Best Door Locks to Keep Your Home Secure

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Home security is a top priority for most people. With break-ins and theft on the rise in many areas, having a good door lock is one of the best ways you can keep your home secure.

But how can you be sure your locks are strong enough to stop a break-in?Thankfully, there are many products that can help keep your family safe. If you’re looking for the best door locks on the market, read on.

We’ll have a look at some of the best products available, and to help you make a decision, we’ve included a comprehensive buyer’s guide and answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

Best Door Locks Reviews

Comparison Chart

41lYoY2 uRL. SL500
Home Security Door Lock with 8 Screws, Childproof Door Reinforcement Lock with 3″ Stop Withstand 800 lbs for Inward Swinging Door,Upgrade Night Lock to Defend Your Home (Silver)
31rFS37iesL. SL500
Addalock – (1 Piece ) The Original Portable Door Lock, Travel Lock, AirBNB Lock, School Lockdown Lock
31+gj5jl7ZL. SL500
Defender Security Satin Nickel U 10827 Door Reinforcement Lock – Add Extra, High Security to your Home and Prevent Unauthorized Entry – 3” Stop, Aluminum Construction Finish
41hu oeA1gL. SL500
SCHLAGE FE595VCAM716ACC FE595VCAM/ACC 716 Keypad Accent Lever Door Lock, Flex, Aged Bronze
41J5oAi4KuL. SL500
Master Lock Keyed Entry Door Lock, Biscuit Style Knob, Satin Nickel, BCO0115

1. EverPlus Reinforcement Door Lock

41lYoY2 uRL. SL500

If you’re looking for an easy installation option and added home security, a reinforcement lock could be the way to go. These locks work in conjunction with a deadbolt or other lock and as they’re installed on the inside of the door, they can’t be picked by would-be thieves.

The EverPlus Door Lock is a great value security addition to your home. Able to withstand more than ten times the force of a standard deadbolt, you can be sure your family will be safe with this lock in use.

Product Highlights

Featuring a 3” (7.6cm) soft rubber stop and metal construction, the EverPlus reinforcement door lock is able to withstand up to 800lbs (363kg) of force. Installation requires only basic tools and can be completed in a matter of minutes with the included hardened screws.

Childproof yet easy to use, the EverPlus will fit most inward swinging doors. With smooth sides to prevent cuts and soft rubber to protect your door, EverPlus also includes a five-year warranty for extra peace of mind.

What’s to like about the EverPlus Reinforcement Door Lock

The best aspects of this product are the quality materials and great value. The included 5-year warranty protects you against any faults, and the choice of 1” or 2” screws allows for many different types of installation.

What’s not to like about the EverPlus Reinforcement Door Lock

As this lock installs on the inside of a door, it can only be used with inward swinging doors. If there’s no gap between the door and the frame, you will need to cut away part of the door to install the lock.

PROS

  • Great value
  • Good quality materials
  • Choice of 1” and 2” screws (both included)

CONS

  • Can only be used on inward swinging doors

2. Addalock Portable Door Lock

31rFS37iesL. SL500

Made from stainless steel, this portable door lock works on most inward swinging doors and fits with the existing door’s hardware. Simply place the Addalock into the metal plate on the doorframe and lock with the red locking handle. The door is now locked and cannot be opened with a key.

Product Highlights

Perfect for use at home or in hotels, dorms, or any shared accommodation, the Addalock Portable Door Lock adds an extra layer of protection to your doors. Featuring stainless steel and plastic construction and easy-to-use design, the Addalock can be installed in seconds without any tools.

The solid construction ensures your door stays locked, while the thick plastic and metal locking plate is strong enough to hold up to almost anything. The included carry bag also helps protect the lock when it’s not in use.

What’s to like about the Addalock Portable Door Lock

This is a simple yet very effective portable door lock. Its best features are the solid stainless steel construction, large and easy-to-use locking plate, and included a carry bag.

What’s not to like about the Addalock Portable Door Lock

As this only works on inward swinging doors, it may not be suitable in all situations.

