Your front entry is one of the first impressions a visitor encounters when they ring your bell, and it’s also an important part of your home security measures. In our guide, we’ll tell you all about entry sets, how to choose the right one for your home, and the security features you might want to include in your set.
Pictured: This forged-brass entry set with full-length escutcheon exudes strength. Ribbon-and-reed detailing, popular in the early 1800s, adds period style. Find similar options at Hickory Hardware.
Key Components of an Entry Set
A front entry handleset has a handle or knob, a lock, and a decorative border or molding. You’ll find all styles types from simple to ornate. The main components of an entry set include:
- Dead bolt: Metal fastener that extends into the door frame for security
- Escutcheon: A decorative plate that protects the door and hides the lock
- Latch bolt: Holds the door closed against the frame
- Lock cylinder: The part of the lock that holds the key mechanism
- Thumb latch or handle: Part of the handle retracts the latch bolt so that you can open the door.
How To Choose the Right Entry Set for Your Home
Once you know a little more about front entry handlesets, it’ll be easy for you to choose the right one to match your style and needs. We’ve listed a few things to think about while you’re on the search below:
- Door thickness and existing holes
- Climate and exposure to elements
- Compatibility with your home’s overall style
- Ease of use for all household members
- Security needs
Tubular vs. Mortise Entry Sets
Until they need a new one, many homeowners don’t think much about entry set types, but there are differences between the two most common types—tubular and mortise.
You’re more likely to find tubular entry sets in homes or apartment buildings. They’re easy to install because the latch bolt and deadbolt don’t share the same hole. The downside is that they’re less durable than mortise entry sets.The picture below is a tubular entry set.
You can find mortise entry sets in older homes and high-end new construction. A professional inserts the lock body into the frame’s edge. They’re hard to install, so you’ll probably need to hire a locksmith to put it in if you’ve decided to use one. You may feel it’s worth the extra trouble since they provide more security than tubular sets. These can also have a lot more features than tubular ones. An example of a mortise set is below.
You can visit Baldwin Hardware to find similar models to the ones pictured in this section.
How To Choose the Right Entry Set for Your Home
There are many front entry set styles to match your house type. Here are a few examples:
- Polished brass or antique bronze are two finishes that go well with Colonial homes.
- Craftsman-style homes look great with oil-rubbed bronze or copper finishes.
- You can choose a sleek stainless steel or matte black hardware.
Find this Gothic-style escutcheon from an online store like House of Antique Hardware to add vintage appeal to any door.
Budget-Friendly vs. High-End Options
You’ll end up paying more for a high-end custom mortise lock than a tubular set. Even a basic set will still have advanced security features so that you stay safe, but custom ones are often stronger and offer greater design options.
The higher-end options will have better security features, so consider investing in one. You can look for a set with biometric systems or touchscreen keypads.
Below are some basics about high-end versus budget options:
Both of these classic thumb latch handlesets are virtually the same size and hide your lock under a peekaboo keyhole cover. A closer look reveals why one is so much pricier than the other.
High-End Thumb Latch Handleset
The high-end front entry set is hand-forged steel. The hand-wrought pigtail on the keyhole cover would be difficult to replicate through casting. The rough, handcrafted appearance is well suited to Tudor or Spanish Colonial Revival houses. This one-of-a-kind piece shows off its handworked details. You can find something similar to the high-end set at Hardware Renaissance.
Budget Thumb Latch Handleset
This handleset has a solid, sand-cast bronze color. The casting process creates smooth, comfortable curves and crisp edges, time after time. This smooth, graceful handle shape looks right at home on Colonial-style doors with four to six panels. An oxidizing treatment darkens the metal, but this uncoated “living finish” will show bright brassy tones in spots that are rubbed repeatedly. This sturdy entry set trim has a classic styling that won’t grow old. There are similar options at Cape Cod Brass & Security Hardware.
Security Features of Modern Entry Sets
Most homeowners choose front entry handlesets because they’re looking for some additional safety measures and peace of mind. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) created a graded scale of Grades 1 through 3, with Grade 1 offering the most security. If you aren’t sure which grade level you need, think about the crime rate in your neighborhood and base your decision on that. The organization bases its grading system on certain aspects, including:
- Attack resistance
- Cycle testing
- Finish
- Security
Advanced Security Technologies
If you want even more safety measures, you can find front entry sets with:
- Bump-resistant cylinders
- Pick-resistant designs
- Reinforced strike plates
- Smart lock capabilities
You might even have the option to control your smart lock with your phone, so you can always check that you locked your door before you leave.
