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Door handles and locks: the key to choosing wisely

Shopping for door handles and locks? Beyond appearance, other important aspects should be taken into consideration, such as ergonomics, ease of installation, quality and, of course, security. Here are a few tips for making the right choice.

Parts and features

Here are the main parts of a door lock and their different features.

1 - Cylinder and guard

The cylinder contains the lock mechanism. A strong metal shield, the cylinder guard, is fastened to the cylinder collar. Inserting and turning the key actuates the deadbolt. These are ideal when you are installing a handle and lockset on an exterior door.

Some lock manufacturers make systems that can be configured so the user can activate or deactivate the keys that can be used with the lock, without having to call a locksmith. 

2 - Deadbolt

Solid cylindrical metal bar with a flat end, which locks the door by being projected into the strike. The bolt is actuated by the key or thumb turn.

3 - Thumb turn (or turn button)

Button that actuates the bolt from the inside, to lock or unlock the door.

4 - Strike plate

Metal plate with an opening, fastened over the hole in the door frame, which receives the bolt that closes and/or locks the door.

5 - Rose

Decorative plate surrounding the door handle.

6 - Axle

Metal rod that links the two parts of the doorknob and actuates the bolt when turned.

7 - Faceplate

Metal plate with an opening, fastened over the hole in the door edge, through which the bolt moves.

8 - Latch bolt

Solid cylindrical metal bar which holds the door closed when projected into the strike. The bolt is actuated by the doorknob or lever.

Types of finishes

Door hardware comes in a variety of finishes, the most common being brass, polished brass, antique brass, pewter, stainless steel, satin nickel and satin chrome.

Types of door handles

Here are the advantages and features of different types of door handles on the market. They should be chosen according to your door's features and to how handy you are.

Rounded shape

Features
The size and rounded shape of the doorknob are designed to fit in the palm of the hand.
A twist of the wrist turns the doorknob and operates the latch or bolt.

Exists in "passage", "privacy" and "keyed" versions.

Advantages
  • Rounded, ball, bell, tulip and other shapes are available to match all decors
  • Suitable for all types of doors, regardless of swing direction
  • Wide range of finishes and decorative trim
  • Easy to install
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Lever knob

Features
This type of handle is simple for people of all ages to use, which explains why it is becoming an increasingly popular choice.

Simply push the lever down to release the latch – easy for children or people with reduced grip.

Be aware that while most handles of this type are reversible, some are designed specifically for left-hand or right-hand doors.
Exists in "passage", "privacy" and "keyed" versions.

Advantages
  • Easy to manoeuver
  • Variety of designs and finishes
  • Easy to install
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Handleset

Features
In the past, this mechanism lifted a latch in the form of a horizontal metal bar. The modern version operates a bolt.

The bolt is operated by depressing the thumb piece. The handle is designed so that the thumb is in a natural position for pressing and the rest of the hand has a firm grip.
Used almost exclusively on front doors, in conjunction with a deadbolt lock.

Advantages
  • Classic, high-quality look
  • Good range of finishes and designs
  • Adapted to the shape of the hand and natural thumb movement
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Main types of locks

The choice of a lock will depend on the desired level of security and ease of installation. The features and advantages of each one will help guide your decision.

Smart lock

Features
Keyless locks that allow locking and unlocking of the door remotely from a mobile phone.

A unique code can be given to people that you want to allow inside your home. You can then erase the code at your convenience.

Advantages
  • No key needed
  • Safer
  • Easy tracking of entries and exits
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Entrance knob

Features
Mechanism that locks with a key on one side and a button on the other. Exists for both knob and lever sets.

Used for entrance doors and sheds, as well as to lock private rooms such as offices and workshops.

Must be used in conjunction with a deadbolt for additional security when fitted on entrance doors.

Advantages
  • Easy to use because handle and lock are both in the same place
  • Provides additional security if used with a deadbolt lock
  • Easy to install
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Privacy knob

Features
Also called a "privacy" handle, it locks on one side only (inside the room) with a turnbutton.

An opening located on the other side of the handle allows the door to be unlocked from the outside if necessary, using a small flat or round instrument. Used for bedrooms and bathrooms.

Advantages
  • Simple to use
  • No key needed
  • Easy to unlock from outside if necessary
  • Easy to install
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Passage knob

Features
Knob that does not lock; mainly used on interior doors. Some models exist for entrance doors, used in conjunction with a lock.

Advantages
  • Easy to install
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Deadbolt

Features
Lock operated with a key on the outside and a thumbturn on the inside. Designed only for locking, it requires a fair-sized hole in the door frame to accommodate the bolt.

Advantages
  • Strong
  • Effective
  • Needs to be locked with a key (reduces chances of leaving keys inside house)
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Entry handleset

Features
Handle comprising a thumb piece and grip on the outside and a traditional knob or lever on the inside.

The handle is part of a set that also includes a deadbolt lock.

The handle and lock can be in two separate pieces or as one unit. In the case of a single unit, if it is a replacement, measure the distance between the existing lock and handle holes on the door, because this distance is not standard.

Advantages
  • Elegant
  • Many designs, from plain to more elaborate
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Keyless Deadbolt Lock

Features
Lock with key and battery-powered digital keypad.

The door can be locked and unlocked with a digital code, or mechanically using a key if the battery is dead. A warning signal sounds when the batteries are low.

The lock can be programmed with personal codes for each user. It is advisable to use several codes and/or change code regularly. If the code is never changed, the keypad can become worn and reveal which digits are being used.

Some digital locks can be operated by remote control.

Available with or without an integrated handle.

Advantages
  • No key needed
  • Can assign a temporary code to another user
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Latch

Features
Still a very popular option, especially in apartments, this type of lock can work either as a deadbolt or as a latch bolt to lock the door automatically upon closing. It can also be held in an unlocked position.

The lock opens from the outside using a key and from the inside by turning a small knob (easy to use in an emergency).

Advantages
  • Easy to install on standard doors
  • Easy to operate
  • Sturdy
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Deadlock

Features
A variation on the night latch, this lock consists of a vertical cylinder that locks into rings attached to the door frame.

This mechanism makes it much more difficult for someone to force open the door using a jimmy bar.

Advantages
  • Easy to install
  • Effective
  • Strong
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Installation: how it's done

Here are a few general guidelines to help you install locks and doorknobs.
  • Measure the thickness of the door. Handles and locksets can be installed on doors between 1 3/8" and 1 ¾" thick.
  • It is also worth knowing that factory-made doors (with holes ready drilled for the hardware) are all standard. Be sure to make the strike hole level with the pre-drilled hole in the door.
  • If you choose an undrilled door, make sure that you bore the holes for the handle and strike at exactly the same level – usually at a height of 36" (to the hole centre) for residential doors and 39 3/4" for commercial doors. A template is included with the door handle to help you drill the holes correctly.
  • If you are replacing an exterior door, it is advisable to choose the handle and lock at the same time. That way, when you order the door, the manufacturer will bore the holes to the right dimensions.
For more details, read our article Install an exterior door handle or lockset.

Maintenance tips

When choosing door hardware, especially for the front door, do not compromise on quality. Purchasing a high-quality product will provide security, reliability, durability and ease of use.
Handles and locks may occasionally need to be retightened or lubricated. Only use lubricants formulated specifically for door hardware. Conventional lubricants could damage the mechanisms.

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