In this blog entry, the New Orleans lock installation and New Orleans door hardware installation experts here at Liberty Locksmith New Orleans will detail the features of door handlesets.
Door Handleset Features
Door handlesets have a handle and a locking mechanism, and are used to lock, unlock, and access doors. The handlesets on both sides of the door look similar, but have one side with a lock and one side with the latch. Smart locks can be integrated into handlesets, which don’t need physical keys for access. Smart locks usually use a key fob, magnetic card, access code, or other forms of biometric information. Smart locks come with different types of handles that vary based on door type, door material, and lock purpose. Most keypad locks have traditional knobs or levers, but some have more complicated or modern looking handles.
Before determining what handleset is best for your property, ensure that the handleset is made of quality materials fully. Sometimes the exterior lever and lock might be made of solid quality metal, but the inner plates of the handleset are not. Ensure that ALL aspects of the handleset are made of quality material. Determine handleset warranty, and that handlesets are corrosion resistant – especially if it’s meant for an exterior door, as weather changes can rust and peel off handleset coating, or even affect the interior of the lock mechanism.
Handleset Types
The most popular and commonly used types of handlesets are double-sided handlesets, two-point handle sets, mortise lock handles, and interconnected emergency egress handlesets. A double-sided handleset boasts grip, with a grip on both sides of the door – and they are very attractive on all kinds of doors. Two-point lock handlesets provide the highest quality of protection, and require two locks. These handlesets also require pairs of keys to open all locks, which can be not ideal for people who don’t want to carry a bunch of keys. Mortise lock handlesets often are paired with unique doors, and look fantastic on antique doors, however they have uniquely shaped lockboxes that sometimes preclude pairing with other common forms of doors. Emergency egress handlesets are highly convenient, and are easily unlocked by pulling out the lever, which is designed for – and ideal for – emergencies. They are commonly used in commercial settings like schools, office buildings, hospitals, or hotels.