Best Mechanical Deadbolt: Reviews, Buying Guide, and FAQs 2023

In this section, you'll read about our favorite mechanical keyless deadbolts, from such industry leaders as Lockey USA, Code-A-Key, and TruePower.

Mechanical keyless deadbolts make our everyday life a little simpler and easier, by enabling us to get in and out of our homes without depending on the use of a regular key. Instead, they use a physical keypad where we can punch in our personal user code to gain entry or exit.

Editor's Recommendation: Top Mechanical Deadbolt

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• Bestseller No. 1
  
  Kaba LR1011-26D-41 L1000-Series Door Cylindrical Mechanical Lock, Cast Front Housing,...
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  1150MG Mechanical, Keyless Lever Lock
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  Kaba Ilco 5021 XS WL 26D 41 Kaba Access 5000 Extra Heavy-Duty Pushbutton Lever Lock,...
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  SCHLAGE FE595 PLY 716 FLA Plymouth Keypad Entry with Flex-Lock and Flair Style Levers,...
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  2500AB Surface Mount Hook Bolt
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• Bestseller No. 6
  
  M220SC Surface Mount Lock
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• Bestseller No. 7
  
  M220JB Surface Mount Lock
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• Bestseller No. 8
  
  Kaba Simplex LP1000 Series Metal Mechanical Pushbutton Exit Trim Lock with Lever,...
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• Bestseller No. 9
  
  SCHLAGE FE595VCAM716ACC FE595VCAM/ACC 716 Keypad Accent Lever Door Lock, Flex, Aged Bronze
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One of the reasons why many people prefer mechanical deadbolts is that they do not rely on electronics, which some people find to be less dependable due to reacting to weather, having glitches, or losing battery power.

With mechanical deadbolts, its all hardware and it does its job.

Another benefit to many mechanical deadbolts is the fact that they're often naturally bump-proof. If you don't know what this means, here is our article on bump proof locksto get you up to speed.

The bottom line is that when there's no keyhole, there's no chance of lock-bumping and many mechanical keyless deadbolts don't rely on keys whatsoever, so there's that advantage as well.

That said, many people still prefer to have keyed access to their homes and many mechanical deadbolts provide that if you wish.

Summary of Best Mechanical Deadbolt Reviews

Some mechanical deadbolts have physical keypads on both sides of the lock, providing yet another layer of protection in case you want the option to lock the door from both sides.

This prevents any situation where someone could break glass and reach inside to unlock your door from the inside. With the double-sided models, that's not going to happen.

However, with the single-sided deadbolts, you will find that there is a digital keypad on the outside where you input your code, and the inside just has a thumb-turn that you turn to lock or unlock the door that way.

If there are no windows around your door, this would be sufficient to keep your home secure.

When made well, mechanical deadbolts overall are sturdy and no frills when it comes to ease of use.

They are simple, durable, and look great with a number of styles and colors to choose from. Stay with us to find out more what makes these locks so special, how they differ from standard locks, and what the best models are.

We'll start by explaining the key differences between latches and deadbolts.

What's the difference between a latch and a deadbolt?

The two most common types of entry door locks are single latches and deadbolt. The latch is a spring-loaded bolt which is found within the locking mechanism of the doorknob. The deadbolt, on the other hand, is located just above or below the doorknob.

Both of these locks are used for securing the door and protecting against potential intruders, but what are the differences between them? And which lock is better? Stay with us to find out!

Below is our explanation on how these locks work, how they differ, as well as what the advantages and disadvantage of each lock are.

Latches

Spring-loaded latches are the most common type of latch-base locking mechanisms. Spring latches generally fall into one of two categories - latchbolts or deadlatches.

Latchbolts - Latchbolts feature a spring-loaded bolt that is angled off at the top edge. As you close your door, the angled side of the bolt engages with the edge or the lip of the strike plate. The bolt itself retracts due to the pressure of contact with the strike plate.

