(Part 2) Best door levers according to redditors

Flooring

• KM Cape Doctor Maple 12mm Laminate (discontinued)
  
  
  Closet
  
  
• [Ikea Expedit (discontinued) - replaced with Kallax]
  (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40275813/#/20275814)
  
  
• [1" 6061 aluminum rods, unpolished, extruded]
  (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H9JFR8/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• [1" aluminum shaft collars]
  (http://www.mcmaster.com/#9946k24/=rjcdgv)
  
  
  Door
  
  
• [30x80" Oak Solid Core Door Slab]
  (http://www.menards.com/main/doors-windows/mastercraft-slab-doors/mastercraft-30-x-80-x-1-3-4-oak-solid-core-door-slab/p-1657282-c-12245.htm)
  
  
• [Door Hinges]
  (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-4-1-2-in-Satin-Chrome-Commercial-Grade-Door-Hinge-20442/204760762)
  
  
• [Schlage Latitude Privacy Door Lever]
  (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046ZRI7S/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
  Paint
  
  
• KILZ 2 Primer
  
  
• Behr Premium Ultra Pure White
  
  
  Lighting
  
  
• [TL90 Ceiling Flush Mount - Small]
  (http://www.1stoplighting.com/lighting/18-462-634-0-398776/Tech-Lighting_TL-90---Two-Light-Square-Small-Flush-Mount-700FM90S.htm)
  
  
• [TL90 - Large]
  (http://www.1stoplighting.com/lighting/18-462-634-0-308557/Tech-Lighting_TL-90---Two-Light-Square-Large-Flush-Mount-700FM90L.htm)
  
  
• [2GX7 4100k Bulbs]
  (http://www.1000bulbs.com/product/2798/FC13-2GX741OD.html)
  
  
• [G9 Halogen Bulbs]
  (http://www.1000bulbs.com/product/5113/Q-JCD40120G9.html)
  
  
• [Screwless Wall Plates (these are okay, a bit too retro for my liking but not bad enough for me to return)]
  (http://www.menards.com/main/electrical/wall-plates/rocker-gfci/1-gang-screwless-wall-plate/p-1403968-c-6479.htm)
  
  
  Desk
  
  
• [Linnmon High Gloss White 59x29 1/2" Table Top]
  (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10251352/#/20251356)
  
  
• [Olov Table Legs (I do not recommend these, there's a rattle from the internal tensioning rods)]
  (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10264302/)
  
  
  Hammock
  
  
• [Koch Forged Eye Screw - Small]
  (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002T44T7A/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• [Eye Screw - Large]
  (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002T44T8O/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• [Trek Light Double Hammock]
  (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00857I7KK/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• [Trek Light Gear Go Anywhere Rope Kit]
  (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VDZE2U/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• [Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Carabiner]
  (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LGJFYK/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i03?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
  Total cost was USD 2197.67.

We have something similar to this and we can program a temporary code in, give out the code and change it later, or simply text it to someone in an emergency.

I really was surprised how much ditching a door key improved our house; getting in carrying packages is 10 times easier, you never forget your house keys, and you never lock yourself out.

I really recommend a keypad lock for your entry door. Get one; you'll thank me later.

The Schlage door handle meant for this lock is one with the push button. I have an old pushbutton exterior door handle and have friends/roommates that hate it, so I knew I didn't want that. Inevitably, someone bangs up their knuckles when trying to push the button down and open the door.

Instead, I ended up going with a Schlage Accent Passage lever in the matching Satin Nickle although it's meant for a hall/closet door. Reviewers on Amazon say they've been using it as an exterior door handle just fine with an electronic deadbolt. Schlage F10VACC619 Accent Passage Lever, Satin Nickel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007PNP2I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RZlsybF7F2T5Q

https://smile.amazon.com/Schlage-F40VACC716-Accent-Privacy-Bronze/dp/B000JJLDE4?sa-no-redirect=1

​

That listing will help to indicate the difference between a "Passage" Handleset and a "Privacy" handleset.

​

The Passage does not lock at all. Simply latches so that a door will remain closed if it's closed, for pure convenience of not having the door swinging etc. Think a globally accessible door like a pantry closet, or something.

​

The "Privacy" locks, but can be opened by simply pushing something into the little hole. There are other styles of privacy handlesets that are even easier to open, like ones which just require pushing and turning of any flat object (a coin, for example), or a key of any cut.

​

"Entry" handlesets are the traditional keyed locks which can not be opened from the "outside" without a key which is cut to match the lock cylinder.

I have a Kwikset SmartKey lock on my closet that I've been testing for a couple years. Rekeying is incredibly easy, though master keying isn't possible. It's also nice because the sidebar system allows a [much less obtrusive locking lever] (http://www.amazon.com/Kwikset-740LL-SMT-CP-Featuring/dp/B00115WLZU/) that still matches all the passage function and privacy function levers in my house. The old pin tumbler based locks just look ugly and incongruous.

This, however, is the only positive thing I can say about those locks. Everything else is awful. These locks fail so often that Kwikset has a deal with Home Depot where customers can exchange broken Smart Key locks for new Smart Key locks essentially forever. Some people like the idea of a lifetime warranty. I prefer locks that don't break.

There is a different kind of safety lock that takes up absolutely no room. Both chain locks and door latch type of lock (that are in hotels nowadays) can easily be thwarted. They are essentially privacy locks. I haven't seen this kind be opened yet (though I'm sure there is some way). https://www.amazon.com/Defender-Security-11126-Door-Reinforcement/dp/B00QR2QCJI You should be able to find it on your amazon. There's even a little video showing how it opens and closes.

And yeah, locks are ridiculously pricey. They do sell non-smart locks with a keypad that allows you to change the code. https://www.amazon.com/Schlage-FE595VCAM619ACC-Camelot-Keypad-Flex-Lock/dp/B001GPL5WU Again, this is not a smart lock, it can't do anything wirelessly, you can't unlock it from your phone, etc. It has "auto lock"and "flex lock" you can choose. Buy an auto lock and the door is always locked so you leave the house and the door locks. Buy a flex lock and you can turn it so that it's a regular door knob, when you leave the house it's not locked (great for when you have visitors over or if the person buying has kids going in and out of the house). But this might be a good option for you, the keypad that can change at your whim without the price of a smart lock.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FWQY6Y/

Plenty of smart handles available.
.

> No current smart-hub in the home

That said, if you want to get into Home Automation, you need to remedy this. Get a cheap VeraLite, or SmartThings or something.

We used these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003R7YQQ2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_C3SDDb3YXJNPE

They were cheap, solid, and worked well.

Thanks for the input. I just got the place about two months ago, and I've really only gotten a chance to do the flooring and slap a coat of paint on. I'd say the overall feel is very standard. There aren't very many flourishes, but I'm trying to slowly but surely upgrade some pieces. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's hard to base the knobs on the personality of the place because it doesn't have much yet.

Can you think of any better suggestions around $30 a piece or less? I do like the style of these but I need six of them and I find $260 for doorknobs a little hard to stomach.

I am personally going with the "dumb" solution of buying this Schlage
keyless entry lock to solve my issue with delivery drivers. I haven't done enough research to see if I can have it be opened by the buzzer in our units but I might be ok with losing that funcitonality.

It seems that you have a deadbolt + regular front door lock in your apartment building. I think your best bet is to remove the deadbolt and install what I will.

I'll do more research about the compatibility of the lock and buzzer functionality and get back to you.