HTML/JavaScript

Friday, January 6, 2023

Best Door Locks for Home Security


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internet Security

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Safety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family Safety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safety News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deals

Search for:Search

Search

 

On this page:

 

Bottom line

Compare

Reviews

Medeco

Schlage

Wright

Kwikset

Defender

Things to consider

Final word

FAQ

How we reviewed

Home | Best Door Locks for Home Security

 

Best Door Locks for Home Security

We compared traditional deadbolts and door locks to find the toughest options for a secure home.

Best for security

 

Medeco Maxum

pro

Unique angled key design

pro

Drill-proof hardened steel

pro

Pick-proof lock

VIEW ON AMAZON

Read review

Easiest installation

Schlage B60N626 Deadbolt

Schlage B60N626

pro

Low-profile face

pro

Universal latch

pro

Easy installation

VIEW ON AMAZON

Read review

Best for storm doors

Wright Products VMT115PB

Wright Serenade Mortise Set

pro

Attractive design

pro

Universal fit

pro

Storm door deadbolt

VIEW ON AMAZON

Read review

Budget pick

Kwikset 980 Deadbolt

Kwikset 980 with SmartKey

pro

6 finishes

pro

Fits standard doors

pro

Lifetime warranty

VIEW ON AMAZON

Read review

Keyless pick

Defender Security Satin Nickel U 10827 Door Reinforcement Lock

Defender Security Door Reinforcement

pro

Prevents forced entry

pro

Inexpensive

pro

Affordable

VIEW ON AMAZON

Read review

Kasey Tross

By Kasey Tross

Researcher & Writer

November 07, 2022

Share Article

Social Facebook O  Dark

Social Twitter O  Dark

Social Linkedin O  Dark

Social Email O  Dark

We knew our top pick would have to be "The Rock" of traditional locks: big, tough, and unmovable. The Medeco Maxum's solid, hardened steel construction and unpickable locking mechanism checked all the boxes. The price tag on the Maxum is definitely higher than the other locks on our list, but for everything it offers in protection, we think the triple-digit price is well worth it.

 

Best door locks

Medeco Maxum: Best for security

Schlage B60N626: Easiest installation

Wright Products Serenade Mortise Set: Best for storm doors

Kwikset 980 with SmartKey: Budget pick

Defender Security Door Reinforcement Lock: Keyless pick

key-in-door

Compare the best door locks

Door lock

Best for

Price

Lock materials

ANSI grade

Icon Tooltip  Dark

Learn more

Read review

 

Medeco Maxum

Best for security $199.99             Brass and hardened steel          1          VIEW ON AMAZON       Read review

Schlage B60N626 Deadbolt

Schlage B60N626

Easiest installation         $37.50  Steel     1          VIEW ON AMAZON       Read review

Wright Products VMT115PB

Wright Products Serenade Mortise Set

Best for storm doors      $61.48  Solid brass       N/A       VIEW ON AMAZON       Read review

Kwikset 980 Deadbolt

Kwikset 980 with SmartKey

Budget pick      $33.95  Steel and aluminum       1          VIEW ON AMAZON       Read review

Defender Security Satin Nickel U 10827 Door Reinforcement Lock

Defender Security Door Reinforcement Lock

Keyless pick     $22.00  Extruded aluminum        N/A       VIEW ON AMAZON       Read review

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

 

Best door lock reviews

1. Medeco Maxum: Best for security

Best for security

 

Medeco Maxum

$199.99

VIEW ON AMAZON

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

 

The Maxum is the next generation of lock security. Its solid, hardened steel casing and inserts make it drill-proof and impervious to attacks from crowbars and other common tools.

 

pro

Pros

proPick-proof lock

proUnique key design

proHardened steel casing

proANSI Grade 1 rating

proHigh security strike plate

con

Cons

conHigh price tag

conDeadbolt only

We especially liked that the unique lock style means unique keys, making them hard to duplicate. But keep in mind that if you need a duplicate key, or if you ever need to get the lock re-keyed, its uniqueness means you'll have some hoops to jump through.

