The Best Door Knob Locks And Mechanisms For Indoor And Outdoor Use
For someone who’s only familiar with the doors that have handles, door knob locks and other types of systems can seem very odd and unusual. The typical door knob system is very simple so you’d think there’s not much variation when it comes to the locking mechanisms but there are actually lots of different options to choose from.
We’ve selected some of the best ones to share with you today.
Top Picks
Best Privacy: Copper Creek Ball Privacy Door Knob
Having a shiny finish and made from quality stainless steel, the Copper Creek privacy door knob is excellent for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Best Deadbolt: Master Lock Keyed Entry Door Lock
“I purchased this deadbolt years ago for a rental property. It still works perfectly like the day I installed it.” (Customer review)
Best for Front Door Option 1: Kwikset Juno Keyed Entry Door Knob
Designed to be opened with a key from the outside and locked with a twist of a button from the inside, this is one of the best and most convenient door knobs that money can buy.
Best Passage: Chrono’s Door Lever Knob Handle Set
“These have been installed on my doors for 4 months with daily use and they are perfect. So thankful for the price and quality!” (Customer review)
Best for Front Door Option 2: Kwikset Juno Entry Knob featuring SmartKey
This is yet another viable option for people looking for a quality exterior door knob with a lock.
Best Keyless: Electronic Touchpad Keyless Entry Door Lock
Capable of memorizing up to 6 passcodes, this keyless door knob shows the very best in technological innovation in the field of home security.
Easiest Setup: Schlage Home Keypad Lever With Camelot Trim & Z-Wave Technology
“Install was easy and seamless! Works just as you think it would.” (Customer review)
Best Automatic Lock: Yale Assure Lock Smart Lock with Z-Wave – Works with Ring Alarm
If you’re the kind of person that forgets to lock the front door when leaving, this automatic lock does the job for you.
Best with Remote Monitoring: August Smart Lock Pro
“I love this thing and I’m so glad I bought it. I would absolutely recommend one of these to anyone at all.” (Customer review)
How to Choose A Door Knob
Choosing the right door knob lock might be more complicated than you think. We did the research for you, to put together a list of features and considerations that should be in the back of your mind when shopping:
First of all, you need to learn the proper terminology so that you can understand what different types of locks can do. For instance, single cylinder locks use a key or a keypad with a PIN code. High-security locks have hardened cylinders.
Smart locks are a thing, and they show just how much the field of home improvement has evolved. These locks tend to be more expensive, but they are also pretty convenient and useful in situations where you forget to lock your door on a regular basis or when you have to let somebody inside the house even when you’re not home.
Consider where the lock will be placed. The information we provided in the “Types of Door Knob Locks” section will show you the four different door knob locks available, with each of them being suitable for certain applications.
Related: The Different Types Of Doorknobs And How They Can Serve You
Types of Door Knob Locks
Door knob locks that are suitable for home use are usually of the following four varieties:
Passage locksets – They do not have locks and are designed to provide passageway from one area of your home to another. They are commonly found on interior doors, including closet and pantry doors.
Privacy locksets – This specific design is comparable with doors to areas that require privacy, such as a bedroom or the bathroom. One of the sides of these knobs is lockable through a push of a button or a turn of a dial. The outside of that knob doesn’t normally have a lock, but it does have a small keyhole that can be opened in case of an emergency (for instance, if someone is locked in the bathroom, has fallen, and requires assistance).
Keyed entry locksets – These are lockable on both sides and are good for indoor and outdoor application. This is one of the most common types of entrance door knob locks, with the outside having a keyhole for unlocking and the inside, a button located on the knob.
Dummy locksets – These are non-functional locksets that are mostly chosen for their decorative purposes. They can commonly be found on closet doors of all kinds.
1. Copper Creek Ball Privacy Door Knob
This particular door knob lock is suitable only for interior doors such as the bedroom and bathroom ones. It has a privacy locking function but also an exterior release button which can be operated using a standard screwdriver or a coin. There’s no keyed cylinder which means this is not a suitable lock for outdoor use. It has nickel plated bolts and a satin stainless finish. The design is simple, user-friendly and versatile.
Privacy locking Function: Ideal for bedrooom and Bathroom use only.
View DealPros:
- Solid brass cylinders.
- Smooth operation.
- Durable construction overall.
Cons:
- Product does not come with a key.
2. Single Cylinder Deadbolt with matching Tulip Style Knob
If you’re looking for a door knob lock that you can use on both interior and exterior doors this one would be a suitable option. It would make more sense to use it for an exterior entry door though. It features a single cylinder deadbolt with interior thumb turn has a 6 way adjustable latch and a 4-way adjustable deadbolt. In terms of design and appearance this is a very elegant-looking piece with an antique brass finish and clean and simple lines.
Single cylinder deadbolt with interior thumb turn
View DealPros:
- Matches any door.
- Adjustable deadbolt.
- Beautiful antique brass finish.
Cons:
- Questionable long-term durability.
3. Kwikset Juno Entry Knob featuring SmartKey
This is another great door knob lock that you can use on exterior doors. It’s universal meaning it fits both right handed and left handed doors and that makes it very versatile. Also, it uses an adjustable latch that suits all standard door types. It’s a secure lock with a keyed cylinder and it features the SmartKey technology which allows you to re-key the lock yourself within seconds.
For use on exterior doors where keyed entry and security is needed
View DealPros:
- Universal handling.
- Adjustable latch.
- Easy to re-key.
Cons:
- Difficult to install.