PROS

  • Portable
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Included carry bag

CONS

  • Only works on inward swinging doors

3. Prime-Line Defender U 10827 Reinforcement Door Lock

31+gj5jl7ZL. SL500

Locking up for the night is an important home security step and when looking for additional protection, many people turn to reinforcement locks. Only operable from the inside, these locks provide an extra layer of protection that can’t be reached from outside.

Prime-Line’s Defender U 10827 is a great value reinforcement lock that will help protect your home from unauthorized entry.

Product Highlights

Designed to withstand up to 800lbs (363kg) of force, the Defender U 10827 increase your home security by preventing doors from being kicked in. Installation with the included 3” (7.62cm) hardened screws is quick and easy and requires only basic tools.

Child safe and tamper resistant, the spring-loaded design can be installed out of your little ones’ reach while the indoor installation protects against lock picking and bumping. Install on any inward swinging door and match to your existing door hardware by choosing from four available color styles: satin nickel, gold anodized, brushed chrome, and bronze.

What’s to like about the Prime-Line Defender U 10827 Reinforcement Door Lock

The inclusion of 3” screws adds an extra level of protection not afforded some other reinforcement locks. Four color choices allow you to seamlessly match the Defender U 10827 to your home. Prime-Line also includes a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

What’s not to like about the Prime-Line Defender U 10827 Reinforcement Door Lock

Like other reinforcement locks, this can only be used alongside a standard deadbolt lock and can only be used when you are inside your home.

PROS

  • Can withstand up to 800 lbs. of force
  • Includes long 3” hardened screws
  • 1-year manufacturer’s warranty

CONS

  • Can only be locked when you’re inside

4. Schlage Keypad Accent Lever Door Lock

41hu oeA1gL. SL500

Lost or forgotten keys are a worry of the past thanks to Schlage’s Keypad Accent Door Lock. Ideal for garages, storage rooms, home offices, and even main entry doors, the backlit design allows for easy use while the premium metal construction ensures an extended lifespan for your lock.

Offering exceptional convenience at a great price, sharing access to your home is made easy with up to 19 permitted users and over 10,000 user code combinations. A variety of available styles make it easy to match to your personal design and style.

Product Highlights

Schlage’s Keypad Accent Lever Door Lock includes a vandal-resistant lever and knob design with a patented commercial-grade clutching motor drive to ensure your security. For maximum flexibility, the lever is reversible, allowing installation on either the left or right side of your door.

Installation is quick and easy with no wiring required. The included 9-volt battery powers the backlit keypad while only a screwdriver is needed for installation on pre-prepped doors. With an all-metal chassis and silicone wear-resistant keypad, Schlage’s Keypad Accent Lever Door Lock is designed to last, but should you run into any issues, a lifetime mechanical and 3-year limited electronics warranty is included.

What’s to like about the Schlage Keypad Accent Lever Door Lock

This lock can be customized as required, with a reversible lever and up to 19 permitted users. The sturdy metal construction earned this a Grade 2 ANSI/BHMA rating and you can rest easy with the backing of a lifetime mechanical and 3-year electronics warranty.

What’s not to like about the Schlage Keypad Accent Lever Door Lock

While a low battery indicator advises when it’s time, changing the battery can be a difficult process. As this is Schlage’s entry-level door lock, it may not be suitable for heavy use and is recommended for use on internal doors or out of the weather.

PROS

  • Backlit keypad for easy use, day or night
  • Reversible lever and easy installation
  • Lifetime mechanical and 3-year limited electronics warranty

CONS

  • Difficult battery change procedure
  • May not be suitable for heavy outdoor use

5. Master Lock Keyed Entry Door Lock

41J5oAi4KuL. SL500

Like most surfaces, doorknobs can be breeding grounds for bacteria and need to be cleaned often. Thanks to its SilvaBond antimicrobial finish, the Master Lock Keyed Entry Door Lock will protect you from microbes as well as intruders.

Available in a range of colors and styles, it’s easy to match the design across your home all while getting exceptional security.