Some other ways you can keep your home safe include:
- Proper lighting around entryways: Intrudors could be worried that you’ll see them if you have lights surrounding your home
- Reinforced door frames: Stronger frames make it hard to break in
- Security cameras or video doorbells: These could make burglars uncomfortable
- Solid-core doors: Hollow doors are easy to break through when you compare them to solid ones
Lock bumping is a fast and unobtrusive way for thieves to open a door without leaving a sign of forced entry. All it takes is a modified key that fits in the lock slot. Tapping the key with a hammer “bumps” the locking pins out of the way so that the cylinder can turn and retract the bolt. To thwart the bad guys, manufacturers have developed bump-resistant dead bolts similar to the one pictured above. You can find these at hardware stores or online sites, such as Kwikset.
Installation and Maintenance of Entry Sets
Before we cover do-it-yourself (DIY) versus professional installation, here are a few tips to keep your front entry set in tip-top shape:
- Buff tarnished metal with polish, such as Flitz from Do It Best.
- Inspect your lock and doorknob for damage annually.
- Take care of your lock by adjusting the strike plate if it gets knocked out of place and tightening screws and plates.
- Wipe handles and locks with a soft cloth. You can use some soapy warm water if it needs a good scrub.
Installation Process
If you’re handy, you can probably install a new entry yourself, but you might be able to install a new entry set yourself. Here are some tips:
- Align the latch and strike plate properly.
- Measure carefully before purchasing.
- Test the lock after installation.
- Use a template for precise hole drilling.
You’ll want to hire a professional locksmith to install your lock if you don’t have a lot of do-it-yourself experience. They’ll do it right the first time and know how to handle unexpected issues that pop up. Contact a locksmith if:
- You decided to get a mortise lock
- The door needs modifications
- You don’t have much do-it-yourself experience
- The warranty covers your lock only if a locksmith installs it
Upgrading Your Existing Entry Set
Even if you take the steps to maintain your front entry handleset, you may eventually need to update or upgrade it. It’s easier to upgrade the set instead of replacing the entire door.
You need to collect the following measurements to make sure you pick out the right entry set:
- Backset: Distance from door edge to center of handle
- Center-to-center: Distance between handle and lock cylinder
- Door thickness
- Existing hole sizes
Once you have all that information, you can check the manufacturer’s instructions to figure out the right size.
Customizing Your Entry Set
You can choose to have a customized front entry set. Think about mixing and matching your interior or exterior hardware. You can pick out different knob styles and interesting handles, and you get to choose the finish. All these options allow you to personalize your look and reflect your style.
Modernizing Your Entry Set with Smart Lock Technology
Smart locks offer convenience and advanced security features:
- Activity logs and alerts
- Integration with home automation systems
- Keyless entry via code or smartphone
- Remote locking and unlocking
Troubleshooting Common Entry Set Issues
You might encounter an issue here and there with your front entry lock. We’ll discuss a few of them and how to fix the problem below:
Dealing with Sticky Locks
You need to apply a lubricate if your door is sticking. Follow the steps below:
- Clean the lock with a damp cloth.
- Apply powdered graphite lubricant.
- Avoid using oil-based lubricants, which can attract dirt.
Addressing Alignment Problems
The door may not latch if there’s an alignment issue. The hinges could be loose or your strike plate might be misaligned. Here’s what you can do if you can’t latch it:
- Adjust the strike plate if necessary.
- Check the strike plate alignment.
- Tighten hinge screws.
Resolving Key Issues
If your key won’t work:
- Check for key wear and replace if necessary.
- Confirm that it’s the correct key.
- Have a locksmith inspect the lock cylinder for damage.
Our Conclusion
Choosing the right entry set is a balance of style, security, and functionality. Whether you decide to get a classic design or a high-tech smart lock, the right entry set can boost your home’s curb appeal and give you security and peace of mind. We recommend you hire a professional locksmith to install your entry set if you don’t have much DIY experience.
