Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

SheltieLover

(59,723 posts)
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 06:22 AM Oct 2021

Looking for recs on fully mechanical keyed doorknobs

So, I'm on my 4th Schlage one.

I always buy the type with the little button to turn so that you don't lock yourself out & am dilugent in using this mechanism.

I'm not finding locksmith supply-type stores in my area to source an entry doorknob not made of pigmetal with inferior quality components.

And I'm buying higher end units, from what little choices are available in Lowe's & Home Depot (I avoid the latter like the plague that it is).

I do not want en electronic "Hey Google, open my door" type lock.

So these Schlage's keep locking me out of my house! The only other options are much lower priced pigmetal junk, Kwik Set, etc.

Anyone know of something maybe available from Amazon?

Tyia!

14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

hlthe2b

(106,476 posts)
1. I'm afraid I gave up... Bought a sprinkler head replica "key-hider" and buried it next to an actual
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 06:33 AM
Oct 2021

sprinkler head under bushes near the front door.

But, I will watch with interest the replies to your post. I too have had it with cheaply-made locking doorknobs.

SheltieLover

(59,723 posts)
2. Glad that works for you
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 06:48 AM
Oct 2021

But it won't with these because when it locks me out, the key won't work either.

So sick of this junk!

Turning the knob on the inside should turn the little mechanism to unlock and it does, about 1 in 4 times.

Eagerly awaiting answers because this needs to be rectified quickly.

Thx for sharing.

mercuryblues

(15,130 posts)
7. I beat that problem
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 07:25 AM
Oct 2021

By only locking mr deadbolts when I am home. Only using the doorknob lock when I leave.

Scrivener7

(52,891 posts)
3. Van dyke's restorers is online and has high end knobs. Expensive though.
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 07:17 AM
Oct 2021

Websites like "myknobs.com" have a wide selection, from cheap to expensive.

Door knobs are surprisingly impossible. I needed to replace ONE in my home, which was the original Art Deco design. I searched forever and there was nothing even close. I ended up having to replace all four knobs in that particular hallway. Which was expensive.

SheltieLover

(59,723 posts)
4. Tyvm!
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 07:21 AM
Oct 2021

I'll give them a look.

I don't care what it looks like at this point, so long as it's not a lever, my preference, as Pittie has figured out how to open the door with the lever.

I guess cost is relative, but I've been paying $40-$70 for the off-the-shelf ones & all are junk. Compared to the $10-$15 range, these are expensive to me.

I'll report back. Ty again!

Scrivener7

(52,891 posts)
5. They really are. My old one was Schlage and it lasted a hundred years. I'm pretty sure
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 07:23 AM
Oct 2021

these new ones won't make 20. But I got Schlage to fit easily.

SheltieLover

(59,723 posts)
9. Schlage has always been superb in the past
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 07:27 AM
Oct 2021

Very very disappointing. As I said in OP, this has happened multiple times recently with Schlage doorknobs, purchased from different stores in different towns.

And they all do the same thing: when I turn the inside knob to unlock it, the mechanism turns maybe 30 degrees or so towards the unlock position if/when it moves at all (~25% of the time!).

Thx again!

sinkingfeeling

(53,060 posts)
6. I put Baldwin solid brass door locks on the 5 exterior doors
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 07:24 AM
Oct 2021

of my Victorian in Arkansas. Had them all keyed the same, so I only carried a single key. Think you have to order directly now.

https://www.baldwinhardwaredirect.com/categories/accessories?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_fiLBhDOARIsAF4khR0C8JLGYk2kMMIBfTUbi_frHUMs77NcwCjoOfHdlEY0D10e10-XnF0aAlQ2EALw_wcB

Had them on the house 30 years when I sold it and they still worked beautifully smooth.

msdogi

(430 posts)
14. Baldwin is a very good company
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 10:14 AM
Oct 2021

We put in all Baldwin mortice knobs 25 years ago. I had problems with one recently, contacted Baldwin for parts, and they sent me a whole new set for free. They honor the lifetime warranty. Great company

 

The Jungle 1

(4,552 posts)
11. 35 years ago I put Schlage in my whole house
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 09:01 AM
Oct 2021

One entry door has failed and it was the one we used all the time. My understanding was that there were homeowner grade and professional grade. I bought professional grade. If I just push the button in the lock will unlock when leaving the house. Which I like. If I push the button in and turn it the lock will not unlock when leaving. The knob will turn and let you out but will remain locked. We never use that function because you get locked out.
The one knob that wore out I replaced with the push button Schlage and it has worked great for many years now. I have a push buttion on the grage door opener so I never need a key. Even the car has a fob. I carry one key. I have had good luck with Schlage hardware and I would suggest you check with a locksmith.

 

Chainfire

(17,757 posts)
12. If you want a top shelf deadbolt for the door, get a Medeco.
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 09:09 AM
Oct 2021

The Medeco will be stronger than the door and hinges and will last a lifetime. I recently replaced my entry locks with a digital system. No key to hide, program any code that makes you happy, change it when you need to.

I used moderately priced, Quikset locks because, no matter how strong my door is, my windows are all glass...Security is not a lock, it is a system.

Luciferous

(6,274 posts)
13. We also bought a keypad lock since I have kids and didn't want them losing keys and getting
Sun Oct 31, 2021, 09:21 AM
Oct 2021

locked out.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»DIY & Home Improvement»Looking for recs on fully...