Choosing the best new door handle and lock starts with matching the hardware to your door’s existing holes, thickness, and style. These five Kwikset options include full front-door handlesets and simpler keyed entry sets, with SmartKey re-keying on each model. The right pick depends on whether you want a decorative front-door grip, a compact knob or lever, or a coordinated deadbolt-and-entry set.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kwikset San Clemente Handleset | Handleset and deadbolt | SmartKey; adjustable latch | A coordinated front-door upgrade |
| Kwikset Tylo Deadbolt and Entry Lever Set | Deadbolt and keyed entry lever | SmartKey; Grade 3 BHMA certification | A practical, traditional entry setup |
| Kwikset Tylo Keyed Entry Knob | Keyed entry knob | SmartKey; Grade 3 BHMA certification | Replacing a single keyed knob |
| Kwikset Careus Handleset | Handleset and deadbolt | SmartKey; reversible interior lever | A front-door set with a different style |
| Kwikset Casey Deadbolt and Entry Lever Set | Deadbolt and keyed entry lever | SmartKey; matte black finish | A coordinated dark-finish entry set |
Our Picks: Best New Door Handle And Lock reviews
1. Kwikset San Clemente: A Full Handleset for a Front-Door Refresh
The San Clemente is a complete exterior handleset for a front door, pairing an outside grip and keyed deadbolt with an interior lever and locking turn piece. It offers a more substantial look than a basic knob or lever, so it makes sense when you want the handle and deadbolt to feel like one coordinated upgrade.
Its latch adjusts to either a 2-3/8-inch or 2-3/4-inch backset. The set is designed for a 1-3/4-inch-thick standard door and requires two bore holes, including a drilled hole for the lower connection point. Check your door before ordering; this is less flexible on door thickness than the two-piece Tylo and Casey sets.
SmartKey lets you re-key the lock yourself, which can be useful after a move or when you want to align keys. Installation is intended for DIY use with a screwdriver. The main trade-off is its specific door preparation and thickness requirements, so it is not the simplest choice for replacing a lone knob.
Pros:
- Includes an exterior grip, keyed deadbolt, and interior lever
- Adjustable latch fits two common backsets
- SmartKey supports user re-keying
- Designed for a coordinated front-door update
Cons:
- Requires two bore holes and a lower connection point
- Specified for 1-3/4-inch-thick doors
Verdict: Choose the San Clemente if you want a full front-door handleset and your door matches its preparation and thickness requirements.
2. Kwikset Tylo Deadbolt and Entry Lever: A Traditional Combo
This Tylo set combines a deadbolt with a keyed entry lever for a straightforward exterior-door setup. Its traditional styling suits homes where a simple, familiar design is a better fit than a long handleset. The satin nickel finish gives it a different look from the matte black Casey set.
The set fits doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, and its latch adjusts between 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets. The box includes adjustable latches with different face options, a SmartKey tool, keys, screws, and other installation hardware. The product is listed as Grade 3 BHMA certified for security, durability, and finish.
Like the other keyed sets here, SmartKey provides a way to re-key the lock without replacing the whole unit. One practical point: this is a deadbolt-plus-lever combination, not a decorative handleset with an exterior grip. It is a good fit if that simpler layout matches your door and preference.
Pros:
- Combines a deadbolt and keyed entry lever
- Fits a broad range of standard door thicknesses
- Adjustable latch accommodates two common backsets
- Grade 3 BHMA certified, according to the product description
Cons:
- Traditional lever style may not suit every entry
- Does not include the long exterior grip found on a handleset
Verdict: This is a practical choice if you want a traditional keyed lever and deadbolt in one set, with wider door-thickness compatibility than the handlesets.
3. Kwikset Tylo Keyed Knob: A Simple Replacement Option
The Tylo keyed entry knob is the most direct replacement among these picks. It includes an exterior key-operated knob, an interior locking knob, an adjustable latch, a strike plate, keys, and installation hardware. If your door already uses a standard keyed knob and you do not need a full handleset, this is the simplest style to consider.
It fits doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, with a latch that adjusts to either 2-3/8-inch or 2-3/4-inch backsets. The product description identifies it as Grade 3 BHMA certified and notes a Microban treatment on the hardware. SmartKey re-keying is another useful feature if you want to change the lock’s key match.
A knob may be less convenient to operate than a lever for people who prefer a push-down handle, and this set does not add a separate deadbolt. For an exterior door where you want both a deadbolt and keyed entry hardware, the Tylo combo set above provides both pieces.
Pros:
- Includes the parts for a keyed knob replacement
- Adjustable latch and broad standard door-thickness fit
- SmartKey supports re-keying
- Grade 3 BHMA certification and Microban treatment are listed
Cons:
- Does not include a separate deadbolt
- A knob may be less convenient than a lever for some users
Verdict: Pick this Tylo knob when you need a straightforward keyed entry replacement and do not need to add a deadbolt or change to a lever.
4. Kwikset Careus: A Reversible Handleset for a Front Entry
The Careus is another full front-door handleset, with an exterior keyed deadbolt, an interior turn piece, an outside grip, and an interior lever. Its reversible interior design is a useful distinction when you need to account for the handing of your door. It also gives you the more prominent entry-hardware look that a basic keyed knob cannot provide.
Like the San Clemente, this set is specified for a 1-3/4-inch-thick door with two bore holes and a lower connection point. The latch adjusts between 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets. SmartKey re-keying can help when you want to reset the key match, while the listed DIY installation uses a screwdriver.