When the bolt passes a certain point, it extends and locks into the strike plate due to the pressure being released from the spring, securing the door and keeping it closed. Latches are designed to retract and disengage when you turn the door handle to open the door.

Deadlatches - Deadlatches feature what is known as a guardbolt - a small cylindrical bolt that is positioned just beside the latchbolt. The guardbolt is designed to move together with the latchbolt up until the point when the latchbolt extends into the strike plate.

The guardbolt then remains in depressed position against the strike plate, preventing the potential intruders from "jimmying" or "shimming" the latchbolt. The positioning of the guardbolt doesn't allow the latchbolt to be depressed by using a credit card or some other thin, flat tool.

Deadbolts

Deadbolts are generally thicker and heavier than spring latches, and they are not angled or rounded at the end.

Deadbolts are usually made of steel, bronze or brass, and they extend deeper into the door frame than spring latches. A deadbolt can be engaged by using a key or turning a knob. Most expensive models can also be engaged by using an automated motor.

Deadbolts engage when the tumbler inside of the lock rotates to the specific position and the pins move into alignment,

One of the most noticeable differences between deadbolts and latches is that latch-based locks have doorknobs or door handles, while deadbolt locks don't.

Next, let's talk about money!

Are deadbolts expensive?

Many people decide not to install deadbolts because they tend to cost more than standard locks. However, any locksmith will tell you that deadbolts are actually relatively cheap considering the level of protection they provide for your home.

Depending on the model and class you want to buy, a deadbolt and installation will generally cost you anything from $100 to $250. The majority of homeowners who had installed deadbolts to their homes, though, reported paying less than $200 per lock.

David Helms, the owner of the highly-popular E&S Security and Locksmith from Carlotte, N.C., says that the installation of the deadbolt depends on several factors.

He explains that it costs $50 to 60$ for the trip, $40 to $50 for the deadbolt and $45 to drill and install the deadbolt on a wood door, or $50 to install it on a metal door. This means that a typical job costs $140 to $160.

Most costumers decide to buy deadbolts at large home improvement stores because they generally cost 50 dollars less than what hardware stores sell them for.

Most locksmiths charge $140 to $160 for the deadbolt, which includes the lock and the installation.

Although deadbolts are more expensive than the standard bolts, it is worth saying that you might be able to recoup some of the installation costs through your insurance payments. Many insurance agencies nowadays offer discounts for having deadbolts installed in your home.

Moving onto our reviews…

Top 5 Best mechanical keyless deadbolts

Below you will find our Best Mechanical Keyless Deadbolt Buyer's Chart, which shows our top picks for the best mechanical keyless deadbolts available today. There is an option to read our detailed review of the particular lock, or you can simply visit Amazon.com to go direct to product page.

These reviews are the results of countless hours of research by people just like you who have tested the locks and will give you their unbiased review of them, including all pros and cons they can must up, in order to give you the best perspective possible on all products.

Here are a just few notes about the buyer's chart itself to keep in mind:

• When it comes to Amazon, the three most important factors people can and do look at is the # of buyer reviews combined with the average star rating, and, of course, the price
• The best combination is a high average star rating, with a high number of buyer reviews - this means that more people have purchased the product and it is both popular AND well-reviewed
• Keep in mind that this chart doesn't contain any product details - for those details you can either click on the name of the mechanical deadbolt for our full review, or you can read a quick review of each deadbolt underneath the chart itself, with technical specs, videos, and what some Amazon buyers have said about the product, so be sure to check all of that out!

We'll start with Lockey USA 2210-AB

Lockey USA 2210-AB

A Lockey USA mechanical deadbolt that will provide you with total keyless entry and exit is this 2210-AB model.

This completely mechanical combination deadbolt comes without any electronics and batteries, so you won't have to worry about wires or the batteries dying. Your key will be only the right combination punched onto the physical keypad.

