In this article, we are going to go over the differences between a deadbolt and a doorknob lock. First, we will cover definitions of both, then we will cover some of the pros and cons of each. We will also go over information about door levers, and how they’re different but similar to doorknobs and deadbolts.
What is a deadbolt?
A deadbolt lock, or dead bolt (deadlock), is a lock that is operated with a key and comprised of a “square” shaped latch (we cover latches later). Deadbolts often offer superior levels of protection over their doorknob and lever counterparts of equal security rating. Deadbolt locks are separate from doorknob locks, and often come in either single cylinder or double cylinder variants. Single-cylinder deadbolts have a lock on the outside of the door with a keyhole for operation, and a flip turn on the inside for locking and unlocking. Double-sided deadbolts are actually two separate locks, but they are often installed on businesses and homes where locks are near windows. Double-sided deadbolts are different than single cylinder deadbolts because instead of being able to be locked or unlocked from the inside with a thumb-turn device, they must be operated with keys from either side.
Many think that double-sided deadbolts are just one lock, but it’s actually two separate locks that are fitted on both the inside and the outside, instead of a flip turn on the inside. This is the reason double-sided deadbolts cost more than single-sided deadbolts, because there are actually two separate lock cylinders instead of just one.
Double-sided deadbolts often pose fire-related concerns for those who are seeking to exit a burning building but can’t because they don’t have keys to unlock the door from the inside-out. Double-sided deadbolts are used frequently on business doors and home front doors near a glass entry, as burglars often break a window and reach inside to unlock a lock. With double-sided deadbolts, intruders can’t operate locks if they reach inside, even if they get their hand through a broken window. That’s because there isn’t a flip turn they can use, instead, they are greeted by the same lock as is on the outside.
Most homeowners and businesses will be relying on a deadbolt lock to keep them secure from intruders. Homes that have only a doorknob or door lever lock on an entry door are encouraged to contact their nearest locksmith and install a new deadbolt lock to enhance the security of the door. Doors that have deadbolt locks are much harder to kick in as the bolt goes much further into the frame when compared to a lever lock or doorknob lock.
Below are just a few pros and cons of deadbolt locks.
Pros:
Offers the best levels of security for brute force physical attacks
Can’t be “Jimmied” open
Cons:
Can become hard to use if a house shifts/settles over time
Double-sided deadbolts can be a fire hazard
Double-sided deadbolts are actually two locks & lock rekeying will require both cylinders be rekeyed to work with the same key
More about deadbolts on external websites:
Pictures of Deadbolts
What is a doorknob?
Doorknobs and door levers are very similar, the key difference being their shapes. To put it into perspective, both pieces of hardware are for the purpose of operating the door latch.
Wikipedia defines a latch as:
“a type of mechanical fastener that joins two (or more) objects or surfaces while allowing for their regular separation”
A doorknob is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as a knob that releases a door latch. Cambridge defines it as a round handle that you turn to open a door. Doorknobs are essentially the handle parts of the door, but when they’re shaped like a knob as opposed to a lever. In a majority of homes in the United States, most doors will consist of either a doorknob or a door lever lock. Doorknobs, lever locks, and deadbolts are all separate pieces of hardware that provide varying levels of protection and have their own pros and cons. Doorknobs are more-or-less the same as door levers, the primary difference being their shapes.
Pros:
Usually more affordable than lever locks
More Childproof than lever locks
Dog-proof unlike lever locks
Hurts less to get snagged on versus a lever lock
Cons:
Can be hard to grip for children and people with arthritis
Could be a fire hazard to someone who can’t twist the knob
Some models could be trickier to access the lock cylinder for a rekey versus a lever lock
Learn more about doorknob locks on external the following external websites:
Pictures of Door Knobs
What is a door lever?
A door lever is more or less the same as a doorknob, however, the difference is that a lever is used for operation instead of a knob. This means that one can push down on the horizontal lever, versus twisting a knob like a doorknob. Door levers are often preferred for homeowners and businesses for their ease of use, especially with children and the elderly, and in commercial business bathrooms. Some states require businesses to equip their doors with lever locks as opposed to doorknob locks in order to be as user-friendly as possible for disabled individuals and the elderly with trouble operating locks, such as arthritis. Door levers are great for businesses and homes alike, and most lock brands will offer doorknobs and door levers in similar styles and colors.
