Your home says a lot about who you are as a person. Based on the décor and colors it showcases, it can come off as welcoming, playful, elegant, or something else. However, more than making sure it looks visually appealing, having a home also means taking security and safety seriously. The best way to go about this is to invest in the best single cylinder deadbolt.
What is it, and how can it protect your home?
A single-cylinder deadbolt is a type of door lock that features a key slot on one side and a thumb-turn mechanism on the other. With this installed, you’d only need to turn the lever from the inside to get out but use the key to enter. This design makes for an easy-to-use, functional, and cost-efficient door lock.
Quick Comparison
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List of the Best Single Cylinder Deadbolts in 2022
Because of how convenient it is, the market offers a vast selection of single-cylinder deadbolts that you can choose from.
To help you out, we picked out the top eight among the best options and them below. Each one comes from a company that is well-loved across different countries, so you can be sure you won’t be wasting your hard-earned money.
1. Schlage Single-Cylinder Deadbolt With Camelot Trim
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Starting off this list is a single-cylinder deadbolt from a trusted brand. You can find Schlage locks all over the globe, providing security to both residential and commercial properties.
Schlage is among the few companies that boast 100 years of experience in manufacturing locks. They pride themselves in the level of protection that their products offer, as well as the aesthetic value that they add to homes.
Product Highlights
- Clean and Sophisticated Finish
Want to add a touch of class to the overall look of your door? This single-cylinder deadbolt features a Camelot trim in aged bronze finish. It would look stunning on both modern and traditional homes.
- Snap & Stay Design
Installing this single-cylinder deadbolt is easy, thanks to its Snap & Stay design. This feature ensures that the deadbolt doesn’t move or slide off as you tighten the screws.
In addition to this, the included strike plate is also extra-durable, and the screws are longer than usual to guarantee strength.
- Wide Compatibility
Regardless if you’re installing this deadbolt to a new door or you’re just replacing an old one, there’s a big chance that you won’t need to drill new holes. At its size, it would be compatible with standard doors that are already pre-dilled.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Both the lock and the finish is protected by a limited lifetime warranty. This just goes to show how confident Schlage is with the quality of their product.
Pros:
- Quick and easy installation
- Visually appealing
- Also available in other finishes
- Easy to re-key
Cons:
- The trim wears off easily
2. Kwikset 991 Juno Entry Knob and Single-Cylinder Deadbolt Combo
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Aside from being one of the market leaders in the lock manufacturing industry, Kwikset is also known for its innovative products. From digital keyless locks to regular ones, you’ve got a long list of options when you look at Kwikset’s products.
Still, when the situation calls for simplicity, they also know how to deliver. Such is the case with the Kwikset 991 Juno.
Product Highlights
- Entry Knob and Deadbolt Set
If you buy this Kwikset Combo, you get a set of entry knob and single-cylinder deadbolt for the price of one. Now, no one can deny that that’s a good deal, right? Despite being budget-friendly, though, you can rest assured that you are getting a high-quality product that works just as well as other options.
- SmartKey Re-Key Technology
For protection against picking, bumps, kicks, saws, and drilling, this deadbolt has been equipped with the SmartKey technology. This ensures that your door would not be an easy pick for burglars.
Moreover, this same feature also allows you to re-key your deadbolt in only three steps. This eliminates the need to call and hire a professional locksmith in case you get locked out of your home.
- Universal Handing
To show that they care for their consumers, Kwikset designed this entry knob and deadbolt combo to be compatible with both left- and right-handed doors.
- Adjustable Latch
Another feature that many are grateful for is the adjustable latch. With this, you can be sure that this combo would fit any kind of standard door preparation.
- Different Finishes
While the one we featured boasts a Venetian bronze finish, this single-cylinder deadbolt and entry knob combo is also available in antique brass, satin nickel, and polished brass.
Pros:
- Stylish and functional at the same time
- Survives the elements
- Offers two locking options (deadbolt and knob)
- Easy installation instructions
Cons:
- Larger than standard frame plate sizes
- Wiggles a little
3. Berlin Modisch Single-Cylinder Deadbolt
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Most deadbolt options you will find almost look the same. If you want something that would make yours stand out, then this single-cylinder deadbolt from Berlin Modisch would be an excellent choice.
Product Highlights
- Minimalist Style
Want to stay true to the modern contemporary look of your home? Well, we’re confident that you’d find this single-cylinder deadbolt from Berlin Modisch a great catch.
Unlike most other options, this one features a square profile. Add that to the iron-black finish, and you’d get a deadbolt that would be the envy of many. This is also available in a brushed nickel finish, which is equally as good-looking.
- Heavy-Duty Yet Simple Construction
This deadbolt is designed to offer high-grade security to both commercial and residential properties. It is composed of a keyed entry installed on the exterior part of the door and a thumb-turn latch inside.
- Wide Compatibility
As long as your door fits a stand door preparation, this deadbolt would be very easy to install. The adjustable backset latch accommodates doors that are anywhere from one and 3/8 inches to two and ¾ inches.
