What have people found are the best locks for longevity for an exterior door. I have one that I iput on about 10 years ago. I don't remember if it was Schlage or Kwikset, but it is not holding up as I would have expected it to. It keeps falling off. Myy guess is that with heavy usage, the screws are loosening up, but why would they be doing that? Any feedback appreciated.

That can happen on any lock no matter the brand. It can be caused by any number of things from the screws not tightened initially allowing some movement to a slight give in a a wood door. Over time those micro movements cause the screws to work themselves out. Simply put a drop of threadlocker (I recommend Loctite purple) on the threads before you screw them in and make sure the handles are solid against the door with no movement when you finish.

Thank you Plenty and Mike for the information.

Thank you Plenty and Mike for the information.

Marcia,

I use LandlordLocks.com iCore deadbolts in brushed aluminum. No rust or corrosion. Supr easy to swap out the cylinder with only a control key between residents.

Order the TRAP screws with a special security tip tool so the residents cannto remove your locks.

We give the threads a small crimp / damage with the teeth of pliers to make the threads "hard runners".

We use a non-locking brushed alum non=locking knob off the shelf at Lowes. Crimp the threads on the screws.

Locks should be extra sturdy because they get lots of use.

Marcia, The thread locker isn't permanent. There are different strengths which are typically shown by colors.

I have never used the purple but I have used blue and red. You can still break the screws free it just takes more pressure to do so.

I use KwikSet on all my units and Schlage at home. LanlordLocks are a great way to go if you can afford the initial investment. Quicker swap outs at turnover and they are a commercial grade lock which will stand up to more abuse.

Zero: What are specialty head screws? HOw will a specialty head screw change things? Will that prevent the screws from "wiggling out?" Also, what is cross threading or "crimping the threads?" Just trying to learn. Thanks

Zero: What are specialty head screws? HOw will a specialty head screw change things? Will that prevent the screws from "wiggling out?" Also, what is cross threading or "crimping the threads?" Just trying to learn. Thanks

Marcia,

The specialty heads on screws are to keep people from taking the locksets off easily. They are simply screws that instead of say a phillips head will have a special head where you must get a specific driver for them. Look at the dividers in most public restrooms. They have what are called one way screws/bolts holding them together. The driver allows the screw to be put in but the way the head is configured you can not use a simple screwdriver to take it apart.

With everything able to be delivered in a day on Amazon the specialty screws just keep the lazy people at bay. One more step for them to take. For me, if I notice a lock has been changed out it is a violation of the lease and I start eviction proceedings. There have been very few people that had valid excuses for changing the locks without my knowing and giving my blessing.

Cross threading a screw happens when the threads are dinged up a little and you have to force the screw into the receiver. Sometimes simply trying to put a screw in at a very odd angle can cause this. When it happens it makes it more difficult to remove the screw, because the threads are binding. I can see this working with lockset screws but personally I would never do it. When you mess up the threads you must add torque (pressure) to the screw to get it to seat properly. When that happens the small head could, in theory, snap off or the driver could slip and ruin the head itself.

Again, my opinion is to use thread locker instead to help prevent the screws from backing out thru heavy use.

That's one thing to check during a routine maintenance visit.

Sometimes they wiggle loose through nobody's fault.