Choosing the best brass door handles and locks means balancing curb appeal with the right lock type and a fit that matches your door. These five Kwikset options include front-door handlesets, a deadbolt-and-entry-handle combo, and an inactive pull for a double door. One important note: the supplied product details do not confirm a brass finish for most of these models. Check the finish selected on the product page before ordering if brass is a must-have.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Details | Finish Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kwikset Montara Handleset | Front-door handleset with knob | Keyed deadbolt, SmartKey, two-bore-hole setup | Confirm brass finish on listing |
| Kwikset Balboa Inactive Lever | Double doors needing a pull | Non-turning; no latch or lock | Confirm brass finish on listing |
| Kwikset San Clemente Handleset | Front-door handleset with lever | Keyed deadbolt, SmartKey, two-bore-hole setup | Confirm brass finish on listing |
| Kwikset Tylo Deadbolt and Entry Lever | Entry-door lock combo | Keyed deadbolt, SmartKey, Grade 3 BHMA certification | Title says “Polished”; verify exact finish |
| Kwikset Dakota Handleset | Front-door handleset with knob | Keyed deadbolt, SmartKey, two-bore-hole setup | Confirm brass finish on listing |
Our Picks: Best Brass Door Handles And Locks reviews
1. Kwikset Montara Handleset: A Front-Door Set with an Interior Knob
The Montara is a full handleset for an exterior front door. It pairs an outside grip with a keyed deadbolt and an interior knob, so it gives you a coordinated handle-and-lock setup rather than a single replacement lever.
Kwikset’s SmartKey Security lets you re-key the lock yourself, and the latch adjusts between 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets. The set is specified for a 1-3/4-inch-thick door and requires two bore holes, including a hole for the lower handleset connection. Check your door preparation before buying, especially if you are replacing a one-hole entry set.
The Montara makes sense if you want a traditional grip outside and a knob inside. Its main limitation for a brass-focused project is that the supplied details do not identify the finish. Confirm that the selected product option is the brass tone you want before ordering. Compared with the San Clemente, the Montara uses an interior knob instead of a lever.
Pros:
- Includes an exterior grip, keyed deadbolt, and interior knob.
- SmartKey allows the owner to re-key the lock.
- Adjustable latch fits two common backsets.
- Designed for standard 1-3/4-inch-thick doors.
Cons:
- Requires two bore holes and a lower connection point.
- The supplied product details do not confirm a brass finish.
Verdict: Choose the Montara if you want a complete front-door handleset with an interior knob and your door already has the required two-hole preparation.
2. Kwikset Balboa Inactive Lever: A Pull for Double Doors
There is a significant mismatch between this product’s title and its supplied description. The title refers to an entry handle with a lock and key, but the description identifies it as an inactive dummy lever. That means it does not turn and has no latch or lock. Treat it as a pull handle, not as a security lock.
An inactive lever can suit the non-latching side of a pair of doors, such as French doors, when you need a matching handle to pull the door open. The supplied details say it is intended for an interior door without bore holes and specify a right-handed configuration. Check the listing carefully to confirm the exact item and handing before you order.
Because it provides no locking function, this is not a substitute for an exterior keyed entry set or deadbolt. Its role is more limited than the Montara, San Clemente, or Tylo. The product details also do not confirm a brass finish, so verify the selected finish as well.
Pros:
- Designed as a simple pull for an inactive side of a double door.
- Does not require bore holes, according to the supplied description.
- Traditional styling can pair with other door hardware.
Cons:
- Does not turn and has no latch or lock.
- The title conflicts with the description, so confirm the item details before buying.
Verdict: Consider the Balboa only when you need a non-locking pull for an inactive interior door; do not choose it for a secured entry.
3. Kwikset San Clemente Handleset: A Front-Door Set with an Interior Lever
The San Clemente is a front-door handleset with an exterior grip, keyed deadbolt, and interior lever. Like the Montara, it is designed for an entry door with two bore holes and a lower connection point, but it offers a lever indoors instead of a knob.
The deadbolt uses Kwikset SmartKey Security, which allows you to re-key it yourself. Its latch adjusts for either a 2-3/8-inch or 2-3/4-inch backset, and the set is specified for a 1-3/4-inch-thick door. Those fit details make it a practical option for a standard replacement, provided your door has the required holes.
The interior lever may be easier to operate when your hands are full than a round knob, while the outside grip gives the entry a more substantial handleset appearance. The product information does not specify the finish, however, so shoppers seeking brass should check the selected finish before placing an order. Compared with the Dakota, this set uses a lever on the inside rather than a knob.
Pros:
- Combines an exterior grip with a keyed deadbolt and interior lever.
- SmartKey supports owner-performed re-keying.
- Adjustable latch accommodates two common backsets.
- Clearly specified for a 1-3/4-inch-thick door.
Cons:
- Requires two bore holes and a lower handleset connection point.
- The supplied details do not confirm a brass finish.
Verdict: Pick the San Clemente if you want a complete front-door set with an interior lever and your door matches its two-hole layout.
4. Kwikset Tylo Deadbolt and Entry Lever: A Lock Combo for Exterior Doors
The Tylo combines a keyed deadbolt with a keyed entry lever. Unlike the Montara, San Clemente, and Dakota handlesets, it is described as a deadbolt-and-entry-handle combo rather than an exterior grip with a separate lower mounting point. That can make it a better match for a door prepared for a standard deadbolt and lever arrangement.
The latch adjusts to a 2-3/8-inch or 2-3/4-inch backset, and the set is specified for doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. It includes SmartKey Security for re-keying. The supplied description also states that the security, durability, and finish are Grade 3 BHMA certified.