The key consideration is fit: the product description does not list the broader door-thickness range found on the Tylo and Casey sets. Measure and inspect your existing door preparation before choosing it. If your door does not match the listed handleset setup, a separate knob or lever set may be a better route.
Pros:
- Includes a grip, keyed deadbolt, and interior lever
- Reversible interior design
- Adjustable latch for two common backsets
- SmartKey allows re-keying
Cons:
- Specified for 1-3/4-inch-thick doors
- Requires two bore holes and a lower connection point
Verdict: Consider the Careus if you want a complete front-door handleset with a reversible interior and your door matches the listed dimensions and hole layout.
5. Kwikset Casey: A Matte Black Deadbolt and Lever Set
The Casey pairs a deadbolt with a keyed entry lever and stands out for its matte black finish. It suits an entry where you want the deadbolt and lever to match, without using the long grip style of the San Clemente or Careus handlesets. The set is designed for homes, apartments, rentals, and other standard entry applications.
It fits doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, and the latch adjusts between 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets. SmartKey re-keying is included, and installation is described as a straightforward update for DIY projects. Compared with the Tylo combo, the Casey’s main differentiator is its matte black finish rather than a listed Grade 3 BHMA certification.
As with any finish choice, make sure the dark hardware works with the rest of your door and nearby fixtures. And if you want a decorative exterior grip, this lever-and-deadbolt combination will not provide one.
Pros:
- Coordinates a keyed lever with a deadbolt
- Matte black finish offers a distinct style option
- Fits a range of standard door thicknesses
- Adjustable latch and SmartKey re-keying
Cons:
- Does not include a long exterior handleset grip
- May not match homes with lighter or traditional hardware finishes
Verdict: Choose the Casey if you want a matte black deadbolt-and-lever set with SmartKey and your door falls within its stated fit range.
How to Choose a New Door Handle and Lock
Match the Hardware to Your Door Layout
First decide whether you need a full handleset, a deadbolt-and-lever combo, or a keyed knob. Handlesets include a prominent exterior grip and are designed for doors with two bore holes plus a lower connection point. A combo set pairs a deadbolt with a keyed lever, while a keyed knob is a simpler replacement when you want to keep your current layout. Check the door’s existing holes before ordering.
Check Door Thickness and Backset
Door thickness and backset affect whether the latch and lock will fit. The Tylo combo, Tylo knob, and Casey are listed for doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. The San Clemente and Careus are specified for 1-3/4-inch doors. All five product descriptions list an adjustable latch for 2-3/8-inch or 2-3/4-inch backsets. Measure your door and compare those dimensions with the product details.
Choose a Knob, Lever, or Handleset
A knob keeps a familiar, compact shape, while a lever can be easier for people who prefer not to twist a knob. A handleset creates a more noticeable front-door look and combines an exterior grip with interior hardware. Consider who uses the door most often and whether you want a simple replacement or a broader style update.
Consider Re-Keying and the Lock Setup
Each option lists Kwikset SmartKey technology, which allows you to re-key the lock yourself. That can be handy when changing keys after a move or rental turnover. Also consider whether you need a separate deadbolt: the Tylo knob is a keyed entry knob, while the Tylo combo, Casey, San Clemente, and Careus include a deadbolt as part of the set.
Compare Finish and Certification Details
Choose a finish that works with your door and nearby hardware. The Tylo combo is listed in satin nickel, and the Casey is matte black. The Tylo combo and Tylo knob descriptions specify Grade 3 BHMA certification; the supplied descriptions for the other models do not list that certification. Check the product details for the exact finish and included components before purchase.
Review Installation Requirements
All five products are presented as DIY-friendly, but handlesets have more specific door-preparation needs than a basic knob. The San Clemente and Careus require two bore holes and a lower connection point. The Tylo combo includes different latch face options and installation hardware. Read the instructions and confirm your door’s measurements before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a handleset and a deadbolt-and-lever set?
A handleset includes an exterior grip, a deadbolt, and interior hardware. A deadbolt-and-lever set pairs a deadbolt with a keyed entry lever instead of a long exterior grip. The best choice depends on your preferred look and the holes already in your door.
Which of these options includes only a keyed knob?
The Kwikset Tylo keyed entry knob is the single-knob option in this group. It includes an exterior keyed knob, an interior locking knob, and the listed latch and installation hardware, but it does not include a separate deadbolt.
How do I know whether the latch will fit my door?
Check the door’s backset, which is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole. These products list adjustable latches for either a 2-3/8-inch or 2-3/4-inch backset. Confirm your measurement against the product’s installation information.
Can I re-key these locks myself?
Each product description lists Kwikset SmartKey technology and describes it as a way to re-key the lock yourself. Follow the instructions and use the supplied SmartKey tool where included.
Which options include a deadbolt?
The San Clemente and Careus handlesets include a deadbolt, as do the Tylo combo and Casey sets. The Tylo keyed entry knob does not list a separate deadbolt.
Will these locks fit every standard door?
No. The listed door-thickness ranges differ. The Tylo combo, Tylo knob, and Casey fit doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, while the San Clemente and Careus are specified for 1-3/4-inch doors. Handlesets also require a particular hole layout. Confirm your door measurements before choosing.
Final Recommendation
For a complete front-door refresh, consider the San Clemente or Careus handleset after confirming your door has the required holes and thickness. If you want both a deadbolt and a keyed lever, the Tylo combo offers a traditional style and a listed Grade 3 BHMA certification. The Casey is the option to consider for a matte black finish, while the Tylo knob is the simplest pick for replacing a keyed knob without adding a deadbolt.
