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Best Door Lock. We spent over 42 hours researching and testing 20 different types of door locks and found that construction, type of lock, and ease of installation were most important. It is easy to install; all you need is a screwdriver. Keyed Entry Sets. Step-by-step expert advice on how to replace a doorknob, from removing the old door knob to installing the new one, and installing a security deadbolt. The key to replacing an old doorknob is to buy a new one that fits the existing holes in the door.
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- How To Install A Keyed Entry Lock
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<>How to Install an Entrance Door Lock
The door locks for entrance doors are commonly designed in a very particular way. Install an entrance door lock with help from a foreman for Lighty Contractors in this free video clip.
Video Transcript
Hello, everyone. I'm Joshua Clement with Lighty Contractors.And today I'm going to show you how to install an entrance door lock. For this, we're going to be using a Phillips head screwdriver. Step one is to go ahead and take your plunger and put it into the door. Take your screws and put them in. Make sure you do not over-tighten these. That's why I don't recommend using a drill for this because a lot of people tend to over-tighten it and it ends up pinching their plunger, and doesn't allow it to open and close properly. You just want to snug it up a little bit, that way you don't strip out the wood or fiberglass on the door. After you get that done you want to take the exterior part of the door and the interior part. Putting the exterior part through the hole making sure that you line the screws up through the proper holes there. After that's done, go ahead and take the interior part of the door and match up the lock here, making sure that the door locks and unlocks properly. After that you're ready to put your mounting screws in. What I like to do is go ahead and get one started and then pull out on the door knob a little bit and insert the other one. That way you can take a peek behind this plate here and make sure you're getting it into the hole correctly. After you get them tightened down a little bit, go ahead and take your Phillips head screwdriver and tighten them all the way down. Make sure you aren't scratching the knob with the shaft of the screwdriver as you're putting them in. And you want to make sure you do not over-tighten these. If you do it wont allow the knob to twist freely to move the plunger. I like to go ahead and make sure that it's twisting nice, it's not catching on anything. Go ahead and lock the door. Make sure that it's locking properly. And that's how you do it. I'm Joshua Clement with Lighty Contractors. And that's how you can install an entrance door knob. Thanks for watching.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.Our Top Picks
Best Overall:Schlage Camelot Keypad at Amazon
• PAL and NTSC have slightly divergent colour spaces, but the color decoder differences here are ignored. • PAL supports SMPTE 498.3 while NTSC is compliant with EBU Recommendation 14. Download pal to ntsc ps2 iso converter.
'A simple keypad, plus a lever to open the door once access is granted.'
Best Budget:Kwikset Keypad Deadbolt Lock at Amazon
'Allows six unique entry codes and one-time access codes for visitors.'
Best Smart Homes:Schlage Z-Wave Camelot Deadbolt at Amazon
'Allows you to use the keyless entry system with Amazon Alexa.'
Best Fingerprint Access:Ultraloq Fingerprint Lock at Amazon
'Sleek, long battery life, and expansive access capabilities.'
Best with No Key Access:Schlage Touch Camelot Lock at Amazon
'Is a reliable, solid choice for keyless home entry.'
Best for Garage: Clicker Garage Door Opener at Amazon
'Installation is simple since the unit operates wirelessly.'
Best for RV: AP Products Travel Trailer Lock at Amazon
'It features a five-button capacitive touch keypad.'
Best Overall: Schlage Camelot Keypad Entry with Flex-Lock
ExcellentFor a tried-and-true keyless entry system, the best overall choice is the Schlage Camelot Keypad Entry with Flex-Lock.This popular lock for home use has a simple keypad with digits zero to nine, plus a lever to open the door once access is granted. What sets this unit apart is the exceptionally long battery life, as well as the Flex-Lock option.With Flex-Lock, you can disable the automatic locking feature of the system by flipping the thumb turn on the interior side of the door to the vertical position. If you are bringing in groceries, expecting company, or have kids frequently going in and out, this can be a useful feature. However, some users mentioned that it can be hard to tell if the system is in automatic lock mode unless you memorize what the horizontal versus vertical position of the thumb turn means. For everyday home users, this shouldn’t prove to be too challenging.The Camelot Keypad will hold up to 19 unique entry codes and does feature keyed entry access in the event of battery failure or other emergency. This Schlage lock is not the sleekest or most stylish keyless entry system on the market, but it is one of the most well-reviewed and widely used keypad locks.Best Budget: Kwikset 92640 Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Lock
For a simple keyless entry system on a budget, a deadbolt keypad lock like the Kwikset 92640 is a great choice.This affordably-priced deadbolt lock is backed by the Kwikset name, a leading producer of door locks and hardware. The Kwikset 92640 stands out for its low price tag, but also for its slim profile and simple appearance. The unit locks automatically after 10 to 99 seconds, according to user preference. It’s powered by four AA batteries and users report that installation is simple.This model from Kwikset allows only six unique entry codes but does offer one-time access codes that can be given to visitors. The number of entry codes is limited in comparison to many other keyless entry systems but still offers sufficient options to meet the security needs of most households.Best for Smart Homes: Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt
For a keyless entry system that incorporates the best of smart home technology, the Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt is a top choice.The Connect version of the popular Schlage Camelot lock allows you to use the keyless entry system in tandem with Amazon Alexa or many Z-Wave enabled home automation systems. This means you can use voice commands to unlock the door, or remotely unlock it via the web. Depending on what type of home automation system you want to use the lock with (such as Wink or SmartThings) you will need to purchase a hub.But once you have your lock in place and integrated with your smart home system, you’ll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to unlock your door from anywhere, provide codes to pet sitters, or unlock the door for visitors. This lock also has received a Grade I ANSI rating, the highest home residential security rating.Best for Fingerprint Access: Ultraloq Fingerprint and Touchscreen Keyless Lock
If you’re looking for an advanced keyless entry system using biometrics, the Ultraloq UL3 Fingerprint and Touchscreen Keyless Lock is the answer. This futuristic-looking keyless entry system has a reversible handle for easy installation, plus a hidden back-up key slot.What makes this fingerprint lock stand out is its sleek looks, long battery life, and expansive access capabilities. Program up to 99 different access codes and 99 different fingerprints. This gives you the ability to grant access to as many visitors as you wish — or restrict it to just your household. Many users report that fingerprint access was more convenient than punching in a number code every time they returned home.However, a few people had difficulty getting the lock to consistently read their fingerprint. Some users overcame this problem by programming their fingerprint multiple times at different angles. If you want a deadbolt cover, you will need to purchase this separately. Overall, the Ultraloq UL3 Keyless Lock is a great choice for a biometrics keyless entry system.Best with No Key Access: Schlage Touch Camelot Lock
If you’re concerned about the security weakness that comes with keyed entry access, then a completely keyless entry system is the way to go. Our top recommendation is the Schlage Touch Camelot Lock.This keypad-only entry system has no key lock — meaning the lock is not susceptible to being picked by would-be thieves. It also won’t allow intruders to gain access by means of lock bumping.The unit relies on battery power, and since there is no key slot, it becomes inoperable if the battery dies. However, Schlage put emergency battery contacts on the exterior of the unit. So if you do somehow lose power, simply hold a 9V battery up to the contacts and the unit will power on — granting you access. Like many Schlage locks, the Touch Camelot lock is a reliable, solid choice for keyless home entry.Best for Garage: Clicker Universal Garage Door Opener Keyless Entry Keypad
If you’re looking to gain access to your garage without a key — and don’t want to rely on just the controller in your vehicle — then you need a keyless entry system for your garage. The Clicker Universal Garage Entry Keypad is our overall choice for keyless entry to your garage.This simple keypad features a slide-down cover to keep the keypad out of the elements and fully functional. This model from Chamberlain stands out thanks to its ability to integrate with most automatic garage door openers manufactured since 1993.Installation is simple, since the unit operates wirelessly and runs on a 9V battery. Once installed, program a four-digit code and begin enjoying keyless entry to your garage. This is great for giving kids or visitors access to your home through the garage without the need for a key.Best for RV: AP Products Electric Travel Trailer Lock
When you’re enjoying the great outdoors in your RV, free yourself from the worry of carrying a key with the keyless entry system from AP Products.The Electric Travel Trailer Lock is designed to replace most RV door locks, and it features a five-button capacitive touch keypad with digits one through eight and one special character. The keypad is backlit to assist you in finding the right buttons even after dark. The lock is wireless and runs on four AA batteries.Some users found the capacitive touch buttons to be a little unreliable, but overall this is the best keyless entry system available for an RV. It also does feature keyed entry access, in the event that the keypad fails.
Products Tested byThe Spruce
How We Tested
Our reviewers tested a top-rated keyless entry system daily for two weeks. To get the most well-rounded results, they installed it in their own homes, experimented with its various settings, and observed its performance. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using this keyless entry system, from its design to its special features. We've outlined the major takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Keyless Entry System
Entry method Keypads are a popular option for families, as they’re easy for kids to remember, but the downside is that anyone who has the code can access your home. On the other hand, locks that use your smartphone are more secure, but what happens if you forget your phone? Consider the pros and cons of each type when shopping.
Backup keys Most keyless entry systems include a backup key slot in case they malfunction, but there are some truly keyless products available. If you want to ensure that your house has maximum protection against lock bumping or picking, you might want to look into these entirely keyless options.
Additional functionality Some keyless entry systems simply grant access to your home, but others come with additional features for added convenience. For instance, some smart locks allow you to grant temporary access to guests or service professionals and even monitor who locks or unlocks the door and when.
Test Results: Schlage Camelot Keypad Entry with Flex-Lock (Best Overall)
How To Install A Keyed Entry Door Locks
Excellent
How To Install A Keyed Entry Lock
What We Like
- Fits most doors
- Keypad lights up
- Easy to use
What We Don't Like
How To Install A Keyed Entry Door Lock Door
- Setup is a bit tricky
- Only one key included
Keyed Entry Door Lever
This keyless entry system came highly recommended by our testers for its ease of use and effectiveness. “It’s very easy to use even during nighttime because the keypad lights up,” one reviewer explained. 'Also, the lock fits most doors without needing any modifications, and changing the programming code was a breeze.” One downside to this unit, however, was its setup. “Installation was a bit tricky,” explained one of our testers, “but not hard if you’re a DIYer.” Our reviewers also wished that it came with two keys instead of one.