The title describes the finish as “Polished,” but does not specify that it is polished brass. If you want brass, confirm the actual finish option in the listing rather than relying on the word “polished.” Compared with the other keyed choices here, the Tylo has the clearest stated door-thickness range and certification information.
Pros:
- Combines a keyed deadbolt and keyed entry lever.
- SmartKey allows re-keying without replacing the lock.
- Fits a stated door-thickness range of 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches.
- Product details specify Grade 3 BHMA certification.
Cons:
- The supplied title does not confirm that the polished finish is brass.
- It is a deadbolt-and-lever combo, not a long-grip handleset.
Verdict: The Tylo is the strongest fit if you want a keyed deadbolt and entry lever in one combo and can confirm that the available finish suits your brass hardware plan.
5. Kwikset Dakota Handleset: A Front-Door Set with an Interior Knob
The Dakota is another full front-door handleset, with an outside grip, keyed deadbolt, and Tylo interior knob. Its basic fit and function are similar to the Montara: both are specified for a 1-3/4-inch-thick door, include an adjustable latch, and require two bore holes plus a lower connection point.
SmartKey Security allows the lock to be re-keyed by the owner. The latch adjusts between 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets, which can help when replacing hardware on a standard door. Make sure the existing door preparation matches the handleset layout; the adjustable latch does not remove the need for the second bore hole.
The Dakota suits shoppers who prefer a knob inside and want the exterior grip style of a handleset. It is a close alternative to the Montara, so the best choice between them may come down to the design and the finish option available. The supplied details do not identify the finish, so verify that it is brass before ordering.
Pros:
- Includes an exterior grip, keyed deadbolt, and interior knob.
- SmartKey makes owner re-keying possible.
- Adjustable latch fits two common backsets.
- Designed for a 1-3/4-inch-thick door.
Cons:
- Requires two bore holes and a lower connection point.
- The product details provided do not confirm a brass finish.
Verdict: Choose the Dakota if you want a knob-style interior handleset and your door has the required preparation; confirm the finish first if brass is essential.
How to Choose Brass Door Handles and Locks
Confirm the Exact Finish
Brass can refer to several looks, including bright polished tones and softer, darker finishes. The product details supplied here do not confirm a brass finish for most models, and “Polished” alone does not identify the metal or color. Check the finish name and selected option on the product page, and compare it with nearby hinges, lighting, and other door hardware.
Choose the Right Hardware Type
A handleset typically pairs an outside grip with an interior knob or lever and a deadbolt. A deadbolt-and-entry-lever combo uses a more standard lever layout. An inactive dummy handle is only a pull and does not latch or lock. Decide which function your door needs before comparing appearance, and do not treat a non-locking pull as entry security.
Match the Door Preparation
Check how many bore holes your door has and where they are located. The Montara, San Clemente, and Dakota require two bore holes, including a lower connection point. The Tylo is described as a deadbolt-and-entry-lever combo. The Balboa description specifies an inactive interior door without bore holes. If the existing holes do not match, you may need a different lock style or additional door work.
Measure Door Thickness and Backset
Door thickness and backset affect whether the hardware will fit. The Tylo is specified for doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. The Montara, San Clemente, and Dakota are specified for 1-3/4-inch-thick doors. Their latches adjust between 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets. Measure your door rather than assuming every “standard” door has the same preparation.
Select an Interior Knob or Lever
A knob gives the inside a traditional look, while a lever can be simpler to operate when your hands are occupied. The Montara and Dakota include interior knobs, while the San Clemente and Tylo use levers. Check which style will feel comfortable and coordinate with the rest of your home’s hardware.
Consider Re-Keying and Security Details
The Montara, San Clemente, Dakota, and Tylo descriptions specify Kwikset SmartKey Security and owner re-keying. The Tylo description also identifies Grade 3 BHMA certification for security, durability, and finish. These details can help you compare the listed models, but they do not replace checking that the product is the correct lock type and fits your door.
Check the Listing Before Ordering
Product titles and descriptions can differ, as they do for the Balboa listing, whose title suggests a keyed entry handle while its description identifies a non-turning, non-locking dummy lever. Read the full listing, confirm the selected finish and handing, and make sure the product functions match your intended door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all five products confirmed to have a brass finish?
No. The supplied details do not confirm a brass finish for most of these products. The Tylo title says “Polished,” but does not specify polished brass. Check the finish option on the product page before buying.
Which options include a keyed deadbolt?
The Montara, San Clemente, Dakota, and Tylo descriptions include keyed deadbolts. The Balboa description identifies it as an inactive dummy lever with no latch or lock, despite the wording in its title.
What is the difference between the Montara and San Clemente?
Both are front-door handlesets with a keyed deadbolt, SmartKey, and a two-bore-hole installation layout. The Montara includes an interior knob, while the San Clemente includes an interior lever.
Can I use the Balboa as a front-door lock?
No, not based on the supplied description. It is described as non-turning and without a latch or lock, so it is intended as a pull for an inactive door rather than as an exterior security lock.
What should I measure before choosing a handleset?
Measure the door thickness, backset, and spacing and location of the existing bore holes. The handlesets here require different preparations, and an adjustable latch only addresses the backset, not the number or placement of holes.
Can the locks be re-keyed?
The supplied descriptions for the Montara, San Clemente, Dakota, and Tylo state that SmartKey Security allows owner re-keying. The Balboa description does not identify a lock to re-key.
Final Recommendation
For a complete front-door handleset with an interior knob, compare the Montara and Dakota; choose the San Clemente if you prefer an interior lever. The Tylo is the clearest option for a deadbolt-and-entry-lever combo, with Grade 3 BHMA certification stated in its description. The Balboa is only suitable as a non-locking pull for an inactive door. Because the supplied details do not confirm a brass finish for most of these picks, verify the exact finish and door fit before ordering.
