All Filters
Double Cylinder Handlesets for Entry Doors
Double cylinder handlesets combine a decorative exterior entry grip with a deadbolt that requires a key from both the exterior and interior sides of the door. Unlike a single cylinder handleset, there is no interior thumbturn on the deadbolt. The lower handleset grip operates the door latch, while the double cylinder deadbolt provides the separate locking function.
Coastal Hardware Store carries double cylinder handlesets from Emtek and Schlage in traditional, transitional, contemporary, and modern designs. The current assortment includes sectional, monolithic, and full-length Emtek entry sets along with Schlage handlesets in architectural trims such as Camelot, Plymouth, Addison, and other supported styles. For a keyed exterior deadbolt with an interior thumbturn, browse our single cylinder handlesets.
Why Choose a Double Cylinder Handleset?
A double cylinder handleset may be considered for an entry where keyed operation from both sides of the deadbolt is appropriate. Because the interior cylinder requires a key, the function should be selected only after considering both the door configuration and applicable egress requirements.
- Keyed deadbolt on both sides: The deadbolt requires a key for operation from both the exterior and interior instead of using an interior thumbturn.
- Option for certain glazed-door applications: Double cylinder hardware is sometimes considered for entry doors with glass inserts or nearby glazing because there is no interior thumbturn that can simply be reached and turned through broken glass.
- Separate latch operation: The exterior grip and interior knob or lever operate the lower latch independently from the double cylinder deadbolt.
- Multiple architectural styles: The current collection includes traditional, transitional, contemporary, modern, sectional, monolithic, and full-length handleset designs.
- Custom interior trim: Supported Emtek entry sets can be ordered with a range of interior brass knobs and levers, allowing the inside hardware to coordinate with other doors throughout the home.
- Wide finish selection: Current products span black, brass, nickel, chrome, bronze, and other manufacturer-specific finishes.
- Two established hardware brands: The current collection consists of double-cylinder-capable entry sets from Emtek and Schlage.
Types of Double Cylinder Handlesets Available
Sectional Double Cylinder Handlesets
Sectional handlesets use separate trim pieces for the deadbolt and lower entry grip. This creates visible separation between the locking hardware and handle while allowing the individual components to contribute to the overall design. Emtek currently offers several sectional tubular entry sets that can be configured with a double cylinder deadbolt.
Monolithic Double Cylinder Handlesets
Monolithic handlesets use a more visually connected exterior design, bringing the upper deadbolt area and lower grip into a unified architectural composition. Current Emtek options include smooth and knurled Hercules designs as well as other monolithic configurations. Dimensions and door preparation vary by product, so compare the complete specifications before ordering.
Full-Length Double Cylinder Handlesets
Full-length handlesets use an elongated exterior plate that visually connects the upper and lower hardware. Emtek's current assortment includes full-length Hercules entry sets in smooth and knurled grip designs, with supported double cylinder configurations and several modern brass finishes.
Schlage Double Cylinder Handlesets
Schlage double cylinder handlesets combine a decorative exterior grip, keyed-both-sides deadbolt, and interior passage knob or lever. Current Coastal Hardware listings include styles such as Camelot, Plymouth, and Addison with several interior knob and lever pairings. Finish, handing, door-thickness range, and trim availability vary by model.
Double Cylinder vs. Single Cylinder Handlesets
The difference between these two functions is primarily the way the deadbolt operates from inside the door. A single cylinder handleset uses an exterior keyed cylinder and an interior thumbturn. A double cylinder handleset replaces the interior thumbturn with a second keyed cylinder, so a key is necessary to operate the deadbolt from either side.
This distinction has important safety implications. A double cylinder configuration can prevent the deadbolt from simply being turned from the inside without a key, but it can also slow or prevent emergency exit if the key is not immediately available. Building and residential codes can restrict keyed operation from the egress side, so verify that the double cylinder function is permitted for the specific door before ordering.
If your application does not require keyed operation from the interior, a single cylinder handleset provides an interior thumbturn and may be the more appropriate configuration.
How to Choose the Right Double Cylinder Handleset
Begin by confirming that a double cylinder function is permitted and appropriate for the opening. Then compare the door preparation, backset, door thickness, interior trim, handing, keying requirements, exterior dimensions, and finish of the handleset.
- Confirm the function first: Make sure you specifically want a deadbolt that requires a key from both sides rather than an interior thumbturn.
- Review egress requirements: Required egress doors may need to be openable from inside without a key. Check applicable residential, building, and fire requirements before selecting a double cylinder function.
- Measure the existing preparation: Check the cross bore, edge bore, backset, lower handleset mounting point, door thickness, and any other measurements required by the manufacturer.
- Choose the interior trim: Depending on the product, the inside of the lower handleset may use a knob or lever. Emtek provides extensive interior trim choices on supported entry sets, while Schlage offers specific knob and lever pairings.
- Confirm handing when required: Some interior lever designs require left- or right-hand selection even when other parts of the handleset are reversible.
- Review the keyway and keying: If the handleset needs to work with existing locks or other entry doors, verify the cylinder, keyway, and available keyed-alike options before ordering.
- Compare exterior dimensions: Grip length, trim dimensions, projection, and lower mounting locations vary among sectional, monolithic, and full-length designs.
- Coordinate the finish: Use the exact manufacturer finish when matching hinges, door knockers, house numbers, lighting, or other visible entry hardware.
Materials, Styles & Finishes
Materials and construction vary between Emtek and Schlage products. Emtek's current Hercules and related tubular entry sets represented in this collection are part of its brass entry-hardware program, while Schlage describes its current double cylinder handlesets using premium metal construction. Review the individual product specifications when a particular base material or construction method is important to your project.
