door hardware and locks come in a variety of styles and finishes. Choose one that complements your home's decor.
- Security level - Look for locks that offer added security features, such as reinforced strike plates, anti-pick pins, and bump-resistant locks.
- Type of lock - There are various types of locks available, such as deadbolts, smart locks, and keypad locks. Choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
- Door function - Consider the function of the door, such as whether it is an interior or exterior door, and choose a lock that is appropriate for that function.
- Door type - Different types of doors may require different types of locks. Make sure to choose a lock that is compatible with your door.
- Environment - Consider the environment in which the lock will be installed, such as weather conditions and exposure to moisture.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best door hardware and locks for your home that will provide you with peace of mind and security.
