Locking French door handles are essential for homes that prioritize security and convenience. This guide highlights five top options suited for exterior and interior French doors, with clear pros, limitations, and best-use scenarios. The selections cover keyed entry, dummy/ non-locking levers for inactive sides, and easy-install handles for varying door configurations. Readers will find choices for single and double-door setups, plus practical buying guidance to match door thickness, backset, and handedness.
| Product | Brand | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| NEWBANG Silver Double Doors Handle Lock Set | NEWBANG | Double exterior doors; adjustable for US standard holes |
| Camtek Matte Black Double Front Door Handle Set | Camtek | Double doors; smooth deadbolt with easy installation |
| Kwikset Balboa Entry Door Handle with Lock | Kwikset | Front entry with keyed protection; right-handed doors |
| 10″ Arch Keyed MPL Hinged Patio Door | N8LokNLok | Hinged French or patio doors needing keyed activity |
| GOBEKOR 2 Pack Brushed Nickel Single Dummy Door Handles | GOBEKOR | Decorative non-locking handles for inactive sides |
Introduction to top picks: For homes needing reliable exterior security and compatibility with standard French door holes, the NEWBANG and Camtek sets offer robust locking functionality and adjustable backsets. Kwikset Balboa provides trusted Keyed entry and rekey options suitable for front entries, while the 10″ Arch MPL Hinged model focuses on compatible, non-traditional configurations for large French doors. The GOBEKOR dummy handles are ideal when only decorative or non-latching pulls are required on one side.
NEWBANG Double Doors Lock Set With Adjustable Backset
Best for: Exterior and front doors needing a keyed entry plus decorative inactive handle. This set includes two handles, with one keyed active and a dummy interior side. The adjustable backset (60mm or 70mm) accommodates various door thicknesses from 1-3/8″ to 2″. It fits US standard hole spacing from 210mm to 250mm.
Why it’s selected: It provides a complete double-door solution with flexible hole placement, making it easier to retrofit older French doors without drilling new holes. The movable pin position helps align with existing hardware on a range of doors.
Limitations: The dummy handle on the interior is decorative and not functional for entry, so you’ll still rely on the keyed active handle for access.
Kwikset Balboa Entry Door Handle With Lock
Best for: Front entry doors needing a secure keyed lock with a user-friendly installation process. The product emphasizes a right-handed lever and compatibility with inactive interior doors on double doors.
Why it’s selected: Kwikset’s renowned Keyed Reversible Lever concept streamlines installation for DIY projects and offers a secure rekeying option. This is well-suited for homes seeking a reliable, widely supported mechanism on the active door side.
Limitations: It is described as an inactive dummy option for certain configurations; ensure the lever orientation aligns with your door’s handedness and bore holes.
Camtek Matte Black Double Front Door Handle Set
Best for: Modern exterior doors needing a durable, heavy-duty double door lock with easy installation. The set includes both active and interior components for a complete locking system.
Why it’s selected: The heavy-duty zinc alloy construction promises durability while its through-bolt adjustment and two latches offer flexible fit for doors 1-3/8″ to 1-3/4″ thick.
Limitations: Proper alignment is essential during installation; misalignment can compromise security or operation.
GOBEKOR 2 Pack Brushed Nickel Single Dummy Door Handles
Best for: Inactive sides of French doors where only a pull is needed or on closets and storage doors. The left-handed variant is designed for standard door setups with 35mm to 45mm thickness.
Why it’s selected: This two-pack provides a cost-effective decorative solution for doors that do not require locking. The brushed nickel finish offers a versatile look for modern interiors.
Limitations: These are non-functioning dummy handles and do not secure the door; pair with a separate locking mechanism on the active side if security is a concern.
Buying Guide
What to consider when choosing locking French door handles
- Active vs. inactive sides: Determine which door side needs a functioning lock. Exterior doors typically require an active keyed handle, while the opposite side may be a dummy.
- Backset and bore holes: Check backset options (60mm or 70mm) and the distance between bore holes to ensure compatibility with existing doors.
- Door thickness: Most sets fit doors from 1-3/8″ to 1-3/4″ thick. Measure thickness to avoid overhang or misalignment.
- Handing: Doors can be right- or left-handed. Ensure the lever orientation matches the door’s movement and hinge position.
- Material and finish: Matte black, satin nickel, and brushed nickel finishes pair with various styles. Consider weather resistance for exterior doors.
- Installation effort: Some sets offer straightforward screwdriver-only installation, while others may require precise alignment and drilling.
- Security features: Look for keyed entry options, tamper resistance, and rekey capabilities for long-term protection.
Best-fit scenarios
- New construction: Choose a complete double-door set with adjustable backset and both active and dummy sides for a clean install.
- Renovations: A kit with movable hole positions helps retrofit into existing French doors with different hole spacings.
- High-traffic entryways: Prioritize sets with durable zinc alloy or brass components and reliable rekey options.
Installation tips
- Follow manufacturer drilling templates precisely to avoid misalignment.
- Test the latch and deadbolt operation before securing all screws.
- Ensure strike plates align with the latch for a smooth latch engagement.
FAQ
- Do locking French door handles fit all French doors? Most fit standard US doors with adjustable backsets and hole spacings, but always measure thickness and hole distance.
- Can I install these myself? Many sets are designed for DIY installation with a screwdriver and basic tools. Some require careful alignment.
- What is a dummy handle good for? Dummy handles are decorative or non-functioning levers used on inactive sides or for double-door visual balance.
- Should I replace both sides at once? Replacing both sides ensures uniform operation and aesthetics, especially on exterior doors.
- Is rekeying available for keyed sets? Rekey options are common in major brands like Kwikset, improving long-term security with existing hardware.
- What if the door thickness is outside the standard range? Look for sets offering wider range backsets or adjustable latches to fit thicker or thinner doors.