Product Highlights

The Master Lock Keyed Entry Door Lock features a 6-way adjustable latch to ensure the perfect fit on any door. Follow the included instructions for easy installation with only a screwdriver or drill required. This lock includes two keys and is recommended for use on front doors, back doors, and garages.

The SilvaBond antimicrobial protected finish on the doorknob effectively controls bacteria, mold, and mildew, and adds an extra level of protection for your family. Easily match to your existing hardware with one of the three color options: satin nickel, bright brass, and aged bronze. Additional styles are also available for internal doors such as for bathrooms, closets, and hallways.

What’s to like about the Master Lock Keyed Entry Door Lock

This is a great value, easy-to-install door lock. Two included keys mean you won’t have to cut spares immediately, and the color options ensure the door locks will match your home. The inclusion of an antimicrobial finish is something unique to Master Lock and should provide additional peace of mind.

What’s not to like about the Master Lock Keyed Entry Door Lock

While these are recommended for external doors, the Grade 3 ANSI rating is lower than some of the competitors. You may wish to install a reinforcement lock as well for maximum security.

PROS

  • Great value
  • SilvaBond antimicrobial finish
  • Three color options and styles

CONS

  • Grade 3 ANSI rating doesn’t offer complete security

Buyer’s Guide

When buying a new door lock, there are a lot of things to consider. From the type of lock to the materials and style, if you’re looking for the best door locks on the market it helps to have some basic knowledge first.

This buyer’s guide will help you pick the perfect lock for your needs. We’ll cover different types of locks, brands, quality, styles, and costs to give you all the info you’ll need to make the best choice.

Types

Door locks can be split into two main groups; conventional locks, like those used for many years, and smart locks that offer connectivity and other smart features. Further separation can be seen within these groups too, with conventional locks splitting to standard knob locks and deadbolts.

Conventional deadbolts are the standard lock used to secure most homes. While they often don’t feature any fancy functions, they can range widely in quality and price, with some top-end models even boasting drill-proof materials. Affordable and sometimes re-keyable, conventional deadbolts significantly improve security over knob locks, as the locking cylinder sits within the door rather than the knob.

Smart locks, on the other hand, offer many features and functions that are not possible with conventional locks, all while providing the same if not better security. From keyless door entry to voice control and access logs, smart locks open up a world of home security not previously available.

These smart functions are enabled when the lock connects to your existing Wi-Fi, allowing for a range of authentication methods and additional features such as remote locking and alarm integration.

Brands

If you’re looking for a new door lock, chances are you’ve come across some familiar brand names. Many of the most trusted brands in door locks have been operating for many years, and for good reason. Their products are tried and tested so you know your home is secure.

While there are many door lock manufacturers in the world today, below is a list of the most trusted:

Schlage

Founded in 1920, Schlage is one of the most popular brands of residential and commercial locks in the United States. More expensive than some other brands, Schlage locks are known for their sturdy materials and for being difficult to pick or bump.

Kwikset

In business for over 80 years, Kwikset makes a range of products from entry-level standard locks to high-end smart locks. Standard Kwikset locks are one of the cheapest on the market and also one of the easiest to pick.

Baldwin

If you’re looking for a good mid-range lock it might be worth checking out Baldwin. Not the best and not the worst, Baldwin has a long history and uses top-quality materials in its locks.

Yale

Founded in 1868, Yale is one of the oldest international brands in the lock industry. With a reputation for quality craftsmanship, Yale is considered the creator of the modern pin-tumbler lock.

Medeco

One of the most famous lock brands around, Medeco locks feature angled key cuts with elevating and rotating pin-tumblers, making them virtually unpickable. Although on the higher-end of the market, if you’re looking for the Ferrari of the lock world, don’t go past Medeco.

Quality

To help identify the quality of door locks, industry standards were established with defined benchmarks for operation and security. Each lock must pass a series of operational and security tests to be given a rating. The grading system is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is referred to as an ANSI grade.

The ANSI grading system was developed by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) and ranges from 1 to 3 depending on the results of a number of operational tests. Factors such as lock longevity, toughness, and latch length also play a role in determining the grade. ANSI grades break down as follows:

Grade 1

Best. Highest security available, meets commercial building codes and available for residential use via deadbolts.

