Entrance doors, like the front, garage, side, and back doors, must have a strong lock. Front doors with weak locks are risky and highly susceptible to burglary. As a house owner, you have an obligation to protect your home; installing a high-quality is Part of what you should do.
Kwikset Juno Keyed Entry Door Knob, Schlage Smart WiFi Deadbolt – CAM 619, and Medeco Maxum are the best front door locks you can fine. Old locks do not offer adequate security because they need to be updated, and manufacturers are releasing updated versions that are safer and more secure.
This article’s content will review strong and durable locks for your front doors. This article will answer some of your questions about front door locks.
Contents
5 Best Front Door Locks
“Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well”- a cliche still relevant today. Installing a lock with the best qualities is appropriate for your door for security’s sake. Exterior doors, like front doors, should have the best locks for maximum security. Below are reviews of locks from different brands with their features, pros, and cons.
1. Kwikset Juno Keyed Entry Door Knob
Kwikset Juno lock is a top-notch lock with amazing features. The lock pattern is a deadbolt and door knob; it is a durable and sturdy security lock with SmartKey features. The single-cylinder deadbolt lock has Microban Antimicrobial protection that protects the door against bacteria, mildew, or mold and helps it stay clean and fresh.
The round-shape lock is bump-proof, drill-resistant, pick-resistant, and saw-resistant. Break-ins are not easy with the Kwikset lock. The lock is simple to install and comes with a drilling manual for new doors.
The lock brand prioritizes your security by including a SmartKey feature. The SmartKey feature enables you to re-key the lock easily when you have misplaced your key. The lock knob has universal handling.
Features
- Item dimensions: 10.4 x 3.1 inches
- Item weight: 2.72 pounds
- Lock type: Door knob and deadbolt
- Type of handle: Knob
- Finish: Nickel
- Re-key technology: Yes
- Smartkey Security: Yes
- Universal handing: Yes
Pros
- Inexpensive
- High level of security for home locks.
- It comes with door knob
- Suitable for renters
- Rekeying
Cons
- You may need to hire an expert for installation.
2. Schlage Smart WiFi Deadbolt – CAM 619
Consider getting the Schlage smart lock if you want a smart and strong lock for your door. The rectangular-shaped lock is compatible with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Vera, or Google Assistant. The lock comes with an inbuilt WiFi, allowing you to control access and monitor activities remotely.
Schlage locks are high-quality locks offering high security to their users. The built-in alarm puts you in the know whenever someone goes close to the door. You can grant your family and friends access via codes and manage door operations on your mobile device via the Schlage Home or Amazon app.
Features
- Product dimensions: 0.9 x 3 x 5 inches
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Material: Nickel
- Power: 4 AA batteries
- Shape: Rectangular
- Voice command: Google Assistant, Vera, Amazon Alexa
- Lock Type: Keypad lock, smart lock
- Finishing: Satin Nickel
- Lock Type: Deadbolt
- Access: Schlage home app, key by Amazon app
- Special features: Capacitive touchscreen, Fingerprint resistant
Pros
- Voice control
- Inbuilt alarm
- Multiple styles and finishes
- Easy to install
Cons
- Pricey
3. Medeco Maxum
Medico Maxum lock is an ANSI Grade 1 security lock offering strong security. The brass lock is an exterior lock highly compatible with residential and offices. A high-security lock like the Medeco lock makes it difficult for burglars to gain entry. The 4 pounds weight lock has a double-cylinder tubular deadlock deadbolt that tightens security.
Features
- Material: Brass
- Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 5 inches
- Color: Bright brass
- Lock Type: Tubular deadlock deadbolt
- Weight: 4 pounds
Pros
- Sturdy
- Special body design
- Ranked Grade 1 by ANSI
- Unbreakable lock
- Double-sided keys
Cons
- Deadbolt only
- Expensive
4. Schlage FE595 CAM 626 ACC
This Schlage brand of lock is ANSI grade 2 certified. It is a durable and sturdy lock that can be used for exterior doors like front doors and garage doors. You have the option of operating the lock with or without keys. This lock has a 19-user code capacity that is easy to add and delete; it does not require programming.
With the flex-lock feature, you will turn a button, and the lock will switch from unlocking to automatic relocking. Schlage FE593 has over three years of battery life, giving you a long time usage.
The Schlage FE595 is very easy to install with just a screwdriver. This lock is particular about your peace of mind. With just a code, every member of your family or friends can gain entry. The keypad light makes usage at night easy.
Features
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 3 x 3 inches
- Handle Type: Lever
- Size: Accent lever
- Lock type: Flex lock
- Access: Keypad entry
- Power: Battery
Pros
- Coded access via keypad
- Easy installation
Cons
- No deadbolt
- Incompatible with Schlage link Z-wave enabled product.
5. Schlage B60N626 Deadbolt
A certified grade 1 security lock by ANSI/BHMA is the kind you should pay attention to. Schlage B60N626
is a strong and highly secured lock suitable for exterior and entrance doors like front doors. The metal lock has a premium finish and is very easy to install.
If you want a lock that offers premium security and protection, I recommend the Schlage B60N626.