Besides being solid metal and weather-resistant, it's a bump-proof lock, so this fact alone puts it in a category that not every mechanical or electronic deadbolt can claim to be a part of.

This Lockey USA lock model can be purchased in the following formats: single-sided deadbolt, single-sided deadbolt with key override, double-sided deadbolt, and double-sided deadbolt with key override.

In addition, this particular model comes in many great colors such as: Bright Chrome, Bright Brass, Jet Black, Marine Grade, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Satin Chrome, Satin Nickel, and White.

Technical Specs

• Mechanical, keyless push-button (digital keypad) lock
• Easy to re-code (change the codes as needed)
• Relatively easy install process
  
• Fully weather-resistant
• Completely bump-proof lock

Moving on…

Lockey USA M2835S

As far as mechanical keyless deadbolts are concerned, one name that you will hear again and again is Lockey USA. When founder Doug Hill coined the phrase, "Change the code, not the lock", this was the beginning of a new era for Lockey USA in terms of home security and especially in regards to deadbolts.

With an average rating of 4 stars on Amazon.com and over 25 customer reviews, this particular model - the M2835SN - Lockey USA has achieved what some consider the highest level of quality you can get from a mechanical deadbolt, as it is a heavy-duty, weatherproof outdoor model which offers customers maximum residential security for their home's exterior doors.

Technical Specs

• Mechanical, keyless push-button lock
• Lever handle
• Adjustable Deadbolt
• Easy programmable code
• No batteries needed
• Bump Proof / Weather Proof

Next, we review Lockey USA M-2010-BB

Lockey USA M-2010-BB

With a designer look due to its wide selection of colors, this Lockey USA lock comes in 9 different finishes, so you have options choosing one that will match with your front door or interior design. These include: Satin Chrome, Satin Nickel, White, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Marine Grade, Jet Black, Bright Chrome, Bright Brass, Antique Brass

It's operated by a keypad and a latch, without keyed entry, so it offers complete keyless locking operations and that also makes it bump-proof.

This lock is easy to install and program, and you can easily change your user code if the need arises. You can personalize your combo up to five digits, and remember, these can be entered in any order.

This can be seen as making the lock simpler, for your convenience, but it could also be seen as making it less secure.

However, this is often the case with many mechanical deadbolts and there have been no incidents reported that we know of because of this feature.

Technical Specs

• Mechanical, keyless push-button lock
• Adjustable latch, installed on both sides, left and right
• Easy programmable code
• Passage function, to leave your door unlocked for a certain amount of time
• Bump-proof lock
• Weather-proof lock

Moving onto Code-A-Key all-weather double keypad lock…

Code-A-Key All-Weather Double Keypad Lock

This is a double keypad mechanical deadbolt that has an average of 4 stars on Amazon.com as it stands, with over 20 buyer reviews. The unit operates by punching the right access code onto the keypad on both sides: outside and inside. So in order to grant entry or exit you'll have to know the correct code.

On the upside, this is a great double-sided lock that can work wonders for home security in the event that you have a window near your door.

This way, break-ins can be prevented because robbers can't reach through a broken window to unlock your door from the inside (hence bypassing the deadbolt).

On the slight downside, you need to consider that with a deadbolt like this, in the event of an emergency, you lose precious seconds evacuating a location because you need to punch in the code. Just something to consider for safety's sake.

The two keypads work independently of one another, meaning you'll have to set your code for each separately. There is a "Quickcode" feature for quick changing of your codes as well.

This is a truly keyless lock, meaning no back-up keyhole like others, and it is also bump proof in that regard as well - a big plus!

This Code-A-Key All Weather lock is suitable for window pane doors, wrought iron gates, as well as front doors that need 2 way entry control.

