How to Choose the Best Deadbolt Locks for Front Doors

Main Takeaways

• Grade 1 and 2 locksets work best for exterior doors due to higher security and durability.
• Double-cylinder deadbolts are best for front doors because they provide enhanced security against intruders and protection by glass windows.
• Consider security features, key control, and your door’s size and thickness when buying front door hardware.

When it comes to the safety and security of our homes, one of the most critical considerations is the choice of locks, particularly deadbolts. Deadbolts are the first line of defense in home security and are often considered the gold standard for exterior door protection.

The best locksets for exterior doors provide peace of mind and ensure a high level of protection. However, with many options available, how do you choose the best deadbolts for your front doors?

Types of Deadbolts

Before choosing the right deadbolts for your home security needs, understanding the different types available is the first step:

• Single-Cylinder Deadbolts: These are operated with a key on the outside and feature a thumbturn inside. While user-friendly and enabling quick egress during an emergency, a single-cylinder deadbolt’s proximity to windows or on glass-paned doors could pose a security concern.
• Double-Cylinder Deadbolts: Double-cylinder deadbolts are considered the best locksets for exterior doors. Requiring a key for both inside and outside operation, they address the vulnerabilities of the single-cylinder, especially when breakable glass is nearby. (Note: Consult local building codes if allowed)
• Keyless Entry Deadbolts: Combining technology with security, keyless entry door locks employ numbered codes, fingerprint scans, or even smart home and mobile applications for access. Closing them is just as simple, with thumbturns or buttons doing the trick. They're ideal for those who want convenience and ease of use.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Locksets for Your Exterior Doors

Door Functionality

The frequency of door use influences the type of lock you should install. Home entrances are more susceptible to wear and tear and security risks.

A durable, heavy-duty lock is vital for frequently used doors, especially main entrances. These are designed to endure repeated locking and unlocking cycles, maintain structural integrity over time, and provide superior security.

Security Grade (ANSI/BHMA)

ANSI/BHMA provides a standardization that helps users understand the reliability and strength of their locks. This grading system is a quick reference to know a lock's security level when choosing the best deadbolts for front doors.

Grade 1 Locks	Grade 2 Locks	Grade 3 Locks
Grade 1 locksets are best for your exterior doors, including front and back doors. They provide maximum security for high-traffic doors, high material quality, and the highest durability. They’re rated for 1,000,000+ operating cycles!	While not necessarily the “best” option for exterior doors, these locksets are an excellent choice. They meet demanding standards for strength, performance, and durability, providing higher security than typical residential-grade products.	Grade 3 locks are ideal for less critical doors or where cost is a key consideration. This is because they provide basic security and durability, meeting minimum requirements for residential homes and multi-family complexes.

Size and Thickness of Your Door

When choosing the best deadbolts for front doors, you should know that not all deadbolts fit all doors. Installing a mismatched lock can compromise both the door's integrity and effectiveness. Fortunately, most lock brands – like Kwikset and Schlage – offer adjustable backset deadbolt latches standard on their latest deadbolt styles, and also offer thin and thick door kits to fit non-standard thickness doors.

Measure your door's thickness and backset, and cross-reference these measurements with the lock specifications to find the best lockset for your exterior door. Additionally, a longer bolt, which embeds deeper into the door frame, provides greater security by making it more difficult for intruders to force the door open.

High-Security Features

• Forceful Entry Resistance: Burglars commonly use brute force by kicking the door or using tools. Ensure that the lock, especially the bolt, is robust enough to resist such forceful entries. Heavy-duty deadbolt strike plates are more robust and come with longer screws to affix the strike plate not just to the door jamb, but also to nearby studs for maximum forceful entry resistance.
• Drilling and Prying Resistance: Skilled burglars might attempt to drill through the lock or use tools to pry it open. The best locksets for exterior doors are equipped with anti-drill plates and anti-pry bars, providing an extra layer of security against these techniques.
• Picking and Lock Bumping Resistance: These are more refined techniques, often used by those with some knowledge of locks. A lock with a complex pin configuration is more complicated to pick. Locks designed to be unresponsive to sudden force on the cylinder are ideal for bumping resistance.
• Sawing Resistance: Some intruders might try to saw through the deadbolt. Bolts made of saw-resistant material, or those with anti-saw rods, make the process time-consuming and noisy, deterring the intruder. These features are usually found on commercial-grade deadbolts.