Pros:
- Perfect for modern homes
- Powder-coated for added protection
- Looks and works great
- Only takes minutes to install
Cons:
- Only two options for finish
- Shows scratches easily
4. Baldwin Prestige 380 Single-Cylinder Deadbolt
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Baldwin Hardware has been in the business of manufacturing locks since 1946. Looking at their long list of products, it is easy to see why they have been loved by millions for many years.
Product Highlights
- Stylish and Efficient
When it comes to home security, it’s not enough that the lock looks good; it also needs to be durable enough to offer superior security. This is what you would get from the Baldwin Prestige 380.
It is designed to be used for exterior doors, so you know that it can withstand the changing weather outside.
- SmartKey Security
There are many possible instances where you’d end up locking yourself out of your own home. Thankfully, you won’t need to have the town’s locksmith on speed dial because you can just as easily re-key this deadbolt in three easy-to-follow steps.
- Lifetime Warranty
Both the locking mechanism and the finish are covered in the lifetime warranty. This means you can rest assured that purchasing this deadbolt is a wise choice.
- Wide Compatibility
This deadbolt is designed to match all standard door preparations measuring between one and 3/8 inches and two and ¾ inches. You also have different stunning finishes to choose from, including lifetime polished brass, satin nickel, and Venetian bronze.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Protected against sawing, drilling, picking, and bumps
- Easy to install and re-key
- ANSI grade 2 security rating
- Comes with an adjustable latch
Cons:
- Uses Kwikset keyway instead of Schlage
5. Probrico Keyed Alike Single-Cylinder Deadbolt
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You can only ever sleep soundly when you know your safe inside your home. To ensure this, you’d want to invest in a quality deadbolt. In our search, we came across Probrico, a humble brand that offers quality locks at reasonable prices.
Product Highlights
- Great Deal
Got a couple of exterior doors you want to secure? You’d find a great deal in the Probrico Keyed Alike Single-Cylinder Deadbolt.
You can buy it in a pack of one, two, three, five, six, or 10! It is sold either in a nickel or bronze finish, giving you the option to choose which style works with your existing door hardware.
- Long-Lasting Construction
This deadbolt is constructed using zinc alloy, so you can rest assured that it is made to last for years. This also means that it doesn’t get dirty as quickly as its counterparts, so your door remains neat and tidy.
Moreover, because it meets ANSI Grade 3 standards, you know for a fact that it is durable. This is why it is recommended for use on exterior doors.
- Universal Latch
If you’re worried that it won’t fit your door, you can stop now. This deadbolt features an adjustable latch, so it would be able to accommodate doors of varying standard sizes.
- Lifetime Warranty
Aside from being budget-friendly, you’d be glad to know that your purchase is also protected by a lifetime warranty. In fact, all Probrico products come with a 30-day money-back guarantee should you experience any issue with them.
Pros:
- Good choice for residential properties
- Installs in minutes using only a screwdriver
- Locks and unlocks smoothly
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Not as high-quality as Schlage locks but works
6. Master Lock DSO0605 Single-Cylinder Deadbolt
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When a company says that they’ve been doing something for almost a century, you can trust that you’d be getting a premium-quality product. This is precisely the peace of mind that the Master Lock Single-Cylinder Deadbolt offers.
Product Highlights
- SilvaBond Anti-Microbial Finish
Because of the level of security that it offers, you can use this deadbolt both for interior and exterior doors. What’s even better is that it is coated with an anti-microbial finish that controls bacteria, mildew, and mold buildup.
- User-Friendly Design
Like all single-cylinder deadbolts, this one from Master Lock provides simplicity at its finest. To use it, you only need to insert the key to enter and turn the thumb-turn lock if you wish to go out—quick, easy, and convenient.
This is available in a variety of finishes, including antique brass, aged bronze, bright brass, polished brass, satin chrome, and satin nickel.
- Flexible Installation
To accommodate all standard door sizes, this single-cylinder deadbolt comes with an adjustable latch. This eliminates the worry that it won’t fit your door, and your purchase will only go to waste.
- Guaranteed Security
Judging by the brand’s name, you can be sure that you would get a lock that offers the highest security. This has been granted an ANSI Grade 3 certification, making it an excellent choice for exterior doors.
Pros:
- Long-lasting finish
- Resists mildew, mold, and bacteria
- Four-way adjustable design
- Good customer support
- Uncomplicated installation
Cons:
- Small strike plate
- Screws are not long enough
7. Kwikset 99910-060 Halifax Keyed Entry Lever and Downtown Single-Cylinder Deadbolt Combo
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With 70 years of experience in the industry, Kwikset guarantees that when you buy their locks, you will get one that is built to last. Their long list of innovative lock solutions is well-loved by families all over the world.
Product Highlights
- Complete Lever and Deadbolt Set
As you may have guessed from the product name, this is a complete combo composed of an entry lever and a deadbolt.
