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Kwikset, Schlage, and Emtek Door and Security Hardware

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Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How many keys will I get with my order?

Due to security concerns, you will receive four (4) keys per set of locks keyed alike. Additional keys are available upon request up to two (2) keys per lock. Please note your request in the comment section at checkout.

If more than two (2) keys per lock are needed, Lockhouse.com will cut additional keys for $1.75 each. If you require additional keys, you can order them here. Orders for additional keys will only be fulfilled if you are ordering a lock(s) with the request.

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2.  How do I order my locks all keyed alike?

Easy, place your order normally and when you get to the Customer Information page go to the "Key Instructions" pull down menu and select "All Locks Keyed Alike." If you are ordering several keyed locksets and want some keyed alike and some keyed different, from the "Key Instructions" pull down menu select "See Comment" and enter your special instructions in the "Comments" box. For more information specific to brand of lock you are ordering see here.

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3.  How do I order locks keyed like my existing locks?

  1. Easy, if you ordered the lockset(s) you are trying to match from Lockhouse, we will have the key code in our records and can key any new orders to match. On the Customer Information order page go to "Key Instructions" pull down and select "See Comments" Enter the following statement in the Comments text box: "Please key locks same as my previous order number xxxxxx" replacing xxxxxx with your previous order number. For information more specific to brand of lock you are ordering see here.
     
  2. If you want to match a Emtek, Kwikset or Schlage lock you did not purchase from Lockhouse, place your order, and on the Customer Information page go to "Key Instructions" pull down and select "Key Locks Like My Existing Locks, I will Send Key."  For information more specific to brand of lock you are ordering see here.
     
  3. As soon as possible mail the key to:
    Lockhouse.com
    12816 S Memorial #121
    Bixby, OK 74008

    Envelopes with loose floating keys in them are subject to damage by the key. To prevent empty envelopes arriving at Lockhouse, we strongly suggest that you cut a piece of card stock to the size of your envelope, securely tape the key to the card stock and then place in the envelope with a brief note including your name, address and order number from the confirmation you receive by e-mail.

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4.  I live in the Bixby area, can I place an order and pick it up to save on shipping?

In order to ensure a timely shipping schedule for all orders, we do not offer warehouse pickup.

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5.  Is it worth fixing a lock if it's broken?

In most cases a broken lock mechanism cannot be repaired. For peace of mind, you should always replace your broken lock with a new one.

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6.  What do I need to know about replacing my current door lock?

For many do-it-yourselfers, replacing door hardware is easy. For those folks who don't have a carpenter's thumb, it can appear to be a confusing chore. But you'll be surprised at how easy replacing door hardware really is. Here's what you need to know before you start.

    1. You have to know hole sizes for your knob, lever, handleset or deadbolt, as well as the distance of the latch backset and the bolt hole diameter. Often, at an additional cost, you can give the dimensions of your locks to your door supplier, who can drill the holes for you.
       
      • Deadbolt hole: This is the hole drilled through the door face to accommodate the deadbolt. The two most common hole sizes in the United States are 1 1/2" and 2 1/8".
      • Knob, lever or handleset hole: This is the hole drilled through the door face to accommodate the knob, lever or handleset. The most common size for this hole in the United States is
        2 1/8". You should note that a handleset usually requires small pilot holes drilled into the door face. Pilot holes are used as guides for wood screws which attach the bottom of the handleset to the door.
      • Latch backset: This is the distance from the edge of the door to the middle of the lock. The two most common sizes in the United States are 2 3/8" and 2 3/4".
         
    2. Depending on their style, some levers come in both left-handed and right-handed configurations. The design necessary for your door is determined by the location of the door hinges. Stand outside the door. If the hinges are on the left side, you need a left-handed lever. If the hinges are on the right side, you need a right-handed lever.
    3. To keep the number of keys on your key chain to a minimum, you can have all the locks in your home matched to just one key. Simply bring the key from your existing locks to the store to have your new lock keyed. This will save you the time and cost of having your locks re-keyed or new keys cut.
    4. Instead of replacing just one lock, you can create a distinctive and unified design theme throughout your home by replacing all the door hardware.

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7.  How long will it take to install locks on my home?

