RELIABILT Keyed-Entry Knobs & Handles
RELIABILT keyed-entry knobs and levers with key-operated locks for doors requiring security.
RELIABILT keyed-entry knobs and handles lock with a key from outside and a thumbturn from inside, priced from $15 to $30. Grade 3 residential security rating. Available in round knob and lever handle styles. Suitable for interior rooms requiring a lock (home offices, storage rooms) or light-duty exterior applications. For primary exterior entry doors, consider pairing with a separate deadbolt for additional security.
Each keyed-entry unit ships with two keys and uses a standard KW1 keyway. The adjustable latch fits both 2-3/8" and 2-3/4" backsets. Available in satin nickel, matte black, and aged bronze finishes to match other RELIABILT hardware throughout the home.
Grade 3 Limitations
RELIABILT keyed-entry hardware is Grade 3, the standard residential security rating. This means 200,000+ cycle life and basic forced-entry resistance. It is adequate for interior doors and secondary exterior doors (side entries, garage doors). For front door security where break-in resistance matters, Grade 2 or Grade 1 deadbolts from Kwikset or Schlage provide significantly more protection.
| Grade 3 | 200,000 cycles. Basic forced-entry resistance. Standard for residential interior and secondary exterior doors. |
| Grade 2 | 400,000 cycles. Moderate forced-entry resistance. Recommended for primary residential entry doors. |
| Grade 1 | 800,000 cycles. High forced-entry resistance. Commercial grade. Overkill for most homes but available from Schlage. |
RELIABILT keyed-entry hardware falls in the Grade 3 category. For most homes, this is sufficient when combined with a separate deadbolt on primary exterior doors.
How to Choose RELIABILT Keyed-Entry Hardware
Decide whether you need a standalone keyed knob or lever, or a knob-deadbolt combo set. For interior rooms that just need a keyed lock (home office, storage room), a standalone keyed-entry knob is sufficient. For exterior doors, pairing a keyed knob with a deadbolt provides significantly better security.
Choose between knob and lever style based on accessibility needs. Levers are easier to operate and required in commercial settings. Both styles are available in all three RELIABILT finishes. Match the finish to your existing interior hardware for a unified look.
All RELIABILT keyed-entry hardware ships with two keys. If you need all exterior locks to use the same key, buy a combo set (keyed alike out of the box) or have a locksmith rekey individual locks to match. RELIABILT uses a standard KW1 keyway compatible with most locksmiths.
Consider the door location when deciding between a knob and lever. Side entry doors used while carrying groceries benefit from a lever that can be operated with an elbow. Front doors where aesthetics matter most may look better with a traditional round knob. Both styles are available in all three RELIABILT finishes.
Quick Installation Tips
Before installing, test the key in the lock cylinder while the unit is still out of the door. Confirm the key turns smoothly and the latch retracts fully. It is easier to identify a defective lock before it is mounted than after.
Keyed-entry hardware installs the same way as passage or privacy hardware. The only additional step is orienting the key cylinder on the exterior side. The keyhole should be centered and upright. If the cylinder rotates during installation, the mounting screws are not tight enough.
After installation, test the lock from both sides. Lock with the key from outside, verify the thumbturn on the inside shows the locked position, then unlock with the thumbturn and confirm the door opens freely.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Key turns but lock does not engage | The tailpiece connecting the cylinder to the latch may be misaligned. Remove the interior knob, realign the tailpiece with the cylinder slot, and reassemble. |
| Key is hard to insert or turn | Apply graphite lubricant directly into the keyway. Do not use oil-based lubricants, which attract dust and eventually jam the pin tumblers. |
| Lock freezes in cold weather | Moisture in the keyway can freeze in winter. Use a lock de-icer spray or warm the key with your hands before inserting. Prevent this by applying graphite before the cold season. |
| Thumbturn spins freely | The interior thumbturn has disconnected from the latch assembly. Remove the interior plate and reconnect the thumbturn cam to the latch tailpiece. |
Long-Term Care for Keyed-Entry Hardware
Lubricate the keyway with graphite powder every six months. Squeeze a small puff into the key slot, then insert and remove the key several times to distribute the lubricant across the pin tumblers.
Clean the exterior surface with a damp cloth and mild soap. Keyed-entry hardware on exterior doors is exposed to weather, so inspect the finish twice a year. If you notice finish wear on high-use exterior knobs, apply a thin coat of clear paste wax to protect against moisture.
Test the lock mechanism monthly by locking and unlocking with the key from outside, then checking the thumbturn from inside. Catching a stiff lock early avoids a lockout situation later.
Keep a spare key in a secure location outside the home (with a trusted neighbor or in a lockbox). Grade 3 keyed-entry locks do not have a bypass method if you lose all keys, and locksmith callouts typically cost $50-100 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rekey RELIABILT keyed-entry knobs myself?
RELIABILT keyed-entry hardware uses a standard KW1 keyway. You can have a locksmith rekey it to match other locks in your home. Some models support DIY rekeying kits available at Lowe's, but check the specific product listing for compatibility.
Is a keyed-entry knob alone enough for an exterior door?
A keyed-entry knob provides basic security, but for a primary exterior door, adding a deadbolt greatly increases forced-entry resistance. Consider a knob-deadbolt combo set for the best value and matched keying.
What does Grade 3 security mean?
Grade 3 is the ANSI/BHMA standard for residential security. It requires a minimum of 200,000 lock/unlock cycles and basic forced-entry resistance. It is suitable for most homes. Grade 2 and Grade 1 offer progressively higher security for commercial or high-risk applications.
For doors without keyed locks, see passage and privacy knobs. Bundle a keyed knob with a deadbolt using a combo set for matching keys and finish. See full knobs and levers guide.
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