I am going to be moving into an older house, and plan on replacing the entry locksets (for peace of mind of spare keys floating around from previous owner(s)). I have looked into several brands, but I was wondering what any of you have run into as far as definite brands to avoid, or definite brands to lean to-midrange prices. I am more concerned about finish/latch durability & cylinder strength. Any suggestions are appreciated!
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I'm kinda of satisfied with Schlage and keyed all 5 exterior doors on my house to one key, which the people at Home Depot were pleased to do. Before I moved into the house, I made the mistake of installing 2 Black and Decker locksets on the soon to be demolished house we were living in, figuring even Black and Decker can make a lockset that would last a few years. I should have known better: don't buy a Black and Decker lockset - I had to replace both of them within 3 years!
Some hardware stores can re-key or replace cylinders too. I do enough business that they do it for free sometimes.
I use about fifty Schlages a year - no troubles except occasionally need lock tight in the rosette screws that hold the two halves together. Schalge hasd several different lines and prices.
Kwikset is definitely a step down from there and Baldwin a step up.
I regularly get Kwikset locksets to replace.
I like Emtex knobs for higher end stuff but honestly don't know if they make entry locksets. Suppose they do.Excellence is its own reward!
If you have good hardware just take the lockset to a locksmith and have it rekeyed. I just did that for a friend and was able to get it rekeyed to match another door. $10 per lock.