Pros:
Looks nicer than doorknob variants
Can be just as strong as doorknob locks
Many lever locks are also electronic keypad lever locks
Cons:
Can hurt to walk into as the lever is pointy and hip level
Some animals can manipulate the lever and open the door (big dogs mostly)
Electronic door lever locks can be costly
More information about door levers:
Pictures of Door Levers
Which One Is Better?
When it comes to offering the highest level of security against physical attacks like a kick-in attack, deadbolt locks are typically the way to go. Deadbolt latches typically extend further into the door-frame than a knob or lever latch, which is what makes them stronger to blunt force. We always recommend to homeowners who only have one existing doorknob or lever lock on an entry door that they install a new deadbolt lock. Installing a new deadbolt lock onto an existing door is pretty straightforward and can be handled by your local locksmith service.
Additionally, fully functional deadbolt latches that are locked can’t be “jimmied” open like many knob or lever latches. If you’ve ever heard of the credit card trick, where people can use their credit cards to open their doors latch, this is an example of jimmying. Most doors that are framed tightly will prevent this from being possible, on the other hand, newer doorknob/lever latches are starting to have security bars which makes it much harder, if not impossible, to manipulate them. The only reason jimmying open a doorknob lock is possible and not a deadbolt is because the latch-bit is slightly angled, allowing something to fit between it and the door. The latch must be angled slightly, however, or the doorknob/lever wouldn’t work as it’s intended. One side must be angled to ensure that the door can close properly when it hits the frame and the other side must be square so that it “catches” in the frame.
Deadbolt lock cylinders are held together much more tightly and are more secure, as they are generally held in place with thicker screws, tightened directly from the inside of the property. On the other hand, doorknob locks and lever locks have the lock cylinder on the outside of the door and the cylinder is not directly held in place with screws most of the time. The differences this can make are quite large. It’s much harder to hammer a deadbolt lock off a door if it is tightly screwed in, with thicker and longer screws, versus a doorknob or lever lock that has skinnier screws. In regards to lock picking, most deadbolts and knobs/levers of the same security rating are equally difficult when it comes to opening. The most physical protection comes from the deadbolt because of its shape and angle which helps to deflect blows, unlike knob variants which are meant for ease of operation to the user, allowing them in and out of a door.
In our opinion, for those who are considering the question of doorknobs VS lever locks, we can’t give a specific recommendation as it all comes down to personal preference. Alternatively, for those who are considering a deadbolt vs doorknob or lever lock, we recommend spending the most on a secure deadbolt lock as that’s what provides the most security to the door. Extremely expensive electronic doorknobs and lever locks can be nice for ease of use, such as in the case of smart locks, but they are still physically weaker in most cases when it comes to a kick-in attack. Many burglars might not know this, however, so having both of your locks electronic might be a good idea to deter them. Many burglars are opportunistic and many are down on their luck and desperate, if you show that your property is well protected, it will help to serve as a good deterrent from being burglarized.
What Is A Door Latch?
Dexter Deadbolt Lock Latch - Image Credits // The Hardware Hut
<— Deadbolt Latch
Doorknob/Lever Latch —>
Doorknob Lock Latch - Image Credits // Home Depot
Deadbolt Latches VS Doorknob & Lever Latches
The biggest difference between a deadbolt lock and a doorknob lock is that they have different latches, which offer varying levels of protection. Doorknob and lever latches are meant to allow the user to open and close the door easily, while a deadbolt latch is meant to secure the door even more. The shape of the latches makes a big difference when it comes to determining which lock latch is which, as deadbolt locks are square-ish in shape while doorknob and lever lock latches are slightly angled. The angle and slant of a doorknob or lever lock latch are important because it allows the door to shut properly and stay closed until it’s operated again.
What are your thoughts? Which one is the best and why? Let us know below in the comments.
External resources: https://www.napleslocksmith247.com/deadbolt-lock-vs-doorknob-lock/
https://www.gokeyless.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-latch-and-deadbolt-and-which-is-better/
https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/comments/6gu19x/dumb_question_but_do_i_need_a_knob_lock_if_i_have/
https://www.schlage.com/blog/categories/2020/09/mechanical-deadbolt-vs-smart-locks.html
