Cylindrical, or tubular chassis locksets, both lever and knob designs, are the most common type of lockset found in most home, as well as many business applications. It can be easily identified by the key cylinder placement-in the center of the knob or lever. The brand name is often located on the latch faceplate, on the edge of the door. Most tubular deadbolts use the same cutout (bore) as tubular locksets. Heavier grades of lever locksets usually require the drilling of two additional holes for lever support. Tubular locks are available in a wide range of prices and grades, from the low priced items found at home hardware centers to commercial/institutional grade locks sold by locksmiths and construction suppliers. Expect to spend $80 or more for a decent medium grade entry knob lock. Regardless of brand name, The $12-$25 lock at the home hardware isn't worthy. Your front door lock is not the place to 'cheap out'. Consider whether or not you are going to want keys that match with other locks you may have, or may purchase in the future. The better quality locks can be rekeyed to match, as long as the actual keyway is the same. The better quality locks are also compatible with high security cylinders and master keying systems. LockInfoNet recommendation for a quality mid grade entry set- SchlageŽ A53pd. Considered a light commercial lock as well, I have seen some of these locks keep functioning in fairly heavy wear situations long after any comparable lock would have died. They are readily rekeyable to other SchlageŽ locks, as well as many other brands that use the popular SC1 keyway. However, avoid the orbital (round like a ball) design, it has a plastic insert in it to extend the cylinder to fit in the larger knob. This does not hold up as well as the rest of the lock. Go with the common Plymouth (flattened round) design, no plastic piece in that one.

Lockset Functions

   Locksets are avalable in many different functions, and most people are not aware of the differences. Here is a quick description of the 5 most common functions you might find on a home or office and their names.

• Entry Function-Pushing and or turning button on inside knob or lever locks outside knob or lever. Key unlocks outside until button inside is unlocked. Inside knob or lever always unlocked. This is the most common type of locking handle on homes and apartments.
• Storeroom Function-Outside knob or lever always locked. Key required for entry. Inside knob or lever always unlocked. No locking button on inside knob or lever.
• Classroom Function-Once lock is unlocked with key, it remains unlocked until locked by key. Inside knob or lever always unlocked.No locking button on inside knob or lever.
• Passage Set-Neither inside or outside locks. Latch function only. Both sides always unlocked.
• Bath or Bedroom Privacy Lock-Push button locking. Can be unlocked from outside with small screwdriver or other object. Turning inside knob or lever or closing door unlocks lock.

   There are many other functions for specialized needs and uses. Be sure you understand what you are getting in terms of lock function before you buy or order a lock. Too often I find the front door to a small apartment building or office has a button on the inside allowing people passing through to leave the door unlocked (an entry function lock), or to lock it when it should not be, when a lock that should always be locked from the outside (a storeroom function) was really called for.

MAJOR COMPONENTS OF A CYLINDRICAL LOCKSET