Grade 2

Better. Exceeds standard residential requirements, grade 2 locks are often mid-range and mid-priced.

Grade 3

Good. Provides minimal residential security, grade 1 locks are generally used as secondary locks.

When looking at the best door locks on the market, check the ANSI rating and ensure your lock meets your needs. Grade 1 locks are recommended for any external doors for the greatest security.

Styles

While we’ve already looked at the different types of locks, conventional and smart locks alike offer a range of different styles to choose from. With each offering its own purpose, ensure you select the right lock style for your needs.

Knob locks

Knob locks are popular residential door locks often used for internal doors or as a secondary precaution on external doors (along with a deadbolt). As the lock cylinder is stored inside the knob, these locks are not generally suitable as the primary lock on external doors.

Deadbolts

Often considered the standard lock for residential security, deadbolts have rightly earned their place at the top of the pack. Separate from the doorknob itself, deadbolts provide an additional level of security to a knob lock and can prevent someone from breaking down the door.

Lever handle locks

These handle locks work in much the same way as knob locks except the handle is a lever instead of a knob. Generally best used on internal doors, lever handle locks can improve accessibility for those less capable but provide only minimal security.

Jimmy-proof deadbolts

Deadbolts offer great security, but for ease of installation and expert security, it’s hard to go past a jimmy-proof deadbolt. Frequently found in apartments, these deadbolts are easily installed and offer great security by interlocking with the bracket which prevents it from being pulled apart.

Rim latch locks

Rim latch locks have a cylinder on one side and a surface mount latch on the other. These locks can auto-lock behind you and are a popular lock choice in many apartment buildings. Often used in conjunction with a deadbolt, rim latch locks cannot withstand a lot of force so are not considered suitable as a primary door lock.

Cost

Door lock prices are influenced by a number of factors, including the lock strength, type, materials, and ANSI rating. While it’s important to choose the best door locks for your needs, it doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank. When looking for external locks, for example, if your budget can’t stretch to an ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt, you can always add additional security measures to a Grade 2 lock.

The type of door lock you purchase will also directly influence its price. Are you looking for a smart lock with remote unlocking and Wi-Fi connectivity? Fantastic! Just don’t expect to get it all for under $20. With more and more technology pouring into household items to make them ‘smart,’ prices for some items may be prohibitively high.

When it comes to door locks, cost and security do go hand in hand. This is not to say that lower-end locks are worthless, but they may only be suitable for internal, not external doors. If you’re looking at the lower end of the market, consider multiple locks to increase security or employ a reinforcement lock for added peace of mind.

F.A.Q.

How to Pick a Door Lock?

Picking a door lock is a useful skill to have should you ever lock yourself out of your house. Depending on the type of lock you’re trying to get past, picking a lock can be a simple as pushing a credit card through the door jamb to release the latch.

If you’re in a pinch and need to pick a lock, read on – just note this should never be used for criminal purposes.

Collect your tools

To pick a lock you will need a pick and a tension wrench. Most people don’t have a lock pick set laying around, so find at least two bobby pins to create your tools.

Create pick and tension wrench

To make the pick, remove the plastic ends from one bobby pin and unfold it so it’s relatively flat. Place the straight end of the pin about ⅓” (or 1cm) into the lock and bend the end to form a small hook. With another bobby pin, make the tension wrench by placing the closed end about 1” (2.5cm) into the lock and bend at 90 degrees to create an L-shape.

Use the tension wrench

Place the shorter, closed end of the tension wrench into the lower end of the keyhole and apply light tension in the direction the key should turn.

Pick the lock

While holding the tension wrench in place, insert the pick into the lock and find the pins keeping the lock in place. Starting from the back, probe and push the pins in an upward direction to release the spring. Once set, the plug should rotate slightly and you can move on to the next pins. Repeat for each pin and once all are set, the plug should rotate freely as if there was a key.

This process can be difficult to master and is sometimes considered more of an art than science. If you’re locked out of your home and need to get in urgently, call a locksmith for assistance. If you have time to practice, lock picking can be a very useful skill to acquire.

