Need Advice Entry Door lock (hardware)

I am planning to change my front door lock/ hardware. I am in the Southernwalk townhouses - Is there a specific brand/model required? or can I just buy anything in the same polish/ appearance? TIA for any help.

 

I was very impressed with the Baldwin line of home locks. Nice looks, solid construction. A bit pricey but not all that unreasonable.

You might want to consult with a locksmith/security specalist to see if your strike plate needs reinforcing though. That is one area sometimes overlooked.

 

Just needs to be the same polish and appearance. ie. if all the doors on your block are polished brass then yours should be, as well... same for the handle/knob. You will probably need to buy the same brand as what's already installed to do this, at least for the pull-handle if your door has one. Mine was Kwikset... I replaced with a shiny, new lookalike in the Kwikset high-security line (the normal Kwiksets are kinda flimsy).

I'd love to replace my door knocker but can't find ANY that look like what's currently on my door, and it's not stamped with a manufacturer. Ugh.

 

If anybody is interested - the Kwikset "Chelsea" is a perfect fit. Our Shellhorn Home Depot does not have it, though.

 

Did you try Pottery Barn? I thought I saw they had door knockers that you could engrave....

 

anyone know of a locksmith? we moved in last month and want to change the locks...

 

Are you talking about keeping the same hardware but re-keying the tumblers and keys? You would need a locksmith for that. But if not -- if you're going to get all new locksets from the store, then any general handyman can install them for you.

If you're even a little handy, you could do it yourself, it's pretty easy to replace door hardware. I've done this myself many times. Just buy the locks you need, then follow directions in the pack to install them. The guys at Lowes or Home Depot may be willing to talk you through the basics in the store if you ask.

Here's a link: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=Improve/locks.html&rn=RightNavFiles/rightNavHowTo

Also Google will turn up many more results for you... many may be about installing door locks/knobs, some steps of which you won't need since your door is already drilled.

 

I was at Home Depot (Leesburg) and I saw some "info brochure" on Kwikset SmartKey. I'm not sure how it works, but it involves a "learn tool". Here's info from the web:

SmartKey™ is a technological innovation that provides superior security with the flexibility of re-keying your own lock quickly and easily without removing it from your door. SmartKey also offers BumpGuard™ for protection against lock bumping *. Superior security - ANSI Grade-1 deadbolt rating Protection against lock bumping*
Re-key your lock in seconds with the original key and learn tool
Available in Kwikset Signature Series keyed functions:
deadbolt, handleset, lever and knob.