The handle or knob, as well as all latch and locking frameworks, are all part of the door hardware. Whether or not the hardware contains a lock, this is technically referred to as a lockset. Various locksets are created for specific application areas. Once you’ve decided on the type of lockset you need for the application, you can concentrate on the hardware’s style and finish. Keep in mind that, regardless of the type, quality locksets are usually worth the extra money because they perform better and last longer than cheap hardware.
So to help you find the best door hardware, here are some helpful factors to consider:
Privacy
While external door knobs are responsible for providing stability to your home, many internal door knobs are responsible for ensuring privacy among the citizens of the home. The capacity to lock the door while in the bathroom or changing in the morning can save family members or roommates the humiliation or discomfort of unintentional walk-ins. While the stakes of maintaining room privacy within the home aren’t quite as high as those of keeping invaders out, finding the right door knobs to provide the degree of privacy you require can help you live in a satisfied, more harmonious environment.
Mechanism of Locking
There are two main types of locking mechanisms for exterior door knobs: keyless and keyed. Interior door knobs with locks are sometimes keyed, but more often than not, they have a button or a thumbturn to lock. The locking mechanism usually doesn’t make that much difference in how well the doorknob locks; it’s simply a matter of personal taste. When shopping for internal door knobs, look for ones that have an emergency break so you can open the door if it becomes stuck.
Cost
Door knobs can cost as little as $5 for minimalist home locks and as much as $500 for high-quality exterior locksets made of particularly nice components. Most customers are likely to choose something between $10 and $100, and even within that price range, there are loads of options. If you’re looking for a doorknob that will meet your needs without breaking the bank, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. However, if you want something that is known to be especially high quality or a doorknob in just the perfect style, you should be willing to pay a little more.
Security
Security is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing exterior drawer knobs. The lock on your entry doorknob is the only thing that stands between your home and a prospective intruder, so you need to be confident that it will do its job. Most entry door knobs are evaluated and graded by the third-party organisation American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to help you decide how secure they are. Grade 1 is the current highest level and is most commonly used for commercial purposes. You can rely on a high-quality doorknob to keep you safe. Grade 2 indicates that the doorknob still exceeds all expectations and is probably suitable for most residential applications, whereas Grade 3 indicates that it only offers a basic level of security and should likely only be used for internal doorknobs. If you’re worried about break-ins, look for a grade one or two doorknobs.