Best Door Chain Locks for Your Home

Sick and tired of hearing residential burglarizing cases? Fear that you might be the next victim? We have all been there. That is why we started to look for extra security options for our main doors. After digging a little deeper, we found out that a chain security lock could be the solution.

Needless to say, we were not the only ones looking for added security. There is a good demand for the best door chain lock in the market. And that brings door chain links that are not that great at providing home security into the market.

So, we got into analyzing and testing the promising options intensively. And after putting those head to head, assessing their strength by combining them with most single-sided deadlocks, we found six that can provide added security. Want to know about them? Stick till the end!

Comparison Chart Of Door Chain Locks

Before we get into in-depth reviews, let us have a quick look through the models we have chosen.

Top 6 Picks for the Best Door Chain Locks

Getting a door chain lock is probably the cheap way to burglarproof your home. However, you can only achieve that by getting chain locks that can actually add a layer of security to your door. Ready to know about them? Let us get started with the door chain lock reviews then!

1.PRIME-LINE Heavy Duty Door Chain Lock

So, what would make the best door chain lock different than the regular offerings? Well, if you asked us, our first answer would be that the door chain lock needs to have a construction of durable material. That is what Prime-Line Products is offering here.

As stated, the construction of this door chain lock system is made of extruded brass. And the chain is made of welded steel. Both the material makes the interior door chain lock reside among the most durable locks available in the market.

Despite being built like a tank, you can get it easily installed on the doors, as the installation process is pretty simple. Also, the package will come with all of the fasteners, and it resides at an affordable price point.

The door chain lock from Prime-Line Products comes in different color options too. All of the chain locks will add a touch of aesthetic to your existing boring door and make it look good from the interior.

Special Features

• Made of welded steel and extruded brass
• Comes with fasteners
• Available in six different color option

Pros

• Exceptionally durable
• The chain is six inches in length
• Looks aesthetically pleasing
• It has an easy installation process

Cons

• Some might have sharp edges
• The included mounting screws are cheap

2.National Hardware Door Chain Lock

Some of the available door chain locks make installing door chain lock look like a tedious process. National Hardware factored that when they were planning to make their offering reside among the best chain locks in the market.

The door lock sports a flexible installation process. It will provide you the ability to get it installed on wooden doors and metal doors. And as it comes in bright finish options, it blends perfectly with both the apartment doors.

Best door chain locks would not claim their position without having a durable construction. And the manufacturer factored that in too. It is of high-quality zinc die-cast.

Furthermore, this apartment door lock from National Hardware unlocks easily from the inside. However, it adds a layer of security, which makes it impossible to open from the outside.

Special Features

• Constructed of zinc die-cast
• Installs on both wooden doors and metal doors
• Available in bright finish options

Pros

• Sports a flexible installation process
• Compatible with both wood and metal doors
• Easy to operate
• Exceptionally durable

Cons

• The included chain is too long for some apartment doors
• It might not ship with mounting screws

3.Alise Stainless Steel Chain Door Lock

Chain door guard does not always need to have bland looks? Do not believe us? Check out this Die-cast Stainless Steel door lock that is from Alise.

Unlike some of the other chain locks, this one sports a modern design. To be exact, it might overshadow the existing deadbolt locks in terms of look. And it is available in four different finish options.

There is a press locking mechanism that will make it provide a high level of security. In fact, the locking mechanism makes it better than the door chain lock alternative out there.

Even the construction is top-notch, and it has a comparatively higher thickness. And this extra thick door chain is made of high-quality stainless steel. Also, the finish is corrosion and rust-resistant.

Special Features

• Features a modern design
• It has a unique locking mechanism
• Construction is of stainless steel

Pros

• Extra thick
• Made of high-quality stainless steel
• Sports a press locking mechanism
• The finishes are rust-proof

Cons

• Has sharp edges
• The included mounting screws tend to strip pretty easily.

4.QCAA Solid Brass Chain Door Lock

While looking for the best chain locks to secure your door from inside , you might want to opt for something more extended than the usual chain locks. Keep this offering from QCAA in your consideration.

Like we stated, it has a longer chain than an average chain door guard. There are nine links, which will let you easily install it on an irregular door frame. The door chain restrictor sports a high overall build quality too.

In addition to that, it will add the highest layer of door security to the front house door. Also, the narrow design makes it child-proof and burglarproof. The package will also come with mounting screws and other hardware.

You will even find it in different color options. It comes with Polished Brass, Antique Brass-Plated, and other finish options. Each of them has the same durability level.

