Bedroom Door Knobs with Keys Prevent Unwanted Entry
Having privacy and security in your own bedroom is extremely important. You want to relax and sleep peacefully without worrying about unwanted visitors. This is why installing bedroom door knobs with lock and key sets can give you control over your private space.
Read on to learn how keyed door knobs help deter break-ins and give you peace of mind.
The Importance of Locked Bedroom Door Knobs
Bedroom door lock sets offer a simple yet effective way to prevent unauthorized access to your inner sanctum. While many interior doors have simple latches, these are easy to open from either side. Adding lockable knobs requires a key for entry, keeping your private room secure.
There are several key reasons why locked knobs add value to a bedroom door:
- Deters intruders and unwanted visitors from entering without permission
- Provides extra protection and security while sleeping or when away from home
- Allows control over who can access the bedroom space
- Ideal for apartments, rentals, and rooms with multiple occupants
- Gives tenants more privacy without altering property
- Adds peace of mind knowing your space stays private
Installing locksets on bedroom, or even bathroom doors is quick and easy. The added security is worth the small investment for the improved sense of safety and control.
How to Select the Best Locking Door Knobs
Once you decide to install bedroom door locks, choosing the right product is key. Not all knobs are equal when it comes to quality, security, design, and price.
Here are important factors to consider when shopping for lockable door knobs:
Ensure Proper Fit
Bedroom door knobs must properly fit your existing door's backset and thickness to install and function correctly. Backset is the distance from the door edge to the center of the knob hole. Standard interior backsets are 2-3/8" or 2-3/4". Measure yours before ordering.
Interior doors are usually 1-3/8" or 1-3/4" thick. Knobs made for adjustable backsets and door thicknesses offer the most flexibility.
High Quality Materials
Higher quality knobs made of solid brass, stainless steel, or zinc alloys will be more durable than cheaper plastic or hollow metal. All-metal construction provides strength to resist forced entry.
Metal type also impacts aesthetics. Brass finishes nicely but stainless steel offers more resistance to rust and tarnish.
Finish Options
Consider finish colors like satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, or chrome to complement your existing decor. Satin nickel provides a modern brushed silver look. Oil-rubbed bronze gives a traditional dark antique style.
Brand Reputability
Trustworthy brands like Schlage and Kwikset have decades of lockset manufacturing experience. Their knobs comply with rigorous standards for security and durability.
Customer reviews can also give insight into real-world product performance and longevity.
Design Aesthetics
Door knobs come in all styles from simple round knobs to intricate lever handles. Match other hardware finishes for a cohesive look. Modern designs in matte finishes nicely complement contemporary bedrooms.
Number of Keys
Look for locksets that include at least 2-3 keys. Having duplicate spares makes replacing lost keys easier. It also allows giving other household members access.
If possible, choose re-keyable knobs where you can re-key the lock yourself without a locksmith.
Comparing Common Locking Knob Finishes
Finish helps determine the overall look and feel of your door knobs. Consider the pros and cons of popular finish options:
Satin Nickel
Satin nickel is highly versatile and fits modern, traditional, or eclectic decor. It has a soft matte sheen closer to a pewter or silver tone.
Pros: Neutral color, low maintenance, pairs with any style
Cons: Lacks richness of darker finishes
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Dark antique bronze patina offers a timeworn Old World look. The living finish evolves naturally over time.
Pros: Rich, warm color; vintage appeal
Cons: Colors vary; patina affects some metals more than others
Matte Black
Deep matte black highlights contemporary and modern spaces. The flat sheen nicely contrasts wood doors.
Pros: Striking and stylish, especially with modern decors
Cons: Shows scratches; high maintenance
Other less common options like polished brass, antique nickel, or chrome offer their own unique look as well.
Installing Your Bedroom Door Lock Knob
Installing a locking bedroom knob takes basic DIY skills. With some simple tools, patience, and the right techniques, you can swap out old knobs for new secure locksets in about 30 to 45 minutes per door.
- Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers - Tape measure - Pencil - Knob template - Drill with 1/8" bit (if pilot holes needed) - Knob screws (usually included) - Wood shims (for filling gaps if needed)
Removing the Existing Knob
First remove the old doorknob assembly and measure your backset and door thickness. Keep note of any unusual measurements.
- Remove old knob screws with a screwdriver
- Carefully pull old knob assemblies off the door
- Measure backset and door width
- Remove old latch if not compatible
Installing the New Knob
Follow your manufacturer's specific instructions for best results. The general process is:
- Adjust latch size for your door's backset
- Insert latch into door edge and trace outline
- Chiseloutline for latch faceplate
- Insert latch and fasten faceplate
- Position template and mark new knob hole centers
- Drill 1/8" pilot holes for knob shafts
- Install exterior and interior knob assemblies
- Tighten mounting screws evenly
- Test locking mechanism for smooth function
Be sure to keep knobs oriented correctly so the lock cylinder buttons match up. Fully tighten screws evenly to avoid loosening. Add wood shims if interior knob wobbles from gaps or poor drilling.
Helpful Installation Tips
Here are some useful troubleshooting tips:
- Use painter's tape on door surface to prevent scratching
- Thick doors may need longer spindles
- Fill wide, offset holes with wood putty first
- Ensure latch is oriented for door swing direction
- Gently tap on stuck knob with hammer/block
- Add washers to eliminate exterior knob wobble
With the right tools and techniques, installing your new bedroom door lock knob can be easy. Just work slowly and carefully. The added security is well worth the effort.
Using and Maintaining Your Locking Bedroom Knob
Once installation is complete, using and caring for your new door lock properly ensures it works reliably for years.
Unlocking and Locking Procedure
Using a keyed bedroom knob is simple. From the exterior side, simply:
- Insert the matching key into the lock cylinder
- Turn the key about 1/4 turn until unlocked
- Turn the knob to retract the latch and open the door
- Remove the key and close door to engage lock
From inside the room, you can lock the knob by either pushing in a button or flipping a latch toggle. This prevents the outside knob from turning, even with a key inserted.
Routine Maintenance
Performing quick maintenance keeps your door knob operating smoothly:
- Spray lock cylinder with WD40 or graphite powder if sticky
- Check strike plate screws are snug
- Clean exterior buildup with vinegar and water
- Verify keys still unlock/lock properly
- Consider adding a knob guard plate to prevent break-ins
Call a locksmith immediately if your key stops working in the cylinder - this can indicate an interior failure.
As you can see, installing bedroom door knobs with integrated key locks provide many benefits beyond standard latched knobs. The ability to control access gives you privacy and deters unwanted visitors.
When shopping, be sure to choose high-quality knobs suited for your specific door's size and style. With basic DIY skills, installing a new knob lockset takes under an hour. Follow the tips above to smoothly operate and maintain your new locking hardware.
Sleep soundly knowing your personal space stays secure. Keyed bedroom knobs deliver stylish sophistication and reliable protection from intruders. Consider installing them on any living space needing more safety, security, and access control.