A question about a good lock

What country are you in, as this will dictate type / brand of locks. Cheers.

From his e-mail address, I'd say he was a resident of Canadia

Ah... that would be the mind of an analyzer at work... ;)

Indeed, I am a Canuckian. I think we usually have pretty much the same makes and models available to the States.

I have one other stupid question, too. The entry set on my back door ices up and sometimes when you turn the handle to open the door the bolt sticks inside the lock. It's a new insulated steel door with no window, and there's weather-stripping around the door.

Thanks!!

there 'should be' a usable lubricant, for your area and conditions.. maybe silicone spray.. maybe something else.. I would ask a local locksmith what will NOT freeze in your area..

--Shiva--

Consider the top end Kwikset stuff. They offer lifetime warrantee and it is much better than the lower end stuff.

There are better grades of course, but with the door you have selected you are kind of locked in to the door prep.

For the quality vs. cost, I like the Schlage AL series levers and the Schlage BC160 deadbolts.

Bob

These are a good choice but didn't the OP want a grip handle?

Roger,

Like a pitcher handle? Maybe I read it wrong. In that case, I like the Baldwin. (Of course). Especially since it comes with the Schlage "C" keyway and you can pin the whole house to the same key.

Bob

similar to a handicapped type, actually

--Shiva--

Thanks for the advice, guys.

Sorry for the confusion - What I was actually looking for, was a straight deadbolt-only lock for my front door, which has a "juice-pitcher" type handle below it that doesn't have a lock in it, and a "lever-type" locking handle and seperate deadbolt for the back door. The lever is because my wife doesn't have the strength to close her hand around a 'regular' door know firmly enough to turn it, and this type seems the easiest for her.

I'll see what's available from my local locksmiths. Now at least I know what to ask for. Thanks again!

OK Bob,

The OP has an insulated steel door. All of these I have seen come prepped with a couple of 2 1/8 inch holes in them, IMHO not a real good candidate for a mortise lock.

Back to my original AL series schlage cylindrical lever handle w/ 2 3/8 backset latchbolt. ADA compliant leverset.

Bob

Another note: One thing you'll probably want to look for is a 'push button type locking mechanism on the inside of your backdoor lever hardware, don't get a thumb turn style, if your wife has less hand strength, it's more difficult to use a thumb turn than it is to push a button. Also, make sure it has 'emergency egress' capability, meaning if it is locked, you don't need to unlock it from the inside if there's a fire. You just push the lever and your out. Ask your local locksmith for these specific functions.

Lever, push button, emergency egress.

Also make sure your strike on the jam side of your door is still in alighnment with your deadbolt latch, sometimes the foundation of your house will settle enough that it will cause your door hardware to misalighn, this will cause your latches to bind, and make them difficult to manipulate. A strike plate adjustment would remedy.