Features
- Material: Metal
- Lock style: One-sided key
- Weight: 1.35 pounds
- Dimensions: 1 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches
Pros
- Grade 1 security
- Beautiful designs
- Durable
Cons
- No deadbolt
How Can I Make My Front Door More Secure?
Weak front doors can be unsafe and insecure for you and your properties. Your front door will depreciate over time, and it will be best that you reinforce the door to make it more secure. Reinforcing your door may require replacing or changing the door accessories.
Securing your front door means improving the security condition of your house. There are several ways you can secure your front door. However, you need to examine your door to know the kind of renovation and materials it will require. Below are things you can do to secure your front door.
- Change to a solid-core door
- Change door old door frames
- Re-key or replace the lock
- Install a high-quality deadbolt
- Changing your strike plate deadbolt
- Install a smart lock
- Strengthen the door hinges
- Strengthen the glass in your door
1. Change To A Solid-core Door
Solid-core materials are stronger and more durable than hollow-core materials. There are different kinds of solid core materials. However, steel and aluminum are the most commonly used due to their durability, sturdiness, and non-corrosive features. Other materials are wood, glass, and fiberglass.
Solid-core doors come in various designs and styles. Ensure that your design choice is aesthetically appealing because a beautiful front door will promote and increase your house value.
2. Change Door Old Door Frames
Consider changing your old door frames; they are usually installed together with the door. If your door is not prehung, you need to change the door frame to a stronger material as the door. Weak door frames can give your door away to burglars easily. Changing it will reinforce the security of your door.
3. Rekey Or Replace Locks
Locks can be replaced or re-keyed; both changes require a new key to open. Rekeying is readjusting the internal pins and springs of your lock. It is a cheap option and less time-consuming.
Locks replacement involves changing the deadbolt or the door lock set, including the doorknob, strike plate, and handle. This is a more expensive option, but it is suitable for an old locks situation.
4. Install A High-Quality Deadbolt
The quality of your deadbolt also determines the sturdiness of your door. A high-rated deadbolt means a higher level of security for your door. Ensure to buy an ANSI/BHMA grade 1-rated lock set. Grades 2 and 3 are also security rating levels. However, grade 1 offers the highest level of security.
5. Change Your Strike Plate
Strike plates are the metal slits on your door jamb. A weak strike plate will make burglary easy. In addition to changing your lock, you must replace or repair your strike plate to strengthen security. You can change old screws to new ones long enough to hold the bolt against an attack.
6. Install A Smart Lock
Smart locks are modern locks with amazing features that can be compatible with home automation systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. Smart locks enable handless entry, access control, and activity monitoring. You can integrate the lock into your smart home system, talk to the visitor at the door, and be at peace when you go out as the door will lock itself.
The inbuilt alarm in smart locks notifies you of a guest at the door. If it is during an odd hour, you can decide not to open the door or inform the police. Your door security is sure with a smart lock.
7. Strengthen The Door Hinges
Doors are attached to the jamb by the hinges. Long-time hinges tend to get weak and may rust if exposed to moisture. You can also change the hinges besides changing the lock, strike plate, and jamb. Replacing old screws may also be one way to fix your hinges.
What Makes A Door Secure?
Secured doors take work to break in. The strength of a door is determined by the material, style, lock, and accessories. Securing your door is a must against burglary and robbery. You can only live once, so you should secure your life at all costs. Reinforcing your door will do you a lot of good; you will never regret it.
1. Door Materials
A door material determines how strong the door is. Materials for making doors are glass, steel, fiberglass, wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Steel and aluminum are sturdy and durable materials; they are not susceptible to rot and decay. Hollow-core materials like softwoods are not able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
2. Door Lock
Deadbolt locks are rated according to their sturdiness and durability. ANSI is a recognized body that rates the security level of locksets. Grade 1 locks are rated more highly secure than grades 2 and 3. You must install a grade 1 lock deadbolt if you want a secured door.
A smart lock protects your door more than a traditional one. If you install a security lock, you are sure of a secured door.
3. Door Accessories
The accessories on your door also make your door secure. A secured door depends on all its components, including deadbolts, strike plates, door knobs, hinges, and jamb. If any door accessories are low quality or weak, your door is far from being secured. I advise you to research any door accessories brands or models before you buy one.
Are Keyless Front Door Locks Safe?
Keyless locks are very safe. Unlike keyed locks, keyless locks do not require keys to open or close. With a keyless lock, you are in control. You can control access remotely and even view activity logs. Keyed locks are unsafe because they can be picked, and someone may have a copy of your key without your knowledge.
Smart locks are keyless; using them is more secure than traditional ones. Although smart locks have weaknesses, traditional locks are not as advantageous as smart locks. Instead of leaving your keys under your welcome home carpet for a roommate, you can grant them access via codes.
Conclusion
Enhancing your security is vital, and one way to begin is to install a durable and highly-secured lock at your front door. Break-ins are likely to start at the front door. Weak locks make break-ins easy. That is why I have reviewed strong and durable locks in this blog to help you choose one suitable for your front door.