Technical Specs

• Dual Keypads for 2-way Security - Reliable All-Weather Mechanical Operation - No Batteries Needed
• Eliminates "Reach Through" Security Risk in Window Doors & Gates - "Bump Key" Proof
• Independant Keypad Programming - Set Operating Mode & Unlock Code Separately on Each Keypad
• New "QuickCode" Design for Fast and Easy Code Changes

Moving on…

TruePower Anaconda All-Weather Deadbolt

This Anaconda mechanical lock from TruePower matches both right hand and left hand door types.

It is a deadbolt that offers 2 types of entry methods: by entering your private combination code onto the 13-digit alphanumeric keypad, or by using a physical key.

Your access code can include up to 10 digits for maximum security. Moreover, for additional safety, there are 2 standard keys that can always help in case you forget your code, or if you feel nostalgic for your regular keys, although you don't really need them unless its "just in case".

However, it should be noted here that the code is not sequential, which means you won't have to punch the code in a specific order in order to gain access to your home or establishment.

As we said previously, this non-sequential entry of your code could be seen as a security drawback, although, no one has ever reported a break-in for this particular reason, and, if anything, its actually more convenient for the homeowner than it is an advantage for a thief, would would take them a a good month to stand there punching away in order to find the 10-digit code you've come up with.

It should be noted also that this is a single combo lock, where as some other locks let you program multiple combos. For those looking for a multi-combo lock, this is not the one, but it does make everything simpler.

Technical Specs

• All-weather operation - No batteries required - Easy to open door handle design
• Replaces existing deadbolt on doors up to 1-7/8″ thick - Fits standard 2-1/8″ diameter cutout
• Unlocks by push-button code or with standard keys (2 keys included)
• User programmable code up to 10 digits / 13-digit alphanumeric keypad + CLEAR key
• Fits both Left-Hand & Right-Hand door types - 2-Position Backset Latch: 2-3/4″ & 2-3/8

On this site we review all types of deadbolts, from mechanical no-electronics-at-all models like this, to completely electronic, remote control & smart deadbolts, to bump proof locks, and more.

We also have a wide selection of home security articles in our blog section that you may find informative.

Buy on Walmart

Kaba Simplex LR1011-26D-41 Lever Mechanical Pushbutton Lock Standard (Right Hand) - Walmart Link

1150MG Mechanical, Keyless Lever Lock - Walmart Link

Kaba Ilco 5021 XS WL 26D 41 Kaba Access 5000 Extra Heavy-Duty Pushbutton Lever Lock, - Walmart Link

SCHLAGE FE595 PLY 716 FLA Plymouth Keypad Entry with Flex-Lock and Flair Style Levers, - Walmart Link

2500AB Surface Mount Hook Bolt - Walmart Link

M220SC Surface Mount Lock - Walmart Link

M220JB Surface Mount Lock - Walmart Link

Kaba Simplex LP1000 Series Metal Mechanical Pushbutton Exit Trim Lock with Lever, - Walmart Link

SCHLAGE FE595VCAM716ACC FE595VCAM/ACC 716 Keypad Accent Lever Door Lock, Flex, Aged Bronze - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Kaba Simplex LR1011-26D-41 Lever Mechanical Pushbutton Lock Standard (Right Hand) - eBay Link

1150MG Mechanical, Keyless Lever Lock - eBay Link

Kaba Ilco 5021 XS WL 26D 41 Kaba Access 5000 Extra Heavy-Duty Pushbutton Lever Lock, - eBay Link

SCHLAGE FE595 PLY 716 FLA Plymouth Keypad Entry with Flex-Lock and Flair Style Levers, - eBay Link

2500AB Surface Mount Hook Bolt - eBay Link

M220SC Surface Mount Lock - eBay Link

M220JB Surface Mount Lock - eBay Link

Kaba Simplex LP1000 Series Metal Mechanical Pushbutton Exit Trim Lock with Lever, - eBay Link

SCHLAGE FE595VCAM716ACC FE595VCAM/ACC 716 Keypad Accent Lever Door Lock, Flex, Aged Bronze - eBay Link