Choosing The Right Lockset for Your Home
Selecting the right lockset for your home is a big decision in ensuring the security and functionality of your living space. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which lockset best suits your needs. This guide will walk you through important things to consider to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding Home Locksets
Home locksets come in various styles, each designed for different purposes and security levels. Primarily, they can be categorized into four types:
- Passage locksets are typically used for interior doors that do not require locking, such as closets or hallways. They include doorknobs or lever handles without a locking mechanism.
- Privacy locksets are ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms, offering a simple lock mechanism that can be engaged from the inside but easily opened from the outside in case of emergency.
- Entry locksets provide security for exterior doors. These locksets often include a keyed cylinder and a deadbolt for added security.
- Dummy locksets are non-functional and used mainly for decorative purposes, such as on double doors or closet doors.
Types of Entry Locksets
Entry locksets are designed to provide robust security for exterior doors, and they come in a variety of types:
- Deadbolt Locksets: These are popular due to their strong resistance to forced entry. They come in single-cylinder and double-cylinder variations. Double-cylinder locks have key entries on both sides, while single-cylinder locks have a key entry on one side and a thumb turn lever on the other.
- Keyed Entry Locksets: These combine a traditional doorknob or lever handle with a key-operated lock, providing a basic level of security for front and back doors.
- Smart Locksets: With the latest in security technology, these can lock and unlock your doors using a smartphone app, keypad, or even biometric data such as fingerprints. They often include additional features like remote access, activity logs, and the ability to integrate with home automation systems.
- Mortise Locksets: Requiring a pocket cut into the door, these locksets offer superior strength and durability, making them ideal for high-security applications.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing a lockset for your home, several features should be taken into account to ensure both security and convenience.
- Security Level: For exterior doors, prioritize locksets that offer high security. Look for locksets with a deadbolt and consider locks that meet ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Grade 1 standards for maximum security.
- Style and Finish: The aesthetic of your doorknobs and locksets should complement your home’s decor. There are numerous finishes available, from polished brass to matte black, ensuring you can find a style that matches your interior design.
- Ease of Installation: Some locksets are easier to install than others. If you prefer a DIY approach, look for locksets that come with comprehensive instructions and require minimal tools.
- Rekeying Home Locks: Over time, you may need to change the keys to your home locks for security reasons. Locksets that are easy to rekey can save you both time and money. Some brands offer locksets with rekeying technology that allows you to rekey the lock without removing it from the door.
- Doorknobs vs. Lever Handles: Doorknobs are traditional and come in various designs, but they can be challenging for children or the elderly to operate. Lever handles, on the other hand, are easier to use and often preferred for their modern look and accessibility features.
Rekeying Home Locks
Rekeying involves altering the internal parts of a lock so that it can be operated by a different key. This approach is more budget-friendly than installing a completely new lockset. It’s particularly useful if you’ve lost your keys or moved into a new home. Brands like Kwikset offer smart key technology that simplifies rekeying, making it accessible even for those with limited locksmith experience.