Is There A Doorknob That Locks on Both Sides?

If you are wondering if it is possible to find a doorknob that locks on both sides, you have come to the right place. Doorknobs serve as accents that improve the look and feel of a space, but more importantly, the right doorknobs can improve the functionality, security, privacy, and livability of any property.

Double cylinder doorknobs have locks on each side of them. Privacy doorknobs also feature locks on each side but you can only access them with a key on one side. Check to make sure that it is legal to have a doorknob that unlocks on both sides in your state or county.

Before getting into the different types of doorknobs that are available to you, it is good to consider the benefits of a doorknob that locks on both sides.

One of the most common reasons that people have for installing doorknobs that lock on two sides is that it is easier to maintain a secure space. Whether you are looking to install a locking doorknob on your home, office, or any other location, the ability to have both convenience and security is always a good thing.

Another benefit that comes from doorknobs that lock on two sides is that they are safer in many ways to the alternatives. Having a doorknob that is keyed on both sides means that without a key, the door cannot be opened by anyone without a key.

They add an extra layer of protection for your home or business, effectively reducing your risk of unwanted entry and possible theft. In fact, replacing single cylinder locks with their double cylinder counterparts can reduce break-ins by 50% or more.

While there are many benefits that come with double cylinder doorknobs, there are also some inherent risks that should be taken into consideration. First, having a doorknob that requires a key on both sides can cause problems in emergency situations. In the case of a fire, for example, the added time to locate a key and operate a lock could prove to become problematic.

To solve this problem, many people keep a key in one side of the double cylinder door while they are home. It is vital that an extra key is always kept on hand, should occupants need to exit in case of an emergency. This ensures that the door can be operated with ease and at speed if a situation requires it.

Alternatively, some double cylinder, or keyed entry, door knobs have a button on the inside that can be pressed to unlock the door. Or, other keyed entry door knobs are outfitted with a twist mechanism on one side that allows you to turn to unlock or lock the door.

Before installing a double cylinder doorknob in your residence, check with the local laws and fire safety codes to ensure that you are on the right side of the law.

Many people looking for a doorknob that locks on both sides opt for privacy doorknobs. Especially when installing doorknobs on interior doors, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, offices, etc. This is especially true in locations where installing doorknobs that are keyed on both sides is illegal.

The interior thumb turnkey is far more common in residential properties. These allow for easy access from one side and can be secured with a key from the other. Not only are privacy doorknobs safer in case of emergency, but they are also more convenient than doorknobs that are keyed on both sides.

Choosing a double cylinder deadbolt is not the easiest ways to solve the problem. Some are keyed on both sides monitors have you on one side and are turnkey on the other. If you are considering installing a double cylinder deadbolt, the style you choose will be dependent on the reasons you have for installing it in the first place.

If, for example, you need a door that locks on both sides for security reasons might be better to get a deadbolt that is keyed on both sides. On the other hand, if you’re looking to increase the level of privacy, such as in a bathroom, having a deadbolt with a turnkey could be a good solution as it is simple and safe.

Though pocket doors generally do not have door knobs, they have the ability to be locked from both sides. These types of doors are often used in the bathroom, as a way to separate rooms, or anywhere where a traditional swinging door will not fit.

Pocket door locks come in two varieties: passage (non-locking) and privacy (locking). The privacy pocket door lock is the one that allows the door to be locked from both sides. Meant to be space saving, these locks function as a pull, allowing you to slide the door in and out of the pocket. The can be locked from one or both sides and are operated by either using a key or a thumbturn.

Privacy pocket door locks are also outfitted with an emergency release button on the outside, allowing you to easily rescue a child who may have accidentally locked themselves inside a bathroom.

Related Questions

How do you lock a double lock door?

Depending on the type of double locking door you purchase, methods used for locking the door will differ. Double cylinder doorknobs require a key on both sides. Privacy doorknobs require a key on one side and feature a built-in latch.

Are there left and right doorknobs that lock from both sides?

Yes. It is possible to find doorknobs that lock from both sides for both left- and right-handed doors. It is important to note that you should not install a doorknob upside down. If you are installing a doorknob on a left-handed door, be sure to get the proper type of doorknob.

What is the difference between a double-cylinder lock and a single-cylinder lock?

Put simply, a single-cylinder lockset and doorknob are locked and unlocked with a key on the exterior side. On the interior side, a key is not used to unlock or lock; it is instead unlocked by pushing a thumb lock or just by turning.Double-cylinder locksets must be operated by a key on both sides. This means that a home or business owner must have a key to engage or detract the bolt, even on the interior.

In general, it is not difficult to find a doorknob that locks on both sides. It is very unlikely that you won’t find them at popular home improvement stores like Home Depot, as commercial outlets often have double cylinder doorknobs and keyed entry door knobs in stock. However, there are other options that provide the same level of security and privacy, such as deadbolts and pocket door locks, if you decide that they are better suited for you.

If you are considering installing doorknobs that lock on both sides in your home, always be sure to check with the local fire and building codes. In some states, the choice is left to the homeowner, while in others it is not allowed.