Access Control

The best locksets for exterior doors are designed to allow access only to those with the right key. Yet, if unauthorized duplication occurs, this foundational principle is compromised. Unlawful duplication can make your home vulnerable to break-ins, as individuals you did not grant access to might possess a copy of your key.

How to Get Greater Key Control

First and foremost, keep tight control of your keys. Common missteps like lending them out, leaving them “under the mat”, leaving your full key ring with a valet or auto repair provider, or losing them can compromise your home’s security.

Keyless entry deadbolts can provide greater flexibility with temporarily granted codes or remote control to allow service providers and friends/family into your home instead of leaving a key “under the mat.” Kwikset’s SmartKey technology enables easy re-keying of your entire home should you suspect your keys have been compromised.

Just moved into a new home or believe your keys may have been compromised due to loss or theft? Our free keying options make replacing your existing locks easy and affordable.

Hardened Case Steel

While the bolt of a lock is often the focal point, the casing around it is equally pivotal. It serves as the initial barrier, resisting external force and tampering efforts. If the casing is weak, the bolt's strength becomes irrelevant.

The best locksets for exterior doors are encased in hardened steel and provide durability and enhanced security. The toughness of hardened steel presents a formidable challenge to potential intruders, turning what might seem like a quick break-in into a lengthy and noisy effort.

Finishing to Match Architectural Decor

Your home is a reflection of your style and personality. Every element contributes to its overall ambiance, down to the smallest detail. This includes functional fixtures like locks, which, while providing security, are also an important and highly visible element of your home decor.

The best deadbolts for front doors balance functionality and style. They come in diverse styles and finishes. From satin nickel's timeless flexibility to matte black’s sleek modernity to satin brass’ transitional charm. Selecting a finish that complements your door and the surrounding architecture and decor ensures cohesive design.

Price and Warranty

Balance Price and Security

Everyone wants reliable security, but not at the cost of emptying their wallets. It's essential to strike a balance: ensure that, while you get the security features you need, you're not overpaying for deadbolts.

Get Peace of Mind with a Warranty

You'll also want assurance of longevity with a warranty. A substantial warranty period indicates the product's expected longevity and the company's willingness to stand behind its quality. When evaluating the best locksets for your home's exterior doors, a good warranty can be as reassuring as the lock's physical features.

Learn More at Door Locks Direct

Selecting a front door lock involves considering its functional attributes and how it fits into the broader context of your home's design and lifestyle. Being informed about these factors ensures you make a choice that provides security and satisfaction. Learn more on our blog.

At Door Locks Direct, we provide you with the insights you need and a large inventory of door hardware, including deadbolts, door handlesets, and parts, so you can make an informed purchasing decision. Need more assistance? Our passionate experts are happy to answer any questions about which locksets will work best for your exterior doors.

FAQs

How do I choose the best deadbolt for my front door?

Consider these elements to choose your ideal deadbolt:

• Security grade – Grades 1 and 2 provide the highest residential security for exterior doors.
• Type – single vs. double cylinder, traditional mechanical vs. smart deadbolt, etc.
• Door Size/Thickness – Not all deadbolts are created equal. Make sure you measure your door to ensure compatibility.

What are the best locksets for exterior doors?

ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 deadbolts are best because they offer the highest security against forced entry. They’ve also undergone rigorous testing for durability and strength, making them excellent for heavy-use doors.

Are smart locks more secure than keyed locks on my front door?

They can be. Smart locks often offer improved security through features such as tamper alerts, real-time monitoring, and keyless entry. Additionally, you can grant access to your home remotely, avoiding the need to lend out or hide your keys.