    • Replacing locks: With the ease of using a Phillips screwdriver, you can replace your old locks in just 10 minutes each.
       
    • New locks: Adding locks to new doors is simple for the average do-it-yourselfer. You will need to drill holes in your door for the locks and backset latches before you install the locks. The entire process should take the average person 30 minutes.

If you are uncomfortable drilling your own lock holes, many vendors will pre-drill them for you. This may add to the cost of your new door, but it's a good way to ensure that the holes are drilled correctly.

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8.  Which door lock offers the best security for my home?

Security experts agree that a Grade 2 deadbolt with a 1" bolt and 3" reinforcing screws is the best lock choice for home security. Deadbolts should be installed on all entry doors—from front, rear and side entrances to all walk-in doors leading to your garage.

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9.  What's the difference between Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 door hardware?

The grade of locksets is based on a series of tests done by ANSI (American National Standards Institute). These tests determine the durability and level of security protection of the lock.

    • Grade 1 certification—a commercial quality lock designed for heavy use in commercial and public buildings.
    • Grade 2 certification—the best residential quality lock, designed and built to offer excellent security and durability for most residential applications and some light commercial applications. Grade 2 certification is highly recommended for acceptable home security.
    • Grade 3 certification—the minimal acceptable quality for residential door locks. Most locksmiths recommend Grade 2 certification for all residences.

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10.  What choices do I have when replacing my worn out door knobs?

Handlesets
Handlesets give an impressive appearance to your front entrance. They also come complete with a deadbolt for greater peace of mind. When you choose a handleset for your front entrance, you have two choices for the inside of your door: levers or knobs. You should think about replacing all the knobs or levers inside your home to match your selection.

Levers
Levers offer an elegant complement to handlesets. Levers can be used for your entrance doors as well as on interior doors. They create a stylish look throughout your home. They also offer easy access for small children and people with disabilities. No additional holes are required to replace a knob with a lever.

Knobs
If you prefer knobs, you can replace your old knobs with new ones very easily using a Phillips screwdriver. By replacing all the knobs in your home, you will maintain a consistent style.

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11.  Is a lifetime finish for my door hardware really worth it?

Over the years, exposure to the elements will not adversely affect the quality of security protection or the function of the lock, but a harsh environment may damage the finish. The harsher the environment, the more damaging the affect on the finish. Through extreme climate conditions, salt spray, harsh detergents, and wear, your lifetime finished hardware will continue to shine.

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12.  What's the benefit of double-cylinder deadbolts?

Many people think that double-cylinder deadbolts offer twice the security as single cylinder deadbolts.

The fact is that double-cylinder deadbolts are only necessary for specialized applications such as doors with glass on or near the deadbolt. Intruders can break the glass, reach in and release the thumb turn on single-cylinder deadbolts. Since double-cylinder deadbolts require a key to lock or unlock both the exterior and interior of the lock, ultimate security is enforced.

But be careful. Many communities prohibit the use of double-cylinder deadbolts because they may cause serious problems in an emergency where a quick exit is essential. If you do use double-cylinder deadbolts, make sure to keep a key nearby and ensure that everyone in your home knows its exact location.

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13.  Is Lockhouse.com affiliated with Kwikset Corporation?

No, Lockhouse is an independent factory direct distributor and retailer of Kwikset products. If you have questions that needs to be directed to Kwikset Corporation, contact information is provided here:
Kwikset Corporation

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14.  Is Lockhouse affiliated with Schlage Lock Company?

No, Lockhouse is an independent factory direct distributor and retailer of Schlage Security Products. If you have questions that needs to be directed to Schlage Lock Company, contact information is provided here: Schlage Lock Company

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15.  Is Lockhouse affiliated with Emtek Products Inc?

No, Lockhouse is an independent factory direct distributor and retailer of Emtek Products.

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16.  Why do you only ship UPS and not Priority Mail or Regular Mail?

In most cases UPS rates are close to priority mail rates with added features already incorporated into the price. These features such as tracking ability, automatic insurance, daily pickup from our facility, and accountability, allow us to ensure delivery to you in a timely manner.

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17.  Do you have a question that you didn't find here?

If the answer is yes, send your question via E-mail or call the Lockhouse Customer Service Department at 1 (877) 660-5625.

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