What are Privacy Locks?
A privacy function most commonly used to secure the interior rooms of a home, privacy locks can be locked by either a thumb turn or a pushbutton on the inside of the door. The exterior of the lock will have a hole to insert an emergency key or bobby pin to unlock from the outside of the door. Usually the emergency key comes included. These privacy styles are most commonly found on bathroom and bedroom doors, or doors where privacy is desired, but you don't necessarily need the security and expense of a keyed lock.
There are also Heavy Duty Commercial Grade 1 Privacy Locks designed for commercial buildings. Commercial privacy locks may have emergency turn buttons, visual occupancy indicators, and special restroom indicator deadbolts like the Schlage B571 Indicator Lock for Public Restrooms, which shows green when vacant and red when occupied. Privacy door locks are available in various door hardware styles too, including knobs, levers, and privacy bolts. Privacy bolts function like deadbolts but don't require a key to unlock from the outside.
Common Privacy Lock Types
Turn Button Privacy Locks: Turn button privacy locks are the most common, especially door hardware in the more affordable price points that most of us have in our homes. To lock, simply turn the button from the inside of the door. From the outside they can be unlocked using a generic tool (generally provided with the lock) or hairpin. To unlock, turn the button from the inside. For this type of privacy lock we recommend shopping Schlage, Sure-Loc, or Kwikset smart locks and hardware.
Push Button / Pin Privacy Lock (with Panic Release): Push button or push pin privacy locks have a push button or pin on the rosette that can be locked by pushing the button or pin in. These types of privacy locks have the added feature of a panic release. This means that to unlock all you have to do is turn the lever or knob from the inside and the door will unlock. This is a nice feature in the case of an emergency, but is also a nice convenience. These are also unlocked from the outside in an emergency with a generic tool or hairpin. For this type of privacy lock we recommend shopping Weslock, Nostalgic Warehouse, Emtek, Grandeur, Omnia, or Baldwin privacy bolts and parts.
Privacy Bolt with Lever or Knob: If you're willing to spend a little extra to get different look, you can also use a privacy bolt with a regular passage lever or knob. A privacy bolt is similar to a deadbolt, but it doesn't require a key from the outside. You can use a flat screwdriver to turn open the lock from the outside if you need to. Privacy bolts require more prep work, and they are generally not a standard bore size so you may have some special door preparation to do, but the end result is a refined, high end look. For this combination, we recommend shopping our privacy locks and bolts, then finding a lever or knob style you like in a passage function.
Privacy Locks vs. Keyed Knobs and Levers
A privacy knob or lever is typically used on interior doors like bathrooms or bedrooms, featuring a push or turn button inside to lock the door. It can be unlocked from the outside using a generic tool or even a bobby pin, providing a simple means of securing a room for privacy. In contrast, a keyed or entrance knob is designed for exterior doors, such as front or back doors, where security is crucial. It has a keyed cylinder on the outside and a turn button on the inside, ensuring that the door can only be locked or unlocked with a key from the outside, making it ideal for entry points where access control is important.
Whether you're upgrading the locks in your home or outfitting a new space, selecting a quality privacy lock or bolt can make all the difference in both security and convenience. If you're planning to install a privacy lock yourself, it's important to choose the right style and function for your needs. You can also find helpful instructions and information in a previous post where we walk through a Linnea privacy bolt installation. Explore our selection of privacy door locks and hardware today to find the perfect fit for your doors.