Reddit mentions: The best door levers

I have medical offices I oversee in commercial spaces. Originally we went with Smart Locks like the August Smartlock. Unfortunately the first generation August Locks were complete ass as far as reliability, and durability are concerned.

Several hundred dollars later, we found a compromise solution that works quite well. The coded locks from Schlage, can be combined with a deadbolt quite successfully. You use something like this
https://www.amazon.com/Schlage-FE595CS-PLY-626-Lock/dp/B0046ZRICS

Have one of these, and a manual deadbolt of your choice. This combination hits a sweet spot between egress, flexibility, and casual security. Egress is not prevented. If people abusing the code becomes a problem, you can change it. But in my experience, opportunistic walk-ins simply do not happen with locks like this.

Thanks for the input. I just got the place about two months ago, and I've really only gotten a chance to do the flooring and slap a coat of paint on. I'd say the overall feel is very standard. There aren't very many flourishes, but I'm trying to slowly but surely upgrade some pieces. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's hard to base the knobs on the personality of the place because it doesn't have much yet.

Can you think of any better suggestions around $30 a piece or less? I do like the style of these but I need six of them and I find $260 for doorknobs a little hard to stomach.

I’m not a host (I’m a guest), but in my own home I have one of the Schlage keyless locks. It locks immediately and is programmable. It’s great.

I’ve been looking to upgrade it to one that will integrate with my home alarm system and be programmable on my phone. I’ve been keeping my eye out for sales on the Schlage FE599NX because it does both, and is basically otherwise exactly the same.

I don’t like the locks that wait 30 or 60 seconds to engage without pressing some button. I want it fully automatic and locked instantly. This one does that.

Personally, I got rid of all the keys. I'm lucky that I drive a Tesla and can use my phone as the key.

As far as deadbolt, I use a Schlage Touch. I can create temporary codes for cleaning crews, dog sitters, etc... I'm never going back to keys.

I do have Arlo wireless cameras at all entries points, which I consider the main security system when away from home.

I also keep a Glock 19 in my nightstand. I installed an Abloy cam lock on my night stand to make sure I can prevent unauthorized access if I'm not home. Even changed the lock in my bedroom (for this) to prevent unauthorized access when I allow someone (dog sitter) to enter my home in my absence.

Have you thought about maybe getting an electronic combination lock for his bedroom door? Maybe [something like this] (https://www.amazon.com/Schlage-Lock-FE695-CAM-619/dp/B00N12EGC2/ref=sr_1_7?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1493652264&sr=1-7&refinements=p_n_intended_use_browse-bin%3A573769011&th=1)?

My other suggestion would be to echo what some other posters have said and see about getting him a service dog (or just a dog in general, especially a 'protective' breed like German Shephard or something). I certainly always felt safer as a kid with the dog sleeping on or next to my bed. . .

We have something similar to this and we can program a temporary code in, give out the code and change it later, or simply text it to someone in an emergency.

I really was surprised how much ditching a door key improved our house; getting in carrying packages is 10 times easier, you never forget your house keys, and you never lock yourself out.

I really recommend a keypad lock for your entry door. Get one; you'll thank me later.

Yale Real Living ZWave with a Vera controller, but there are plenty of choices, both Zwave and Zigbee. Most helpful people were from https://www.thesmartesthouse.com for understanding the controller options, but they don't sell the locks.

Something like https://www.amazon.com/Yale-Z-Wave-Keyless-YRL210-ZW-0BP-SmartThings/dp/B00BA1CYMK

They have two types, lever (latch) and deadbolt. The deadbolt can be set to relock itself, but they need to touch a key when leaving to lock the door. The latch lock is automatic.

They also have ones where the keypad hides, but then you need to explain to people to click on the check or put their palm to activate the keypad.

It does eat batteries. But being able to program helps.

Previously, I used https://www.homedepot.com/p/ResortLock-800-Code-Lighted-Keypad-Digital-Remote-Code-Single-Cylinder-Silver-Door-Lock-RL2000N-S/202822571 which gives you a 10 digit key to give them. But you need to give them instructions on how to set up their own PIN from that 10 digit number. Though, I don't have the software anymore and I'm not sure who sells it. It's based on time and the individual lock's code. I think it's these people... https://www.remotelock.com/smart-locks-airbnb-hosts

Association Treasurer here, few years ago we installed these 1 for each half of a 12 unit building.
They work great and easy to reprogram. Has lasted over a year on a single battery.

Schlage FE575 CAM 619 ACC Camelot Keypad Entry with Auto-Lock and Accent Levers, Satin Nickel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RFDB6C/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_KktBxbR7R5TJW

I am personally going with the "dumb" solution of buying this Schlage
keyless entry lock to solve my issue with delivery drivers. I haven't done enough research to see if I can have it be opened by the buzzer in our units but I might be ok with losing that funcitonality.

It seems that you have a deadbolt + regular front door lock in your apartment building. I think your best bet is to remove the deadbolt and install what I will.

I'll do more research about the compatibility of the lock and buzzer functionality and get back to you.

There is a different kind of safety lock that takes up absolutely no room. Both chain locks and door latch type of lock (that are in hotels nowadays) can easily be thwarted. They are essentially privacy locks. I haven't seen this kind be opened yet (though I'm sure there is some way). https://www.amazon.com/Defender-Security-11126-Door-Reinforcement/dp/B00QR2QCJI You should be able to find it on your amazon. There's even a little video showing how it opens and closes.