 

The Maxum lock is available in a variety of different finishes, and it comes with a high-security, box-style strike plate with two-inch, high tensile screws—not as long as the three-inch screws we prefer for a truly secure door, but better than the standard one-inch. Installation can be difficult, so you might want to have a locksmith on call just in case. You can order several Medeco locks for your home and have them keyed the same or differently.

 

Medeco locks are deadbolt only, so you'll have to find a matching doorknob lock, but the deadbolts come in more than a dozen finishes, so you can find just the right match. Medeco is by far the priciest door lock on our list, but it's top quality, and it comes with a two-year warranty.

 

2. Schlage B60N626: Easiest installation

Easiest installation

Schlage B60N626 Deadbolt

Schlage B60N626

$37.50

VIEW ON AMAZON

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

 

As someone who’s been in the sweaty trenches of deadbolt replacement myself, I wish I'd had something like the Schlage B60 series to make the process a little easier.

 

Schlage designs its deadbolts to fit most standard pre-drilled deadbolt holes, and it uses a unique “Snap & Stay” ring to hold the locking mechanism in place while you screw it in.

 

pro

Pros

proSnap & Stay design

proUniversal fit

proQuick installation

proTamper resistance

proAAA BHMA rating

con

Cons

conWeak screws

Since there’s just three pieces to install with a standard Phillips head screwdriver, you'll be looking at less than 10 minutes total work time.

 

This lock isn't as impervious to attacks as the Medeco, but it is pick- and bump-resistant, and at around $30, it won't break the bank. It's available at most local hardware stores, and it comes with a AAA rating (best of the best) from BHMA for security, durability, and finish.

 

3. Wright Products Serenade Mortise Set: Best for storm doors

Best for storm doors

Wright Products VMT115PB

Wright Products Serenade Mortise Set

$61.48

VIEW ON AMAZON

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

 

If you're a neighborly person who likes to see what's going on outside, but you don't want to leave your door unlocked for intruders, a storm door lock like this one from Wright Products is a good way to beef up your security.

 

This lock has an adjustable backset, so it will fit most storm doors, and its built-in deadbolt keeps your door firmly locked.

 

pro

Pros

proAttractive design

proUniversal fit

proStorm door deadbolt

proSolid brass construction

con

Cons

conTricky installation

The simple, curved handle design fits most décor styles, and it goes with other locksets from the Wright Products line, so you can match it to your front door.

 

The only drawback to this lock is that it's tricky to install. The instructions that come with it aren’t very clear, so if you're not mechanically minded, you might want to enlist a friend or professional to help with the job.

 

On the bright side, one reason mortise locks are hard to install is because they're designed to be more complex than cylinder locks, so they're also harder for intruders to beat.

 

4. Kwikset 980 with SmartKey: Budget pick

Budget pick

Kwikset 980 Deadbolt

Kwikset 980 with SmartKey

$33.95

VIEW ON AMAZON

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

 

The Kwikset 980 looks great on paper: it has solid steel construction and BumpGuard technology, plus it's tough to pick and you can rekey it yourself. But we couldn't put it into the top three because the jury is still out on how reliable the SmartKey rekeying technology really is.

 

pro

Pros

pro6 finishes

proRound and square shapes

proFits standard doors

proLifetime warranty

proCan rekey yourself

con

Cons

conRekey technology may fail

Some users say their key stopped working in the lock after a few years, and some say the rekeying failed altogether.

 

The good news is that it's an affordable option, and if you run into any trouble with your Kwikset lock, it's covered under a lifetime warranty that covers mechanical problems and finish blemishes.

 

Light Bulb

Interested in a smart lock?

We devoted a separate page to our favorite smart locks to give them the attention they deserve.

 

5. Defender Security Door Reinforcement Lock: Keyless pick

Keyless pick

Defender Security Satin Nickel U 10827 Door Reinforcement Lock

Defender Security Lock

$22.00

VIEW ON AMAZON

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

 

The Defender Security Lock isn't like the other locks on our list because it doesn’t have a key. It works more like the devices you'd find on our Best Door Jammers list by preventing a forced entry while you're in your home.

