Exterior Door lock sets

[Mainiac Mat]

Hey gang,

After 23 years I want to replace the big box store Schlage lock sets (locking door knobs and dead bolts) on my house and garage.

I'd like to upgrade to something more robustly built for improved security, but don't want to bring a lock smith into the equation.

Is there anything out there that is a step up, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

 

[tinmanwpk]

There's a great thread on this very topic somewhere on here.

 

[no704]

Emtec

 

[38Chevy454]

I used Medeco deadbolts on house and garage. Not real cheap, but no locksmith required. Except to purchase you need to go through an approved Medeco locksmith seller. Extra keys, same story have to go through approved seller. Keys are sent by mfr, using a code you keep; not made at local locksmith.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Emtec

Emtec here also.

 

[toolmiser]

When we were in the market for locks 25 years ago, we went to a local lock smith and they gave us great service. I don't think the price was out of hand either.

 

[Pate]

Emtek is a good option and great quality for the money. Baldwin Estate collection is a step up. I’m in the lock business and have Emtek on my own house.

 

[The Cobbler]

I used Medeco deadbolts on house and garage. Not real cheap, but no locksmith required. Except to purchase you need to go through an approved Medeco locksmith seller. Extra keys, same story have to go through approved seller. Keys are sent by mfr, using a code you keep; not made at local locksmith.

not just any Medico dealer, they each have unique keyways too, once you deal with one seller, you have to go there for keys, rekeying and so on

 

[MushCreek]

First, you have to make sure that the door and jamb are strong enough. Many doors yield to a good kick or two.

 

[Zeke]

Schlage has a commercial line that is good stuff. BTW, Schlage and Baldwin use the same key style. If you want to mess with all the so called bump lock pickers, get Yale. Pickable, yes, but the keyway is unique. Keyless locks offer picking protection so they'll just kick the door in and not bother with any type of finesse.

 

[Norcal]

Schlage has a commercial line that is good stuff. BTW, Schlage and Baldwin use the same key style. If you want to mess with all the so called bump lock pickers, get Yale. Pickable, yes, but the keyway is unique. Keyless locks offer picking protection so they'll just kick the door in and not bother with any type of finesse.

Locks are there to keep honest people honest, if somebody wants in bad enough they will get in.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Honestly, if someone wants into your house I doubt that they will finesse a door lock. They will break a window or crowbar a door. If they want in they will get in.

 

[Zeke]

So, in a PM conversation with a moderator this morning he was telling me why addressing anything beyond the OP's question was just "back and forth" and he deleted all of it.

Someone please tell me how breaking a window (etc.) is helpful to the question.

 

[Walkers]

So, in a PM conversation with a moderator this morning he was telling me why addressing anything beyond the OP's question was just "back and forth" and he deleted all of it.

Someone please tell me how breaking a window (etc.) is helpful to the question.

Can’t tell you that, but what I can tell you is that bringing something up that was deleted and trying to make the mods look bad is a good way to get hit with the weekend Ban Hammer!

 

[Zeke]

Can’t tell you that, but what I can tell you is that bringing something up that was deleted and trying to make the mods look bad is a good way to get hit with the weekend Ban Hammer!

Deleted

 

[Walkers]

That was hardly my intention. Did I say anything derogatory? Here's my offer to you: delete your OT comment and I will follow.

I don't know that it is possible. Nor was I being overly critical of what you were saying. I was just sharing personal anecdotal history.

 

[Fav Onefour]

I do like the Schlage commercial line. There are multiple levels of their commercial line all the way up to the mortise style. I use the mid level fire rated on most heavier use doors. It is easier to get them re keyed or spare keys. The mid level already has better bushings and the fire rating helps exterior handles last a bit longer with less air flow. That helps in colder climates. The high end versions are spendy and your options are a bit limited for service. I have some of those and I make sure to maintain the mortise so it can be reused when the handle goes kaput.

I have one Emtek three point. It is a nice lock but hard to get service or parts in my area. BTW, it uses the same keyway as the Schlage.

I deal with quite a few deadbolt and handle locksets on our stuff. I must have over 50 sets. The cheap stuff wears out fast and I keep phasing in the better versions as they die. Most break ins are normal kick in style or glass reach arounds. I prefer to use better anchors on the strike plates with good doors. Get screws into the frame if the jamb is wood.

@Mainiac Mat , I'd say 23 years is a good run on that lock set and door frame. I bet the deadbolt is the older style. They tended to wear faster and started hanging up about 3/4 way through motion. The newer version seems to last longer. Maybe go up a line on the Schlage and get it rekeyed to use the same keys. It would make the swap simple and you might even leave the strike plates.

 

[enrare]

Another option:

MUL-T-LOCK Deadbolts @ MUL-T-LOCK-ONLINE.COM

A must for exterior doors where deadbolt security rating is critical MUL-T-LOCK mechanical deadbolts meet the highest industry rating for security and durability offering deadbolts with keyed access from one side of the door or from both sides

www.mul-t-lock-online.com

and this to reinforce your door frame for kicking or prying attempted entry:

https://www.armorconcepts.com/shop/category/door-security-solutions-18

 

[Sumboodie]

So, in a PM conversation with a moderator this morning he was telling me why addressing anything beyond the OP's question was just "back and forth" and he deleted all of it.

Someone please tell me how breaking a window (etc.) is helpful to the question.

Because why spend big bucks on fancy locks when they are not really any better in terms of a B&E unless the place is a fortress already.

And even on expensive locks, it's surprisingly easy to drill out the core and open them. We had to do it once in a while on "high security" Abloy and another brand I can't remember now that locked munitions storage buildings. Padlocks that were in the $600 a piece area.
And the why.... key gets broken off from the lock being froze, core gets damaged and keys won't work, etc. Was a 10 min, if that, job to drill out the core and pull the lock off. Yeah... that easy!