Best Door Locks: Will Yours Keep Burglars Out?

For most of us, security is a top priority when selecting door locks for our homes, followed by cost, style and finish. Choosing the best door locks for your doors depends on whether a door is interior or exterior, because each type of door requires completely different locking mechanisms. For example, it would not make sense to install a deadbolt on a bathroom door or a push-button privacy lockset on a front entry door. But before we get into that, let’s learn more about door locks in general and which ones are the most durable.

Door lock reviews

Deadbolt locks: What is a deadbolt?

Deadbolt locks provide the most security on residential doors. The term dead is used, because these locks do not contain springs. A single-cylinder deadbolt is operated with a key from the outside and with a turn button on the inside, and a double-cylinder is operated with a key on both the inside and outside. Double-cylinder deadbolts can pose a danger during an emergency if the key is missing or not readily available.

Entry Locksets/Handlesets

Locksets and handlesets are medium-security entrance door locks often combined with a deadbolt.  They have two doorknobs that can be locked from the inside and the outside. One doorknob locks from the inside by turning or depressing a small button, while a key must unlock the outside knob. A handleset features a decorative door handle on the exterior.

Keyless Door Locks

For advanced home security and convenience, keyless locks can be used to replace any standard deadbolts on exterior doors. An anti-theft rolling code feature ensures the same code is never used twice, and certain models sound an alarm after the incorrect code is entered more than three consecutive times. Additionally, some systems are compatible with select garage door openers or home security systems.

Mortise Locks

Mortise locks are used on many types of residential doors, including storm doors and stress convenience over security. The lockset consists of a flat, rectangular box that fits into a recess in the door from its edge and includes two faceplates with knobs and keyholes. The latch operates from either side except when the outside knob is locked, and the deadbolt operates by a turn of the inside knob.

New Lock Technologies

Digital devices constantly overtake their analog counterparts, and now that includes the locks on our homes. Smart locks with Bluetooth-enabled deadbolts and fingerprint scanners soon are already on the market. Additionally, a company called Goji created a smart lock with a built-in camera that takes a picture of anyone activating the lock and sends a real-time picture alert to your mobile phone, providing you with visual confirmation of who is accessing your home. Goji completed its funding goal on the crowd funding website Indiegogo on August 3, 2013, which will help manufacture the lock. However, as of September 2015 the locks have yet to be on the market. You can reserve a Goji Smart Lock for less than the retail price of $349.99. The following state-of-the-art door locks are engineered for maximum security and technology performance.

Door Security Extras

The following security extras are installed on the doorjamb or the inside surface of the door. They provide light security and are usually used in combination with another lock, such as a deadbolt.

ANSI grading system for locks & deadbolts

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) established three grades for door locks to help identify the quality and durability of locksets and deadbolts. Each product must pass operational and security tests, including cycles, door strikes and weight test. One cycle consists of the knob or handle turning completely to retract the latch bolt and open the door, then it is released, allowing the door to re-latch. ANSI Grade 1 is the best choice for exterior residential door locks.

Grade 1 – Best

Highest grade security available. Meets commercial building requirements and is available for residential uses via deadbolts. There are not standard knobs, handlesets or mortise lockset that will meet ANSI Grade 1 certifications, only commercial lever handles.

• Knobs must withstand 800,000 cycles, 6 door strikes and a 360 pound weight test
• Deadbolts must withstand 250,000 cycles and 10 door strikes (hammer test)

Grade 2 – Better

Meets light commercial building requirements; exceeds standard residential security and building requirements.

• Knobs must withstand 400,000 cycles, 4 door strikes and a 250 pound weight test
• Deadbolts must withstand 150,000 cycles and 5 door strikes (hammer test)

Grade 3 – Good

Meets residential building requirements only and provides minimal residential security.

• Knobs must withstand 200,000 cycles, 2 door strikes and a 150 pound weight test
• Deadbolts must withstand 100,000 cycles and 2 door strikes (hammer test)

Common home security tips for your door

The quality of a door lock does not matter if it is not locked. Sometimes people forget to lock a deadbolt when leaving, but it is also important to remember to lock your doors when you’re at home. Most intruders prefer to enter a home through unlocked entry points. Additionally, doors and their hardware occasionally need maintenance, because a poorly maintained door makes it easier for a burglar to enter your house. If you want to learn more than just door locks, visit our Best Home Security Systems Review for an in-depth recap of entire security systems.

What door lock are you using?