The current Coastal Hardware collection includes Aged Bronze, Antique Brass, Antique Pewter, Bright Brass, Bright Chrome, Flat Black, Lifetime Brass, Lifetime Polished Nickel, Matte Black, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Polished Chrome, Satin Brass, Satin Chrome, Satin Nickel, and Unlacquered Brass. Availability varies significantly between Emtek and Schlage products and between individual handleset designs.
Finish names should not be assumed to match across manufacturers. Even similarly named brass, nickel, black, chrome, or bronze finishes can differ in color, sheen, texture, and aging characteristics. Living finishes such as Unlacquered Brass are also intended to change naturally with age and use.
Featured Double Cylinder Handleset Brands
The current collection consists entirely of Emtek and Schlage handlesets, with both manufacturers offering double cylinder configurations across multiple architectural styles.
- Emtek: Emtek currently represents the largest portion of this collection. Available products include Hercules, Baden, Davos, Marietta, Melrose, Lausanne, Hamden, and other tubular entry-set designs. Supported products can be configured with a double cylinder deadbolt and a variety of interior brass knobs or levers.
- Emtek Hercules: Hercules entry sets are available in sectional, monolithic, and full-length profiles with smooth or knurled grip options. Emtek currently offers double cylinder, single cylinder, dummy, and supported smart configurations within the broader Hercules family.
- Schlage: Schlage contributes double cylinder handlesets in several traditional, transitional, and contemporary trim styles. Current Coastal Hardware products include Camelot, Plymouth, Addison, and additional designs paired with interior knobs or levers.
- Schlage security specifications: Current Schlage double cylinder handlesets specify a keyed cylinder on both sides of the deadbolt. Certain current F-Series models also publish product-specific BHMA ratings and security features, so review the individual model rather than assuming the same certification applies to every handleset.
Installation & Compatibility
Double cylinder handleset installation requirements vary by manufacturer and product family. Before ordering, compare the selected hardware with the door's existing preparation, including cross-bore dimensions, edge bore, backset, door thickness, latch preparation, lower handleset mounting location, strike preparation, handing, and cylinder requirements.
As an example, current Emtek Hercules tubular entry sets specify a standard 2-1/8" door preparation and a standard 2-3/8" latch backset, with 2-3/4" backset available when specified. Emtek's double cylinder tubular hardware uses different interior trim and tailpiece components from its single cylinder configuration, so converting between functions is not simply a matter of adding or removing a thumbturn.
Representative Schlage double cylinder handlesets use adjustable latches for 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" backsets. Door-thickness ranges and available thick-door kits depend on the specific Schlage series and model. Lever interiors may also require handing selection.
For replacement projects, do not assume that a new handleset will align with the existing lower mounting hole or cover the same footprint simply because the bore and backset are compatible. Compare the full dimensional drawing before drilling or modifying the door.
Shipping & Warranty Information
- Shipping: Quick Ship products usually leave the warehouse within 2-3 business days. Other products average 5-7 business days unless otherwise stated on the product page. Custom configurations and keying requests can add processing time. Orders of $100 or more qualify for free standard ground shipping within the contiguous United States and District of Columbia. View Shipping Policy.
- Warranty: Warranty coverage varies by manufacturer, product, and finish. Emtek currently publishes a lifetime limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship for the original residential consumer user, with separate finish terms. Current Schlage double cylinder handlesets also publish product-specific mechanical and finish warranty coverage. Review the individual product page and current manufacturer warranty before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Cylinder Handlesets
What is a double cylinder handleset?
A double cylinder handleset combines an entry-door grip and latch with a deadbolt that uses a keyed cylinder on both sides of the door. A key is required to operate the deadbolt from either the exterior or interior, rather than using an interior thumbturn.
What is the difference between a single cylinder and double cylinder handleset?
A single cylinder handleset uses an exterior key cylinder and an interior thumbturn on the deadbolt. A double cylinder handleset has keyed cylinders on both sides, requiring a key to operate the deadbolt from either direction.
Are double cylinder handlesets commonly used on doors with glass?
They may be considered for some entry doors with glass inserts or nearby glazing because there is no interior thumbturn that can simply be reached and operated through broken glass. However, requiring a key from inside can affect emergency egress, so confirm that the function is permitted for the specific door before installation.
Are double cylinder handlesets allowed on every exterior door?
No. Egress requirements can prohibit locks that require a key to open from the interior. For example, residential codes require the designated egress door of a dwelling to be readily openable from inside without a key. Local requirements vary, so confirm the applicable code and door application before ordering.
What brands of double cylinder handlesets are available?
The current Coastal Hardware collection consists of Emtek and Schlage. Emtek offers configurable tubular entry sets across sectional, monolithic, and full-length designs, while Schlage offers keyed-both-sides handlesets in several architectural trim and interior-handle combinations.
Do all double cylinder handlesets fit the same door preparation?
No. Bore dimensions, backset, door thickness, lower grip mounting location, handing, latch preparation, strikes, cylinders, and trim dimensions can vary by brand and model. Compare the exact manufacturer specifications with your door before ordering or drilling.
Shop Double Cylinder Handlesets at Coastal Hardware Store
Coastal Hardware Store offers double cylinder handlesets from Emtek and Schlage for compatible exterior-door applications. Compare sectional, monolithic, and full-length designs along with interior knobs and levers, finishes, door preparation, backset, keying requirements, and egress considerations to select the appropriate handleset for your entry.
If you need help choosing between single and double cylinder operation, determining whether a handleset fits an existing door preparation, or comparing interior trim, handing, finishes, or keying options, our team can help you review the available choices. Contact us at support@coastalhardwarestore.com or call us at 561-808-2588.