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DOOR LOCKS INTRODUCTION

There are two kinds of door locks for the home: exterior and interior. For security, exterior locks are built more ruggedly than interior ones, and manufacturers also put greater care into their design and finish.

Door locks come in many different styles, with most of the style variations occurring in exterior locks, which are available in everything from fancy filigree to brass-plated, the latter being the way most door locks are finished.

Prices can vary widely -- up to hundreds of dollars -- but paying a lot for a lock does not guarantee quality. What you pay for is style. However, if you pay a lot for a lock with a brass plated finish, chances are you will get a top-quality lock; that is, the mechanism will be more durable and work better than less costly locks.

Interior and exterior door locks come with installation instructions. When shopping for a replacement, the key consideration is the "backset" -- the distance from the middle of the knob, or handle, to the edge of the door. Most locks have a 2 3/8 inch backset and are installed in a 2 1/8-inch diameter hole; some, however, are installed in a l 3/4-inch hole. It's a good idea to stick with brand names when shopping for a lock. Many times there are subtle size differences among brands that can lead to installation difficulties.

Door lock selection is limited in hardware stores and lumberyards. To get a wider selection, ask to see lock catalogs or go to a wholesale outlet that sells to the trade and see what they have on hand.

Note that some locks, although they are called door locks, do not have a locking mechanism.

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