How to Change Door Locks?

Changing door locks is generally easy enough for almost anyone to do. By simply unscrewing and removing the existing hardware, you can easily see how your new lock needs to be installed. If you’re needing to replace a standard knob lock follow the below instructions:

Remove the old knobs

Using a screwdriver (not a drill), unscrew the knob plate from each side of the door and remove the knobs. If your lock has an interior cover, unscrew this and pry it away from the door with a flathead screwdriver.

Disassemble lock sections

Remove the screws holding the interior and exterior lock sections together. Once removed, pull each side away from the door to release the knobs.

Remove the latch

Unscrew the faceplate and latch mechanism from the side of the door and pull out.

Install your new door lock

Once the old lock is removed, flatten out any areas on the door as necessary and install the latch. Screw the faceplate into place to hold the lock steady.

Install new lockset

Make sure the keyed section is on the outside, then install the new lockset. Slide both parts through the hole and screw into place.

Test

Once you have installed your new lock, test to make sure everything is working. Adjust as required and tighten down all screws firmly.

Removing and installing a door lock is a straightforward process. To ensure your new door lock is installed correctly, follow the instructions included with your new hardware.

How to Fix a Door Lock Cylinder?

A jammed door lock cylinder can be an annoying problem to fix. Lock cylinders jam for a variety of reasons, including overuse, incorrect installation, or blocked mechanism. Depending on the cause, you can often fix a jammed door lock quickly using one of the below methods:

Spray graphite or lubricating spray into the keyhole

This may loosen up whatever is jamming the cylinder and help improve its function.

Use a key extractor

If a key has broken off inside the lock, purchase a key extractor from a hardware store to remove the broken piece from the lock.

To loosen a rusted lock, remove it from the door and soak the mechanism in kerosene for 24 hours.

Remove the faceplate and check that everything aligns

Misaligned latches are a common cause of cylinder jams and can be easily fixed by correcting the latch alignment or cutting out more of the door or frame.

If all else fails, contact a locksmith. While the above methods can be very useful, some locks just won’t budge and may require a professional’s touch.

How to Put a Lock on a Door?

Installing a deadbolt on a door can be an easy process if you have the right tools. To do this, you will need a chisel, screwdriver, drill, drill bits, and a hole saw along with your new lock.

Using the manufacturer’s template, mark the front, back, and side of the door so you know where to drill. It’s recommended to install deadbolts are 6” (15cm) above the doorknob. Once marked, drill out the hole on the front and back of the door using a hole saw.

Change drill bits to a ⅞” (2.2cm) spade bit to drill a hole in the side of the door for the bolt. Fit the faceplate to the hole and mark where it will be installed. Using a chisel, cut away the wood so the faceplate fits flush against the door. Drill holes and secure the bolt to the door with screws.

Install the cylinder and thumb lever to the door. Start with the exterior side before fitting the interior and fasten the deadbolt in place with screws.

Mark the end of the bolt with paint or lipstick, close the door and turn the deadbolt to mark the door frame. This will give you a guide mark so you can use the spade bit to drill the deadbolt hole in the door frame. Mark where the strike plate will sit on the frame over these holes before chiseling away any excess material so the plate is flush and putting in screws.

How to Open a Door Lock?

Opening a door lock is normally as simple as inserting the key and turning. However, with smart locks on the rise, unlocking a door isn’t always that simple. Many new products feature keypads, RFID readers, or even fingerprint scanners for increased security.

To open any lock, look at the mechanism to work out how it operates. Most locks we encounter in our day-to-day lives work with a key and can be operated with ease. If you have a new smart lock and are unsure how it works, check the instruction manual for further information.

Final Verdict

A good door lock can mean the difference between someone getting into your home or not. Whether you’re changing locks to a new house or trying to improve security in your existing home, the best door locks should keep your family and possessions secure and worry-free.

Whether you’re looking for a conventional or smart lock, check out the security grade of any new door lock and ensure it meets (or even exceeds) your needs. With the rise of bump keys and home break-ins, lower graded locks may not be secure enough to stop someone getting into your home.

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