The Best Door Locking Mechanisms
We looked at the top 6 Door Locking Mechanisms and dug through the reviews from 15 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Door Locking Mechanisms.
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Our Picks For The Top Door Locking Mechanisms
- The Best Door Locking Mechanism
- 1. Prime-Line Spring-Loaded Door Reinforcement Locking Mechanism
- 2. Amazon Basics Brass Single Cylinder Deadbolt Door Locking Mechanism
- 3. Safety 1st No-Drill Child Safety Deadbolt Locking Mechanism
- 4. FATLODA Stainless Steel Sliding Barrel Bolt Latch Locking Mechanism, 2-Pack
- 5. OrangeIOT Keyless Backlit Keypad Deadbolt Door Locking Mechanism
- 6. HARFO Keypad & Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Locking Mechanism
Child-Friendly DesignThe design of this lock makes it child-safe — it can be installed above a young child’s reach — and tamper-proof.
Versatile OptionThis nice-looking lock features universal handing, so you can add security to right- or left-handed doors.
For Apartment LivingProtect yourself without doing permanent damage to the door in a rental home with this childproof deadbolt.
FATLODA
Stainless Steel Sliding Barrel Bolt Latch Locking Mechanism, 2-Pack
For Sheds and Interior RoomsIf you need a way to safeguard an interior room or a building like a shed, this set of barrel locks can help.
Why we recommend these door locking mechanisms?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 6 Door Locking Mechanisms and also dug through the reviews from 15 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Door Locking Mechanisms.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Prime-Line Spring-Loaded Door Reinforcement Locking Mechanism
Our Take
If you’re worried about tampering, this spring-loaded, reinforced satin nickel door blocker is a good high-security option for swing-in doors. It withstands up to 800 pounds of force and can be installed high up as a child-proof measure. Installation takes minutes with a screwdriver and included screws.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
FATLODA Stainless Steel Sliding Barrel Bolt Latch Locking Mechanism, 2-Pack
Our Take
You’ll get two barrel locks in this set, ideal for quickly adding a layer of security to sliding doors, gates and sheds. The high-quality stainless steel design offers sturdiness, and a brushed-nickel finish offers aesthetic appeal. You can install it in just a few minutes using a power screwdriver and drill.
Overall Product Rankings
1. Prime-Line Spring-Loaded Door Reinforcement Locking Mechanism
2. Amazon Basics Brass Single Cylinder Deadbolt Door Locking Mechanism
3. Safety 1st No-Drill Child Safety Deadbolt Locking Mechanism
4. FATLODA Stainless Steel Sliding Barrel Bolt Latch Locking Mechanism, 2-Pack
5. OrangeIOT Keyless Backlit Keypad Deadbolt Door Locking Mechanism
6. HARFO Keypad & Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Locking Mechanism
Our Door Locking Mechanism Findings
Prime-Line Spring-Loaded Door Reinforcement Locking Mechanism
What We Liked: If you’re worried about tampering, this spring-loaded, reinforced satin nickel door blocker is a good high-security option for swing-in doors. It withstands up to 800 pounds of force and can be installed high up as a child-proof measure. Installation takes minutes with a screwdriver and included screws.
Amazon Basics Brass Single Cylinder Deadbolt Door Locking Mechanism
What We Liked: All you’ll need is a Phillips-head screwdriver to quickly install this lock, which works on both left-and right-handed doors. Use it for a bit of extra security on a variety of door sizes between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches thick; a six-way adjustable latch will fit any 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset.
Safety 1st No-Drill Child Safety Deadbolt Locking Mechanism
What We Liked: This childproof safety lock works with existing deadbolts for an additional layer of security that leaves no damage behind. Simply loosen the hardware attached to the door, slide the metal mounting plate in behind it and tighten it to lock it in place. Don’t forget to check for compatibility before you buy.
FATLODA Stainless Steel Sliding Barrel Bolt Latch Locking Mechanism, 2-Pack
What We Liked: You’ll get two barrel locks in this set, ideal for quickly adding a layer of security to sliding doors, gates and sheds. The high-quality stainless steel design offers sturdiness, and a brushed-nickel finish offers aesthetic appeal. You can install it in just a few minutes using a power screwdriver and drill.
OrangeIOT Keyless Backlit Keypad Deadbolt Door Locking Mechanism
What We Liked: Replace your standard door lock with this keyless digital option, which allows you to set up a code using a responsive, illuminated keypad for entry. You can also create up to 20 guest codes or one-time codes for pet sitters and cleaners. Installation takes just minutes. The lock uses four AA batteries.