The Halifax keyed entry lever features a unique square rosette paired with an equally fantastic handle. The Downtown deadbolt, like the lever, also features a square design. With this, you can show your personal style even before guests enter your door.
- ANSI Grade 1 Deadbolt, Grade 2 Lever
If you think it looks great, wait until you learn about how durable it is. Perhaps the highest selling point of this lever and deadbolt set is the fact that it has an ANSI Grade 1 certification. This means that after a number of tests, this deadbolt has been proven that it will last for years to come.
- SmartKey Re-Key Technology
Getting a professional locksmith’s help isn’t always the best solution, especially since you’d be surprised at how much some of them charge. Thankfully, this deadbolt set already comes with SmartKey Re-Key Technology. This allows you to re-key the deadbolt yourself in just a few minutes.
Pros:
- Slimmer than most deadbolts on the market
- Unique appearance
- Available in satin nickel or Venetian bronze finish
- Fits contemporary homes
Cons:
- Unclear installation instructions
- Not as strong as other high-end options
8. Taftek AMD101 Single-Cylinder Deadbolt
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Using only the finest materials, Taftek is proud of manufacturing locks that meet and exceed the industry’s highest standards. From the solid brass cylinder to the stylish rosettes, Taftek locks are indeed great buys.
Product Highlights
- ANSI Grade 3 Security
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced deadbolt that still does the job well, this Taftek deadbolt is worth considering.
This deadbolt boasts an ANSI Grade 3 certification, which is just enough for residential use. It is also bump-resistant, making it even harder for intruders to force their way open.
- Traditional Design
This Taftek deadbolt is all about functionality. When it comes to appearance, there’s not much that it differs from other deadbolts on the market. Still, you can rest assured that it would add a layer of protection to your home.
- Adjustable Latch
For this deadbolt to be used with most doors, it has been designed to fit standard door sizes that are anywhere from 35 mm to 45 mm thick. The adjustable latch measures 60 mm or 70 mm.
- Good Warranty Coverage
With Taftek, every customer’s satisfaction is important. For this reason, this deadbolt comes with a limited lifetime warranty on its mechanical parts, as well as a five-year warranty on the finish.
Pros:
- Has an anti-bump feature
- Installs in minutes
- Recommended for exterior use
- Designed for left- and right-handed doors
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Flimsy keys
- Cannot be re-keyed
Buyer’s Guide
If you’re going to bet your safety on a single-cylinder deadbolt, you might as well learn how to choose the best of the best. There are not a lot of factors to consider, so it would be easy for you to decide which one to choose.
Security Level
Before anything else, you’d want to check out the security level that the single-cylinder deadbolt offers. When it comes to locks, the ANSI (American Nation Standards Institute) grading system is used, developed by BHMA (Builder’s Hardware Manufacturers Association).
- Grade 1
Guaranteed tough and secure, Grade 1 deadbolts are recommended for commercial use. These passed up to one million cycles of opening and closing. What’s more, they can survive up to 10 75-pound strikes.
- Grade 2
This is the mid-range option, which means it comes at a mid-range price. Deadbolts at this category are those used in residential properties. Unlike Grade 1 locks, it can only last up to 800,000 cycles. This is also likely to break after just five 75-pound strikes.
- Grade 3
Finally, there are Grade 3 deadbolts. These are recommended only as a secondary measure, one you use as an additional lock for your door. It breaks down just after two 75-pound strikes.
Finish
After deciding on the security level, you also want to check the finish. This would depend on your personal preferences and the style that you’re going for.
Ease of Installation
Next is how easy it is to install. Most single-cylinder deadbolts are easy to install that you won’t need to call for professional help. Still, check with the manufacturer if the product they’re offering comes with an easy-to-follow instruction manual.
Warranty Coverage
Lastly, to protect your purchase, you would want to choose a deadbolt that comes with excellent warranty coverage. Make sure that it includes both the locking mechanism and the finish.
A good warranty coverage also shows that the manufacturer is confident about the overall quality of their product.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is better: single-cylinder deadbolt or double-cylinder deadbolt?
In truth, both of these offer a good level of security. However, you have to check with your area if they allow double-cylinder deadbolts for residential use. Some states see this as illegal due to safety reasons during emergencies.
Also, single-cylinder deadbolts are less expensive and easier to install, so take that into consideration, as well.
2. Do deadbolts prevent break-ins?
Deadbolts add a level of security to any property, especially compared to those with only regular locks. Burglars will get discouraged when they see that a door is protected by a deadbolt.
3. Can you kick in a deadbolt?
Yes, but it would be a serious challenge to do so. It won’t just take one kick, too. How hard it is to kick in a door also depends on the ANSI grade of the deadbolt used.
Conclusion
When it’s you and your family’s safety at risk, you would want to do everything in your power to make sure that you keep them safe. Thankfully, there are hundreds of options on the market that finding the best single cylinder deadbolt would only take a few minutes.
What’s more, with the buyer’s guide we’ve prepared, we’re sure that you now know which of the deadbolts we listed is the match for you.