Special Features

• It has a longer chain
• Available in six different color options
• Made of high-quality brass

Pros

• Easy to install
• Sports a narrow design
• It comes with the required hardware
• Has a high durability level

Cons

• The included mounting hardware is a bit flimsy
• It might ship in a damaged packaging

5.Defender Security Door Chain Lock with Key

On the lookout for the best door chain lock with a key? Well, what you might be looking for is this heavy-duty door chain lock with a key that is from Defender Security.

First and foremost, the defender security U-11093 comes with a locking mechanism that will allow you to get the peace of mind that the burglar will not be capable of breaking in from outside.

The overall design of the chain lock keeps the door slightly open from the door jamb. That opening will let you easily view the outside with maximum security. And the locking mechanism makes it achieve a children-safe rating too.

In terms of build quality, it sports a die-cast construction. Due to the highquality of material, it achieves a higher overall durability level. Also, it boasts a nickel finish that will make it blend reasonably well with a back door or even a UPVC door.

Special Features

• Sports a key locking mechanism
• It has a nickel finish
• Made of extra-thick diet-cast

Pros

• Utilizes a unique key locking mechanism
• Provides a high level of door security
• Heavy-duty and reasonably durable
• Sports a pretty solid build quality

Cons

• It might come with longer screws than usual
• No brushed nickel finish or other finish options are available.

6.V-CORME Extra-Thick Door Chain Lock

While different brands will opt for regular construction material for the overall construction, some rely on high-quality materials only. And V-cromeis one of those brands.

To begin with, it features a construction of high-quality stainless steel. As the stainless stick is exceptionally sturdy, the door security guard will be capable of withstanding a high level of abuse.

The chain door guard is reasonably thick too. That added thickness will increase the durability level even further. Also, the installation process is easy. It comes with the necessary hardware, and you can get it on the door in a few simple steps.

Another thing that makes it the best door chain lock is the outlook. It has a brushed nickel finish on the exterior, making it look better than the red bronze and chrome finish that a couple of the door locks come in.

Special Features

• The build quality is of stainless steel
• It has a brushed nickel finish
• Thicker than regular door locks

Pros

• Bosts a construction of high-quality stainless steel
• Has a high level of durability
• Features an easy installation process
• Sports a pleasing appearance

Cons

• The included washer feels a bit cheap
• It does not come with decent quality screws

Why You Should Consider a Door Chain Lock?

After going through the door chain lock reviews, we are pretty sure that you know door chains can keep your house safe to some extent. However, is that all that door locks have to offer? Not really!

Burglar Proof

The chain makes the door burglarproof. It will ensure that even if you keep the door open for some reason, no one can get inside that easily. You will also find a door chain lock with alarm options out there. Those will provide an additional layer of security to your door.

Child-proof

The door chains can even play an essential role in terms of child-proofing specific rooms of your house. Even if you install the chain on the front door, it will do a proper job of keeping your child inside the house when the door lock is unlocked.

Door Locks Usually Have a Long Lifespan

Most of the alternatives will not be capable of providing an extended overall service. In comparison, the best door chain locks will usually feature the construction of high-quality materials. Some of them are rust-proof as well. With those, you can expect to get security for an extended amount of time.

Blends Well with the Door

There are plenty of options available that will enhance the overall outlook of the door. They will make the interior side of the door look more welcoming while providing an additional layer of security. Now, that is something other locking alternatives for the door cannot provide.

How to Install a Chain Lock?

Even if you get an excellent chain lock formetal or wooden doors, it will not be of any use if you do not know how to install it. However, you will not have to worry because the installation process is not as hard as many make them seem to be. Do not believe us? Go through these steps:

Step 1: Gather the Needed Materials

Before you work with the lock or the door, you need to ensure that you have suitable materials. Check the packing to be sure of what screwdriver you would need.

No matter the type of door chain lock, no screws included with it will require a special screwdriver. And, in most cases, the lock would need a simple Philips head screwdriver. Also, check the size of the drills bits that you will require for installing the chain. Do get masking tape and a pencil for measurement purposes.

Step 2: Take the Measurements

Once you got everything required to install the chain, get into taking measurements. First, you need to tape up the template of the lock plate. The template of the lock would be the one that does not have the chain with it. You would want to position it about three to six inches above the deadbolt of the door.

However, you might not have a deadbolt lock with the door. In that case, place the lock template about three to six inches above the handle of the door.

Next, you should mark the points of the lock template using a pencil. Do you not know where to mark? Check the instructions that came with the lock. It should describe the points of the lock template that needs marking. After you are done marking the points, you can take the template down.

