Levers come in both left- and right-handed models. To determine the appropriate handing, look at the doors hinges from outside the door. If the hinges are on the left, youll need a left-handed lever. If the hinges are on the right, you need a right-handed lever.Can I install it myself?
Most door hardware, including keypads and deadbolts, installs in under an hour with only a Philips screwdriver. Most keypads are powered by batteries, so no wiring is required. Handlesets sometimes require a drill. If the door or doorframe is not predrilled, door hardware usually comes with a paper template to mark holes for drilling and sawing with common spade bits and hole saws. Specialized tool sets also are available for door-hardware installation.
If you want to use one key on multiple entry handles or deadbolts, you will need a locksmith to "re-key" all the locks to the same key. This should be done before installation and only will work if all the hardware comes from the same manufacturer.
What cool hardware features are available nowadays?
Keypad locks and deadbolts let you add and delete numerous user codes as needed, providing family members, neighbors, baby- or pet-sitters with easy-to-remember codes. Cool for parents and great for keeping kids out of cleaning closets and utility rooms, some keypads have auto-lock mechanisms that lock after a few seconds in case you forget.
Once used only for government applications (as depicted in high-tech spy movies), biometric keyless entry systems, which scan dozens of different fingerprints for easy access, also are growing in popularity.
