New Front Door Hardware

[John Albert]

I need a new front door, hardware, etc.

Door will probably be of steel, with two pre-drilled cutouts (one for deadbolt lock, one for handle).

With that in mind, I have some general questions involving lock hardware.

I don't want the cheapest stuff, don't mind paying a little more for better quality. I'll be looking for a deadbolt above a Euro-style "lever" handle.

- Suggestions as to brands?

- Should I also get a keyed lever handle (as well as the keyed deadbolt above)?

- Anything else to pay attention to?

[clare]

Definitely consider a fiberglass door instead of steel. They don't dent, they paint well, they look better, they are warmer, They do command a slight premium price-wise, but in my book, worth every penny.

[nestork]

John Albert:

You were asking whether to get a keyed lever handle as well as a keyed deadbolt.

I'd advise against that. I operate a small apartment block in Winnipeg, Manitoba. About 30 years ago, the City passed a Fire Safety Bylaw. That Bylaw required that apartment doors only had ONE locking device. The apartment block could have a lock on the building door(s) and each apartment could only have one locking device on it's entry door. That's because people will panic if they can't open their apartment door in the case of a fire to get their prized possessions out of their apartments. They won't know which of the two locks in preventing them from entering their suite. So, instead of evacuating the building, they'll waste time trying each lock over and over again, not knowing whether they're locking the lock or unlocking it.

So, if you do have two locks, be prepared for your local Fire Department to pay you a visit to tell you to replace one of those locks with a simple Passage Set like you might find on a closet door.

[Stormin Mormon]

About 1985, I got my first locksmith job, and went independent in 1986. I've worked on a lot of locks.

The new residential Schlage, I think is poor quality. The commercial grades are excellent.

Kwikset, some of the better gear is OK, avoid Smartkey, which is unproven technology. Titan and Ultramax (part of the Kwikset family) are good.

It's been years since I worked on a Dexter, but I liked the quality. Arrow is good, also.

On the front door of my own home are a Kwikset Bel air knob lock, and a Kwikset deadbolt. I've been very pleased with them in the 20 years I've been here.

[Stormin Mormon]

About 1985, I got my first locksmith job, and went independent in 1986. I've worked on a lot of locks.

The new residential Schlage, I think is poor quality. The commercial grades are excellent.

Kwikset, some of the better gear is OK, avoid Smartkey, which is unproven technology. Titan and Ultramax (part of the Kwikset family) are good.

It's been years since I worked on a Dexter, but I liked the quality. Arrow is good, also.

On the front door of my own home are a Kwikset Bel air knob lock, and a Kwikset deadbolt. I've been very pleased with them in the 20 years I've been here.