 

pro

Pros

proPrevents forced entry

proVery affordable

proPick-proof and bump-proof

proEasy to install

con

Cons

conMay not hold up to repeated use

No keys means it's pick-proof and bump-proof, so it's a great way to put an extra layer of security on exterior doors that have windows next to the locks. At under $20, it's inexpensive, and it's easy to install and use, but users say it doesn't hold up well with repeated use over time.

 

Things to consider before you buy

What's your backset?

The backset on your door is the measurement between the center of the drilled hole for your lock and the edge of your door. This is an essential measurement to have before you go shopping for locks to ensure you get a lock that fits.

 

Most backsets on US doors are either 2 3/8 in. or 2 3/4 in., so most locks are designed to fit those measurements. Still, every once in a while, you'll get a door that's drilled differently, so be sure to check.

 

Single cylinder vs. double cylinder locks

The deadbolt locks we've included here are single cylinder locks, which means they have a keyhole on one side and a thumb turn or lever on the other side.

 

You can purchase double cylinder locks that require keys on both sides, but needing a key to unlock the door from the inside could delay or prevent you from getting out of your home in an emergency.

 

For that reason, we recommend using only single cylinder locks for your home security.

 

Security doors

Before outfitting old doors with new locks, consider whether you might want the added protection of a security door. Security doors are much sturdier and more kick-resistant than standard builder-grade doors, and they can provide extra security at your home's most vulnerable point.

 

Today's security doors come in a wide variety of stylish finishes to match your décor, so you won't have to feel like you're living in a bank vault.

 

Adding door sensors

If you're focusing on beefing up your door security, it's a good idea to think about adding door and window sensors to your home. These sensors are included in many home security systems and will alert you whenever a door or window is opened when the system is armed.

 

Final word

The Medeco Maxum offers incredible durability and unique keys that make it difficult to pick. These strengths come at a steep cost, making the door lock more than four times as expensive as other locks on our list—as much as some smart locks.

 

If you're fine sacrificing some durability, the Schlage B60 series is much more economical with the same ANSI Grade 1 rating.

 

FAQ

Expand AllExpand

Collapse

How do I change a deadbolt?

Believe it or not, changing a deadbolt on your door is pretty easy. All you need is a screwdriver and your new deadbolt kit.

 

Unscrew the screws on the deadbolt to remove the faceplate and the lock. Next, remove the plate on the inside of the door.

 

Replace the lock inside the door with the new piece and screw it into place. We recommend longer screws for a more secure fit. Be sure to install it with the "up" side in the correct position.

 

Finally, line up the new deadbolt with the internal lock and screw into place.

 

Expand

How do keyless door locks work?

 

Expand

Do I need a professional locksmith to install my new door lock?

 

Expand

What do ANSI and BHMA grades mean?

 

Expand

What is lock bumping?

 

How we reviewed door locks

To choose our top picks for the best door locks, we studied each lock's construction and security features to find locks that were not only built to last but also designed to foil even the most talented lockpicker. To find out more about how we review security products, check out our full methodology.

 

Related articles on SafeWise

Best Smart Locks

What Are Electric (Smart) Door Locks and How Do They Work?

Best Sliding Glass Door Locks

5 Best Door Locks for Apartments and Renters

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

 

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

 

Share Article

Social Facebook  Dark

Social Twitter  Dark

Social Linkedin  Dark

Social Email  Dark

Kasey Tross

Written by

Kasey Tross

Kasey is a trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and a freelance writer with expertise in emergency preparedness and security. As the mother of four kids, including two teens, Kasey knows the safety concerns parents face as they raise tech-savvy kids in a connected world, and she loves to research the latest security options for her own family and for SafeWise readers.

