Deadbolts Worth Bolting to Your Door: A Practical Guide

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A deadbolt is the lock that actually resists a shoulder to the door, and it does the heavy lifting that a knob or lever latch never will. The things worth checking are the bolt throw, since a full one-inch throw seats deeper into the frame, and the backset so the new lock lines up with the existing bore. Grade matters if the door sees real use.

Single-cylinder versus double-cylinder is a genuine choice. A double-cylinder deadbolt needs a key on both sides, which stops someone reaching through a broken sidelight, but it also slows you down in a fire. Many people are better served by a single cylinder and laminated glass nearby.

Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, WR5 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Bright Polished Brass

Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, WR5 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Bright Polished Brass

The Master Lock entry here is a deadbolt finished in bright polished brass. It comes keyed alike, so one key runs the set.

Keyed alike lets one key run a group, which is convenient as long as you can keep track of that single key.

View on Carter Bay's Site →

Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, KW1 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Bright Polished Brass

Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, KW1 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Bright Polished Brass

This is Master Lock's take on a deadbolt, in a bright polished brass finish. This one is keyed alike, so one key runs the set.

Keyed alike lets one key run a group, which is convenient as long as you can keep track of that single key.

View on Carter Bay's Site →

Master Lock Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, Sc1 Keyway, Bright Polished Brass

Master Lock Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, Sc1 Keyway, Bright Polished Brass

From Master Lock, this is a deadbolt in a bright polished brass finish.

Check the mounting and dimensions against what you have before ordering.

View on Carter Bay's Site →

Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, KW1 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Antique Brass

Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, KW1 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Antique Brass

This is Master Lock's take on a deadbolt, wearing an antique brass finish. It comes keyed alike, so one key runs the set.

Keyed alike lets one key run a group, which is convenient as long as you can keep track of that single key.

View on Carter Bay's Site →

Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, WR5 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Antique Brass

Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, WR5 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Antique Brass

Master Lock offers this as a deadbolt, in an antique brass finish. It comes keyed alike, so one key runs the set.

Keyed alike lets one key run a group, which is convenient as long as you can keep track of that single key.

View on Carter Bay's Site →

Master Lock Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, Sc1 Keyway, Antique, Satin Brass Blackened

Master Lock Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, Sc1 Keyway, Antique, Satin Brass Blackened

Master Lock offers this as a deadbolt, in a satin brass blackened finish.

Match it to the door or opening it serves and confirm the mounting suits your surface.

View on Carter Bay's Site →

Choosing well

Reinforce the strike into the framing with long screws, because a deadbolt is only as strong as the wood it bolts into. Get the backset and throw right and the door does its job for years.

At a glance: how these compare

ProductBrandFinishTypeKey detail
Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, WR5 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Bright Polished BrassMaster LockBright Polished Brasskeyed alikeSee listing
Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, KW1 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Bright Polished BrassMaster LockBright Polished Brasskeyed alikeSee listing
Master Lock Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, Sc1 Keyway, Bright Polished BrassMaster LockBright Polished BrassdeadboltSee listing
Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, KW1 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Antique BrassMaster LockAntique Brasskeyed alikeSee listing
Master Lock DS06 Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, WR5 Keyway, Keyed Alike in Groups of 4, Antique BrassMaster LockAntique Brasskeyed alikeSee listing
Master Lock Single Cylinder Deadbolt Grade 3, Sc1 Keyway, Antique, Satin Brass BlackenedMaster LockSatin Brass BlackeneddeadboltSee listing

Finishes and details above come from the current product listings. No pricing is shown here because feed prices go stale fast; check the retailer for the latest.

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