4. Keyed Door Knob Lever with Lock and Key
This is a rather strange-looking mechanism. It’s a lever-style knob that you can install on both interior and exterior doors. It fits 1.44” to 2.1” doors and it’s very versatile as well as easy to install without professional help. Of course, the thing that immediately stands out is the design. This is a statement piece with a very elegant and refined look which can make any space look sophisticated. It’s easy to operate and has a gorgeous bronze finish.
Pros:
- Universal handling.
- Adjustable latch.
- Easy to re-key.
Cons:
- Difficult to install.
5. Constructor Passage Chrono’s Door Lever Knob Handle Set
For interior doors you could also use this particular door knob set. It features a really cool oil rubbed bronze finish and it would look beautiful in a variety of different contexts. the dimensions of the knob are 6.6” x 3.2” x 2.8”. There’s no key locking mechanism which keeps the design very clean and simple but also means this isn’t a suitable option for entry doors.
Pros:
- Includes all mounting hardware.
- Adjustable latch.
- Attractive oil-rubbed bronze finish.
Cons:
- Does not include key.
6. Kwikset Juno Entry Knob featuring SmartKey in Venetian Bronze
This is another one of our favorite door knob designs. It’s designed for use on exterior doors because of the keyed cylinder and added security offered but you could also install it in other contexts. You can install it on both right handed and left handed doors thanks to its universal design and you can also take advantage of the SmartKey technology to easily re-key the lock in only 3 steps and in just a few seconds.
Featuring SmartKey re-key technology; re-key the lock yourself in seconds in 3 easy steps
View DealPros:
- Smart re-key technology.
- Universal handling.
- Adjustable latch.
Cons:
- Difficult to install.
7. Indoor Electronic Touchpad Keyless Entry Door Lock
There is also such a thing as a keypad locking mechanism if you’re interested in something different and added security for your front door. This right here is a keyless door lock with an electronic keypad. It suits standard door knobs and also includes an intruder alarm which activates after 4 failed attempts at entering the code. You can set a security code between 2 to 8 digits long and you can add up to 6 user passcodes.
Keyless door lock with electronic touchpad keypad entry
View DealPros:
- No-key entrance system.
- Replaces standard door knobs.
- Recognizes up to 6 user passcodes.
Cons:
- Questionable quality.
8. Schlage Home Keypad Lever With Camelot Trim & Z-Wave Technology
Here’s another interesting design which combines the level-style door knob and keypad locking mechanism. This one comes with a few extra features such as the option of receiving a text or an email alert every time someone uses a code to open the door or the option to grant access to someone inside when they’re not there by using a scheduled code. You can also add, delete or edit user codes remotely using your smartphone which makes this a very user-friendly lock.
Receive text or email alert when your family uses their codes, so you know who's home
View DealPros:
- Notifications when someone uses the codes.
- Can schedule code for granting remote home access.
- Friendly smartphone app.
Cons:
- Need a separate Z-wave hub for smartphone control.
8. Yale Assure Lock with Z-Wave
Another cool option if you’re looking to update your front door lock system is this particular keypad lock. It’s a backlit, touchscreen keypad that can be operated in two ways, either using a physical key or using an app on your smartphone. You can set a code between 4 and 8 digits and you can also connect this to your compatible alarm system. Additionally, the lock also works with Alexa so you can control it with your voice.
Unlock by entering your 4-8 digit PIN code on the backlit, touchscreen keypad, with the physical key, or through your smart home app
View DealPros:
- Compatible with Alexa.
- Can create up to 250 pin codes.
- Backlit display.
Cons:
- App could be more user-friendly.
10. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot Trim
A really cool thing about this particular lock system is that it lets you set multiple security codes. You can manage up to 100 access codes which you can give out to family members, friends or temporary guests. Once again, this is a smart locking system which works with Alexa. You can easily check the status and see if your front door is locked in case you forget and you can also lock and unlock it remotely. Also, this can also be voice operated which can be very practical and useful when your hands are full. You can install this touchpad lock yourself using only a screwdriver.
Built in Wi Fi allows you to lock/unlock from anywhere no additional accessories required.
View DealPros:
- Compatible with Alexa.
- Can create up to 250 pin codes.
- Backlit display.
Cons:
- App could be more user-friendly.
11. August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
Speaking of smart locks, this one is compact and very modern-looking. It works with Alexa and it allows you to control and to monitor your door remotely from anywhere. You can also lock and unlock the door remotely in case you want to let someone in or you forget to lock it in the morning. This would work as an addition to your existing lock and keys which you can continue using whenever you want to. Additionally, this system automatically locks the door behind you and unlocks it as you approach it which is not only cool but also very practical.
Lock and unlock your door, control keyless access and keep track of who comes and goes, all from your phone
View DealPros:
- Compatible with Alexa.
- Works with your existing lock and keys.
- Automatic lock and unlock.
Cons:
- Confusing setup process.
FAQ
What is the lock on a door knob called?
Some door knobs come with locks that are placed directly on them and they are usually referred to as door knob locks or locksets.
Which way is locked on a door knob?
This really depends on the manufacturer of the door knob but, for the most part, horizontal is locked and vertical is unlocked.
What is the best brand of door knobs?
There are plenty of brands that make quality door knobs, including Schalge, Copper Creek, Baldwin, and others.
How does a locking door knob work?
A door knob has a daily complicated mechanism behind it, so if you really want to know the answer to this question, bear with us for a while. A standard door knob is a collection of different components, such as the two knobs located on either side of the door, which are connected by a spindle and a few mounting bolts. There is also a latch bolt inside the door and it runs perpendicular to the spindle. The latch bolt and the latch are connected, making sure that the door doesn’t open. When you turn one of the two knobs, you are basically rotating the spingle, retracting the latch and opening the door. Entry door knobs are usually equipped with key locks on the knob that’s located outside and a button-operate lock placed on the knob that’s inside.