Read More

Icon Social Email  Dark

Recent Articles

safewise's best home security systems

By

Alina Bradford

 01/03/2023

10 Best Home Security Systems of 2023

After hundreds of hours of tests and research, plus a combined 50+ years of experience,...

couple sitting on floor with moving boxes and a dog

By

Cathy Habas

 01/03/2023

2023 Best Home Security Systems for Renters

These renter-friendly home security systems keep your house or apartment safe and require less commitment...

Senior woman hugging dog

By

Cathy Habas

 01/03/2023

8 Best Medical Alert Systems of 2023

See which medical alert system is the best to keep you and your loved one...

telus-security-platform-on-phone

By

Rebecca Edwards

 12/20/2022

The Best Home Security Systems in Canada

Find the best home alarm system to protect your house. We looked at price, features,...

SafeWise Logo

About

Contact

Press

Blog

Deals

 

Home Security

Internet Security

Home Safety

Family Safety

Senior Safety

 

Car Safety

Smart Home

Emergency Prep

Pet Safety

Personal Safety

 

Stay Safe!

Subscribe to SafeWise for updates on safety news, product releases, and deals!

 

 

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy | Cookies Settings

SafeWise - Facebook

SafeWise - Twitter

SafeWise - Youtube

SafeWise - Pinterest

Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | How We Rank and Review | Cookies Settings

 

*SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. This is not a guarantee. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.

 

©2023 SafeWise. All rights reserved.

 

Icon Caret Up  Light

BACK TO TOP

We use cookies to improve your experience and to support marketing efforts. By clicking "Accept" you agree to the use of cookies as described in our privacy policy.

Cookies Settings Accept

Saturday, July 30, 2022

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Shop a Gaming computer For the Aim of Gaming Expertise

If you are gaming addict, this suggestion is for you. If thus, one in all the most effective ways that to get pleasure from the gaming expertise is through a computer. Some folks erroneously suppose that computer gaming is dying a slow death owing to the arrival of smart phones and different gaming devices. However, this is often not true in the least. enjoying a game on a computer offers a lot of flexibility and ease. moreover the graphical capabilities of a computer are far more advanced than the other presently on the market gaming console.

If you would like to possess a mind-blowing gaming expertise, I recommend you equip your computer with all the specified hardware and package which can create your laptop into a gaming monster. However, detain mind that building a gaming computer isn't aiming to be a cakewalk. There are several intricacies concerned and you will have to be compelled to be willing to pay a decent quantity of cash likewise. Below are few tips for people that wish to show their computer into associate degree final gaming machine.

There are thousands of hardware parts that you'll be able to increase your computer. Being responsive to your budget helps you to arrange that things to shop for and which of them to avoid. the nice news is that it's potential to make a decent gambling computer on a restricted budget. There are people who have with success engineered a mid-tier gaming machine for fewer than $200 and there are others who spent over $5000 shopping for the top-of-the-line parts. thus it's wholly up to you.

This is a vital thought thus you've got to decide on rigorously. presently there are two major processor makers, Intel and AMD. Intel processors area unit very little dearer however have higher over clocking. However, there's not an excessive amount of a distinction between the 2. In the end, it's all a matter of private alternative. Personally, I like Intel over AMD however there are many people who area unit pleased with the latter.

Once you've got finalized the processor, next step is to decide on a compatible motherboard. Some motherboards might not work well with specific processors. Do some analysis before you purchase so as to avoid any unwanted compatibility problems presently.

Next step is to decide on the most effective graphics card that you simply will get among your budget. Here once more you've got two main decisions - NVIDIA and AMD cards. every has its own execs and cons. There are several technology blogs on web that have done elaborated comparisons of each cards. check that you undergo a couple of those articles before you create a final judgment.

Besides this, check that you've got many RAM so as to possess a electric sander performance and be able to get pleasure from industrial games while not the computer obtaining stuck within the middle of a game, that might be terribly frustrating. Most of the newest games want heap of RAM thus you've got to pay some cash here. There are many alternative RAM makers, select a supposed manufacturer solely. Ideally, you must select RAM with the best clock pace .