Our Door Locking Mechanism Buying Guide
Homeowners have more options than ever when it comes to locks. You can choose digital locks that let you leave home without a key and deadbolts that can withstand up to 800 pounds of force. There are also sliding door locks you can install on outbuildings or interior rooms and plates that will keep your existing deadbolt in place, preventing children from unlocking doors while you aren’t looking.
The first question to consider is whether or not you need another door-locking mechanism — and if so, where? Even if your hometown is the very picture of small-town America, a lock can give you peace of mind. And if you own a home in a higher-trafficked area, such as a big city or even a suburb close to one, your safety might be a real concern that can be alleviated by a simple purchase.
You then need to decide where a better lock would come in handy and what your needs are (for example, which way does your door swing? Does the existing hardware present any problems for switching locks out?). You’ll also have to think about what kind of functions and footprint you want your locking mechanism to have and whether you need the lock to use the same key as other locks in your home. You may also want to consider what kind of style and finish you want.
If you rent, things can be a little more complicated. Your landlord should have installed at least a standard deadbolt before you moved in, but those deadbolts might leave something to be desired. Before you pull out the screwdriver or drill, check your lease. You may be prohibited from doing any work on your rental that can leave a mark, including installing locks. Whether your rental agreement permits it or not, though, running this project by your landlord is always a good idea — especially if it’s something that you’ll leave behind when you move out.
The most common type of exterior deadbolt has a single cylinder. This type only locks on one side, so when you aren’t home, you won’t have your deadbolt in place. Single-cylinder locks are often installed on apartment doors to provide the minimum extra security necessary to residents. They can work fine if you just want a little extra protection.
A double-cylinder deadbolt lock, however, gives you an extra layer of security by providing a lock outside as well as the inside. Simply insert the key and your home will be secured even when no one’s on the other side of the door to activate the lock. The downside of a double-cylinder lock, which requires the use of a key on both sides, is that it makes it harder to leave the home in a hurry or when you’re somehow incapacitated. In fact, you may have to check the legality of double-cylinder locks in your local area, as they may be prohibited by certain fire codes.
DWYM Fun Fact
Locks have been in use for at least 4,000 years, with the first known lock dating back to ancient Egypt. The wooden bolt-style lock was a precursor to what is known today as a pin tumbler lock, which uses various types of pins to ensure it doesn’t open without the right key.
It wasn’t until 1778 that locksmiths made a real effort to improve the lock’s security. That was the year Robert Barron patented the first double-acting tumbler lock. He was followed by Joseph Bramah, who patented a lock in 1784 that was considered (at the time) to be revolutionarily tamperproof.
Perhaps the most famous lock inventor today was Linus Yale, Jr., whose last name you may know from the Yale family of locks still in use today. Yale Sr. invented a pin-tumbler lock in 1848, while his son patented a cylinder pin-tumbler lock in 1861. A year later, he invented the combination lock still in use today.
The Door Locking Mechanism Tips and Advice
- Locks are rated according to standards set by Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. The top rating is BHMA A, with B being second and C being third. Locks are rated separately for security, durability and finish, with the certification affixed to the packaging of each lock using a label.
- Shop for sturdy locks designed to withstand tampering of the hardware (via tools) as well as brute force.
- Consider whether you need something tamperproof on the inside of the door. For example, do you need your lock to be childproof? If so, you could install a plate to lock your deadbolt into place. You could also place it higher so only adults can reach it.
- If you already have a deadbolt, look at how it’s installed to determine whether or not it easy it might be to replace. You may want to choose a similar locking mechanism to ensure a proper fit.
- The finish of the lock helps it look nice, but also impacts its durability. Brushed nickel over a stainless-steel base can ensure your lock gives you years of reliable use. It’s especially important to look for a rust-resistant option for outside door locks since they’ll be exposed to moisture year-round.
- A keyless lock can be convenient since it eliminates the need to dig your keys out every time you return home. You will also be able to issue codes to visitors like service providers or family members. You can easily change the codes if you ever want to restrict access to someone who had it before.
About The Author
Stephanie Faris is a novelist and professional writer. She lives in a beautiful one-acre home in the suburbs on the outskirts of Nashville. Her home and garden work has appeared on popular home sites. She's a true homebody and loves looking at new houses for sale for inspiration on her own home remodeling projects.
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