And yeah, locks are ridiculously pricey. They do sell non-smart locks with a keypad that allows you to change the code. https://www.amazon.com/Schlage-FE595VCAM619ACC-Camelot-Keypad-Flex-Lock/dp/B001GPL5WU Again, this is not a smart lock, it can't do anything wirelessly, you can't unlock it from your phone, etc. It has "auto lock"and "flex lock" you can choose. Buy an auto lock and the door is always locked so you leave the house and the door locks. Buy a flex lock and you can turn it so that it's a regular door knob, when you leave the house it's not locked (great for when you have visitors over or if the person buying has kids going in and out of the house). But this might be a good option for you, the keypad that can change at your whim without the price of a smart lock.

Can't recommend this enough. Connect it to any home automation hub and you can remotely change the codes. Get notices when accessed and by who. Program codes to only be active at certain times. Good for housecleaner access. Can let someone in remotely.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083GJ17G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's basically trying to replace something that looks like this, with something that looks like this(images in links)... Putting a small, round peg into a big square hole.

You can replace them with replicas but local store wont stock them. I'm also in a rental so I don't want to replace door knobs that are original to the house.

https://smile.amazon.com/Schlage-F40VACC716-Accent-Privacy-Bronze/dp/B000JJLDE4?sa-no-redirect=1

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That listing will help to indicate the difference between a "Passage" Handleset and a "Privacy" handleset.

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The Passage does not lock at all. Simply latches so that a door will remain closed if it's closed, for pure convenience of not having the door swinging etc. Think a globally accessible door like a pantry closet, or something.

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The "Privacy" locks, but can be opened by simply pushing something into the little hole. There are other styles of privacy handlesets that are even easier to open, like ones which just require pushing and turning of any flat object (a coin, for example), or a key of any cut.

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"Entry" handlesets are the traditional keyed locks which can not be opened from the "outside" without a key which is cut to match the lock cylinder.

Nice! Would love to see how it looks installed.

I actually like the look of the big push button front entry handle, but from an ergonomic standpoint, I have hand & grip issues and suspect it's a bad idea. I'm leaning toward this one instead, partly because I'm hoping the larger back plate means I don't have to repaint a door that was just painted in September: Century Trim with Accent Hall and Closet Lever, Satin Nickel (F10 ACC 619 CEN) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005E5B9LA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DPqsybCTDHABH

buy a lock. theyre pretty cheap. Just let your landlord know and make sure you keep all of the hardware from the current door knob. https://www.amazon.com/Kwikset-300AO-26-Privacy-Bright-Chrome/dp/B0161MUBWM/ref=sr_1_18?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1521506508&sr=1-18&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A2800552011%2Cp_n_intended_use_browse-bin%3A573769011

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001COEZTU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Installed them as the common entrance locks several months ago. Tenants love them. So far, so good.

These are the ones I used:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AGK9KUU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DX6GRA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Purchased two years ago and they're holding up great! The door is fully exposed to weather.

Schlage makes a zwave one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083GJ17G

I've had one for about three years, and found it works great.

It's not smart or anything, but I just use one of these: Schlage Touch Camelot Lock with Accent Lever (Satin Nickel) FE695 CAM 619 ACC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N12EGC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rEceBbPXRGMPG

Simple keypad lock. I like how it autolocks behind me too so I don't have to worry about it. I got mine at Menards during an 11% sale.

I have a Kwikset SmartKey lock on my closet that I've been testing for a couple years. Rekeying is incredibly easy, though master keying isn't possible. It's also nice because the sidebar system allows a [much less obtrusive locking lever] (http://www.amazon.com/Kwikset-740LL-SMT-CP-Featuring/dp/B00115WLZU/) that still matches all the passage function and privacy function levers in my house. The old pin tumbler based locks just look ugly and incongruous.

This, however, is the only positive thing I can say about those locks. Everything else is awful. These locks fail so often that Kwikset has a deal with Home Depot where customers can exchange broken Smart Key locks for new Smart Key locks essentially forever. Some people like the idea of a lifetime warranty. I prefer locks that don't break.

Not in the UK, but will a smart lever lock work? Like this one.

Get one of these:

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001COEZTU

And just give FIL the code - then you can change it the next day. Slightly harder than just having a key, but will guarantee MIL can't come in!

Yes depending on a cell phone can be the wrong way to go. But the pin code one seems really good. . It allows me to generate a 4 digit code so I can email it to my guests.

This is the one I'm considering Schlage FE599NX CAM 619 ACC 619 Home Keypad Lever with Z-Wave Technology, Satin Nickel http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083GJ17G

And having a Realtor style lock box hidden somewhere as a backup

Schlage Z-Wave Home Keypad Lever FE599NX with the Abode Security and Home Automation Hub.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RFDB6C/


Looks exactly like this. I don't remember the exact models and am to lazy to look it up :)

I have the 'flex lock' version which means I can turn off the autolock but I NEVER use that feature, I always leave it on autolock. Anyone who I'd want to walk right in has a code.

We use one from Schlage and have never had a problem with it. Although there is a small monthly fee. http://www.amazon.com/Schlage-FE599NX-CAM-619-ACC/dp/B0083GJ17G?tag=ama-prod-id-20

[Schlage ZWave] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083GJ19E/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484103729&sr=sr-1&keywords=schlage+zwave) locks, you'll have to purchase a [Zwave Bridge] (https://www.amazon.com/Control-VeraLite-US-Smart-Controller-Green/dp/B007005364/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484104001&sr=1-1&keywords=veralite+zwave) but you can remotely set/delete codes, unlock doors and have instant notifications when somebody opens the door. I manage my listing from 500 miles away.

There's also a Schlage one. I know people who use the August one.

Edit: Apparently Kwik makes some too.

My camper is vintage, but the first thing I installed was a keyless entry. We used this Schlage residential door knob works like a dream. No problems for three years.
Schlage FE595CS V PLY 626 ELA Plymouth Light Commercial Electronic Keypad Lock with Elan Lever, Brushed Chrome https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046ZRICS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_V9bIDbNGJX7DC