On May 1, 9:07*am, "Max" wrote:

The deadbolts are still in good shape and I thought I would have them
re-keyed to accept the same key as the new entry locksets.
That would entail getting the same brand as the original so I might go the
expense of replacing both.

Max (still pondering)

Just a couple of thoughts here. If you look at the Medeco or Best
brands, you will find that a lockset or deadbolt will run about $200
for each unit. i have installed hundreds of the Medeco, but no Best
branded locks. The Medecos are top flight, but they retain a definite
commercial appearance as that is their market.

If you go the commercial route, make sure you check out the
installation instructions. Most of them are box style locks, and you
will either need some real time and patience to install them, or rent/
buy a deep mortise machine. For the most part these are not locks
that you remove the old lock and simply screw a new one of them in the
old holes.

Through all the years of installing Schlage, Kwickset, Baldwins, Ball,
Yale and a slew of Chinese stuff, I like the Schlage for their price
point. As I have said before, I used to have a contract with a local
company to install their doors, and I have put a lot of Schlage
product on. Never had a service or warranty call. Their newer
finishes on their polished brass (starting about 5 years ago) hold up
great.

The upper line has a good finish on it in polished nickel, oiled
bronze, etc., that lasts well. The mechanicals are solid on their
hardware. Make sure you get a deadbolt that has a 1" throw.

I put Schlage on my house about 27 years ago, and the front door lock
still works smooth as silk. The only maintenance I have ever done on
the lock was to take it out and clean it and re-oil it after every ten
year mark.

The most important thing with any lock is the installation. I get
good service out of the stainless steel generic brands ("Defender",
"Titan" and such) for sheds, landlord repairs, etc., because I take
the time to adjust the lock to work properly.

A lock is working properly when you can close the door easily with one
finger and all you get is a "click". The deadbolt works correctly if
you turn the key and can barely feel the plunger assembly move.

The best additional security I do for my clients is to change out the
screws in the jamb side of the mortise. Instead of using the 5/8"
supplied screws, I get 2 1/2" screws in cadmium to install the strike
plates for both locksets and deadbolts. It takes an incredible amount
of energy to get those out of the jamb with brute force.

Good luck!

Robert