Best Lock Options for Securing Wrought Iron Exterior Doors

Choosing the Right Locks for Wrought Iron Doors

Wrought iron doors add beauty and security to any home. However, you need the right locks to keep your wrought iron doors securely closed against intruders. When choosing locks for wrought iron doors, you need to consider the style and functionality you want as well as finding locks durable enough to withstand weather and attempts at forced entry.

Styles of Locks for Wrought Iron Doors

There are many lock styles suitable for securing wrought iron doors. Popular options include:

• Deadbolts
• Knob locks
• Handlesets with integrated locking mechanisms
• Touchscreen and smart locks
• Chain locks
• Slide bolts

Deadbolts and knob locks are traditional locking mechanisms that use a key. Handleset locks have the locking mechanism built into the handle assembly. Touchscreen and smart locks provide keyless convenience. Chain locks and slide bolt locks add secondary security.

Factors to Consider for Wrought Iron Door Locks

Here are key factors to consider when selecting locks for wrought iron doors:

• Security level - More security features like deadbolts withstand forced entry better than simple spring latches. Look for locks hardened against drilling, picking, prying, hammering, and pulling.
• Placement - Place locks at least 36 inches from adjacent windows or other doors. Using multiple locks boosts security.
• Installation method - Choose locks designed for your door’s thickness and installation method whether mortised, surface mounted, or bored.
• Material - Look for locks made from brass, zinc alloy, or stainless steel to resist rusting.
• Weather resistance - Check product specs for operating temperature range and weatherproofing features like rain guards.
• Handing - Ensure you get the proper “handing” or side of the door the lock is made for.
• Easy operation - Test locks to make sure they easily lock and unlock by key from both sides or via interior thumbturns.
• ADA compliance - If needed, select locks meeting ADA standards for disabled accessibility with levers and other eased-use features.

Reviews of Best Locks for Wrought Iron Doors

These highest-rated lock options provide exceptional security for wrought iron doors exposed to weather and the threat of break-ins.

Schlage Camelot Satin Nickel Deadbolt

The Schlage Camelot deadbolt lock rates best for wrought iron doors needing a heavy-duty lock. Key features include:

• Solid brass and zinc cylinder resists corrosion and forced entry
• Reinforced housing protects inner workings from attack
• Pick- and drill-resistant pins thwart picking attempts
• 1-inch throw steel deadbolt
• Keyed on both sides
• Lifetime mechanical and finish warranty

This rugged lock carries a 4.8-star average rating from hundreds of satisfied homeowners using it to secure exterior iron doors.

Defiant Hartford Satin Nickel Handleset

For a lockset integrated into a grip-style handle, the Defiant Hartford is the top choice with features such as:

• Solid steel levers with steel insert lock body
• Bolt extends 1 inch to resist slamming and spreading
• Reinforced with steel for proven Defiant strength
• Keyed entry lock with separate deadbolt
• Interior button and turnpiece for keyless locking
• Registrar keyway for rekeying flexibility

This rugged handleset comes in several finishes to match your wrought iron doors and carries a 4.7-star rating.

Gatemate Slide Bolt Lock

For a secondary lock on wrought iron exterior doors or gates, choose the Gatemate slide bolt. Features satisfying buyers include:

• Hardened steel bolt with 1.25-inch throw
• Corrosion-resistant zinc alloy lock body
• Non-rattle slide bolt design
• Countersunk screw holes for clean look
• Easy installation with template and screws
• Works on doors, fences, sheds, and other applications

Happy customers give this rugged slide bolt lock 4.6 stars for giving wrought iron doors and gates extra holding power.

Installing Locks Properly on Wrought Iron Doors

Installing suitable locks is critical to ensure wrought iron doors keep intruders out. Here are key steps for proper lock installation:

1. Choose solid mounting locations on doors without weak or rotten sections.
2. Pay attention to handing and mark accurately for drilling and chiseling out recesses.
3. Make cutouts using sharp drill bits and chisels to prevent cracking or enlarging holes.
4. Clean out recesses thoroughly before mounting locks.
5. Use manufacturers’ templates and hardware provided to install locks straight and properly.
6. Refer to manuals and consider hiring a locksmith if unsure how to install unusual lock types correctly.
7. Test locks to make sure they latch securely and keys work properly in the finished installation.

Installing locks on wrought iron doors presents challenges from working with the metal material to the importance of security. Taking time to install locks right, however, is essential to durable operation and break-in resistance.

Maintaining Locks on Wrought Iron Doors

It's also important to maintain locks properly on wrought iron doors installed outdoors. Recommended maintenance tips include:

• Lubricate lock interior mechanisms and bolts with powdered graphite or spray lubricants made specifically for locks.
• Spray exterior lock bodies with silicone lubricant to maintain weather seal and prevent freezing or corrosion.
• Clean exterior lock trim and hardware regularly using mild cleanser and nonabrasive cloths.
• Inspect locks occasionally for proper closure, latching, and cylinders rotating smoothly.
• Replace loose or damaged exterior trim components like plates and handles.
• Rekey locks whenever moving into a home or if keys become lost for security.

Properly maintaining locks installed on wrought iron doors ensures the highest security by keeping locking functionality smooth and unhindered.

Securing beautiful wrought iron doors requires suitable locks capable of withstanding forced entry and exposure to outdoor elements. Review lock styles, features, and top product choices while paying attention to professional recommendations for proper installation and maintenance. Strong locks give wrought iron doors lasting protection backed by the durability and strength of this classic metalwork material against would-be intruders.

FAQs

What kind of locks are most secure for wrought iron exterior doors?

Deadbolts and handlesets with built-in deadbolts provide the highest level of security for wrought iron exterior doors. These locks have hardened steel deadbolts that extend at least 1 inch to prevent prying open the doors. Lock bodies and bolt housings should also be reinforced metal to resist drilling and hammering.

What features should I look for when buying a deadbolt for my wrought iron front door?

Ideal deadbolts for wrought iron doors include reinforced bolt housings, drill- and pick-resistant cylinders with a guard, lock designs compliant with American National Standards Institute grade 2 security standards, corrosion-resistant finishes, and keyed functions on exterior and interior sides for convenience yet uncompromising lockout protection.

Are mortise locks better than bored cylindrical locks for wrought iron doors?

For maximum security, mortise locks are slightly better as more of the lock body and mechanism sits inside the door making it harder to attack or dislodge the lock. However, high-quality bored cylindrical locks with reinforced bolt housings install more easily, may allow more rekeying flexibility, and provide greater tamper resistance than older mortise locks designed for functionality over high security.

What maintenance should I do on locks for outdoor wrought iron doors?

It is important to lubricate lock mechanisms and deadbolts periodically using powdered graphite, maintain weather seals around exterior lock hardware, routinely clean dust and grime off visible lock parts, inspect for evidence of damage or wear that could compromise security, rekey locks when getting new keys made, and properly install and secure any exterior trim pieces that could loosen from wind and vibration.