A handleset is the grip, thumb latch and deadbolt that sit on a front door, usually paired with an interior lever or knob. Most are sold for doors with two bore holes, and the finish, the inside handle and the door fit vary a lot from one listing to the next.
The six sets below cover brass, nickel, bronze and matte black finishes. Sizes, materials and fit details come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these products ourselves. Certifications and warranties mentioned are the makers’ own statements.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Door fit | Check door thickness and the 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset |
| Bore holes | Many sets need a second hole for the lower support; a drill may be needed |
| Interior handle | Lever or knob, and whether it reverses for left or right doors |
| Finish | Match the other hardware on the door and house |
| Keying | Some let you re-key the lock yourself; others use standard keys |
Specs at a Glance
| Handleset | Finish and material | Interior handle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kwikset Montara | Polished brass; metal | Juno knob | Doors 1-3/4 in thick; 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 in backset; projection 2.59 in |
| Kwikset San Clemente | Satin nickel; metal | Reversible lever | Doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in; adjustable latch; 5.7 x 8.1 in listed |
| Schlage Accent | Aged bronze; zinc | Accent lever | Universal latch; 2.63 x 5.5 in listed; 1 in deadbolt |
| Schlage Century | Matte black; zinc | Latitude lever | Works with right and left handed doors; 2.5 x 5.31 in listed |
| Estmoon | Matte black; zinc alloy | Interior knob | Doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in; reversible; 2 year warranty |
| Tinewa Camelot | Matte black; zinc | Lever | Doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in; both backsets; about 1.43 kg |
The 6 Best Entry Door Handlesets
1. Kwikset Montara Handleset With Deadbolt
A polished brass traditional handleset for doors with two bore holes. It comes with a keyed deadbolt, a grip, an interior knob and a locking turn piece. The latch adjusts to a 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset, and the maker offers a lifetime mechanical and finish warranty.
Suits: a classic brass look. Strengths: a re-keyable deadbolt and a screwdriver install. Weaknesses: the listing’s details say indoor use, which conflicts with its exterior door description. Skip it if you want a lever inside.
View Kwikset Montara Handleset with Deadbolt, Polished Brass on Amazon
2. Kwikset San Clemente Handleset With Deadbolt
A contemporary satin nickel set with a reversible interior lever, a keyed deadbolt and a latch that adjusts between 2-3/8 and 2-3/4 inch backsets. It fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. A drill may be needed if the door lacks the lower support hole.
Suits: a modern nickel finish. Strengths: a reversible lever and a wide door range. Weaknesses: may need a drill. Skip it if you prefer a brass or black finish.
View Kwikset San Clemente Handleset with Deadbolt, Satin Nickel on Amazon
3. Schlage Accent Lever Handleset
A traditional aged bronze handleset in zinc, listed at 2.63 by 5.5 inches, with an Accent lever. The listing mentions a 1 inch deadbolt, a universal latch for 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backsets and self-aligning screw holes. The maker states a BHMA Grade 1 certification.
Suits: a swap for an older bronze handle. Strengths: a universal latch and self-aligning holes. Weaknesses: the certification is the maker’s statement. Skip it if you want a black finish.
View Schlage Accent Lever Handleset, Aged Bronze on Amazon
4. Schlage Century Latitude Lever Handleset
A matte black zinc handleset with a Latitude lever, a rectangular shape and an adjustable mounting design. It works on right and left handed doors, and the listing shows 2.5 by 5.31 inches with a 4.5 inch depth. The maker lists a BHMA Grade 1 certification.
Suits: a clean modern black door. Strengths: works on both door hands. Weaknesses: the listing gives few fit details. Skip it if you want a rounded, traditional shape.
View Schlage Century Latitude Lever Handleset, Matte Black on Amazon
5. Estmoon Front Door Lock Set
A matte black zinc alloy set with a keyed single cylinder deadbolt and an interior knob, reversible for left or right doors. It fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick with an adjustable backset. The listing notes the latch plate is not removable, and the maker gives a 2 year warranty.
Suits: a black set from a smaller brand. Strengths: a reversible design and installation instructions. Weaknesses: a non-removable latch plate and a drill may be needed. Skip it if you want a long maker warranty.
View Estmoon Front Door Lock Set, Matte Black on Amazon
6. Tinewa Camelot Trim Handleset and Deadbolt
A matte black zinc handleset with an arched deadbolt, a lever and universal latches for 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backsets. Door thickness is 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches, and the set weighs about 1.43 kg. The title mentions an electronic keypad while the details list key and keypad lock types, so confirm what is in the box.
Suits: a black arched look. Strengths: a reversible lever and both backsets. Weaknesses: the listing is unclear about the keypad. Skip it if you want clear contents on the page.
View Tinewa Camelot Handleset and Deadbolt, Matte Black on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Measure door thickness, backset and bore holes before ordering.
- Have a drill ready in case the lower support hole is missing.
- Wipe finishes with a soft damp cloth and dry them.
- Keep spare keys somewhere other than the door.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the measurements and buying the wrong fit.
- Assuming every set includes both a handle and a deadbolt.
- Using abrasive cleaners on a coated finish.
- Reading maker claims as guarantees.
Entry Door Handleset FAQ
Do I need a drill?
Some listings say a drill is needed if the door lacks the lower support hole. Check the door first.
Will it fit a left hand door?
Several of these state they are reversible or work on both hands. Check the listing for your door.
The Short Version
For classic brass, the Kwikset Montara. For nickel with a lever, the Kwikset San Clemente. For aged bronze, the Schlage Accent. For modern black, the Schlage Century. For a black knob set, the Estmoon. For an arched black look, the Tinewa Camelot.