I'm looking to replace my door handle?

Question

I lost a set of keys.

And I was wondering how secure are the k***s you buy from Home Depot or Lowe's

I mean since they are mass produced can you buy 2 handles from the same company and the key from one will unlock the other?

I'm going on vacation and I want to make sure my house will be secure.

Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

They are mass produced but they are induividually made. All the locks have different keys. one key will not open another door. I am positive as I have changed my locks before. Make sure you but a bolted lock if it is the main enterance door. They cost more than a regulad door nob but you need a secure lock. You should be fine.

Answer 2

Kwikset knobsets you find in the stores have a number on the package.... you can get 2 knobsets with the same key.... handy if you want your front and rear entry doors to use the same key.  These are sold in pairs.

There are other versions of locks, including those that use your fingerprint  (how's that for being a 'unique key')  Kwikset sells one of these too.

Another version is one that uses an identifier chip, like some cars.

I'd also suggest that you talk to any neighbors you trust, and ask them to keep an eye out  for suspicious behavior, and even call the police and advise them you are going away for a bit, and ask them to check on the home occasionally.  Have your mail and any newspaper subscriptions put on hold too...those are often one way a 'drive by thief' looks for potential targets... they see the newspapers or mail piled up.  And don't forget to lock the windows, and any pet doors if you have them... be kind of silly to worry about a door lock, and leave a window open, hehehe  Putting a few lights on timers (or motion sensors) is a good idea too.

Here are some links for you -

http://www.kwikset.com/

http://consumer.schlage.com/

http://www.ezset.com/

Have Fun

Answer 3

Locks are mass produced and invariably there are large numbers that have the same key cuts, but the manufacturers try to assure those lots are split out and sent to totally different sections of the country.  It would be rare for some to have a key that would fit your lock.  But you say you lost your keys.  That means they are out there someplace.  If you are concerned that whoever found them knows where you live, and you want security, you have three choices.  Take existing lock to hardware store and have them rekey the actual lock and make you new keys.  Second, replace the lock altogether with new lock and key set.  Three, add a deadbolt with new key to your door(s).

There are people who want to have one key that will work on several doors to their homes, and they routinely specify same key.  Or, if they are buying from a store, they simply have one lock rekeyed to match the other, and dispose of the keys to the one that has been changed--it won't work then anyway.

Best security is changing your locks, and trusting that no one will come through the window.