Step 3: Get into Drilling the Points

It would be time to handle the drilling machine. But where? The marks that you just made! Use a correct drill bit, or else you might have holes all over the door frame. For a clean finish, you should try to drill the holes in one go.

Step 4: Install the Lock Plate

At this point, the lock plate should be ready for installation. Place the lock template in place and tighten the screws in. If the screws that came with the lock feel a bit cheap, which would be for most of the lock, our recommendation would be to use a separate set of screws.

Step 5: Work on the Chain Mount

So, you have got the lock template in place, right? Now, it would be time to work with the chain mount. And for most cases, the chain mount would have a separate template. However, you should work with the position first. Place it just outside of the frame and ensure that it lines up correctly with the plate of the lock.

Step 6: Mark the Template of the Chain Mount

You would need to follow the same process as the template of the lock. Position it properly and mark the holes using your pencil. Then, use the drill again to predrill the holes of the chain mount. Again, follow the same process as before.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Lastly, screw the chain mount using the correct screws. Ensure that you do not over-tighten the screws, or else they might strip. Test the lock. Make sure it can adequately secure the door, and no one from the outside can unchain the lock.

For most cases, the lock would make the door open just an inch. The broader the opening the lock leaves, the higher the chances of someone from the outside unchaining the lock. So, keep that factor in mind when you are testing things out.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Chain Lock for Doors

We know that our review section has made things a bit straightforward for you. However, things can get much more manageable! Let us walk you through the things that need to be in your mind before you make a purchase decision.

Durability

The first thing that you would want to consider is durability. And that would depend on the construction material of the lock. Usually, most manufactures will utilize regular quality brass or stainless steel. However, those locks would not have an excellent overall build quality.

Instead, what you want to look for is high-quality stainless steel or die-cast materials. Those will make the lock sturdy and allow it to handle a good amount of stress. And even if a burglar or intruder pushes on the door with heavy force, the lock will not break that easily.

Build Quality

Just the durability will not cut it when it comes to a chain lock. It needs to have an excellent overall build as well. When the quality is not up to the level, you will notice sharp corners. And that would make it hard to use the lock.

Furthermore, a good build also makes the lock look good, which will make it blend well with the door.

Outlooks

The front door is the first place where the eyes of your guest will be when you bid them goodbye. So, if you get a lock that looks out of place, the last impression will not be that good.

Considering that, get something that will blend well with the door. Opt for the lock with a modern style if the other ones do not blend that well.

Finish Options

More options in the case of finish is always a good thing. Also, there are some brands that will offer exquisite finish options. And those would make the door look unique by adding an aesthetic touch to them.

Setup Process

Another thing that you need to consider before making a purchase is the setup process. And it will highly depend on whether the lock comes with all of the required hardware or not. If it does not, you would need to go through the hassle of getting the hardware separately.

Secondly, ensure that the overall design is simple to work with when it comes to installation. If it requires special screwdrivers and tools, the setup process can be a bit difficult.

Chain

The chain is the thing that will hold the locking frames together and add a layer of security to the door. And the length of the chain matters a lot in this case. If it is too short, you will not be capable of viewing the outside. And if it is too long, there will be a high chance of the people from the outside being able to unchain the lock.

So, the chain needs to be the right length. And for this, consider the measurement and the type of your door.

Rust Proofing

Most of these locks will be made of metal. And metal has a tendency to react with moisture and oxidize, which causes rusting. However, some manufacturers will go one step ahead and coat the exterior with a rust-proof coating. We would recommend getting those as they will enhance the lifespan even further.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How to put a chain lock on the door?

To put the chain lock on the door, simply take the measurements, mark the holes, predrill the holes, get the frames installed, and screw the parts in. This process will take at best 10 to 15 minutes. And for most cases, you would require only a drill machine, screwdriver, masking tape, and a pencil.

• Which is the best lock for a front door?

The best front door chain lock would be the ones that are easy to install, looks great, provides enough security, and has a durable overall construction. And if you are still wondering what the best chain lock for your door is, we would recommend going through our picks.

• Are all of the door locks rust-proof?

Not really! Most of them will not have a finish to protect the metal from rusting. Those will react a lot with water and moisture. So, if you want to ensure that the lock does not deteriorate over time, you should check whether the finish on the exterior can resist rust or not.

• Is a door lock chain worth it?

Most of the door lock chains will come at an affordable price point. And for the price, they would be capable of providing an additional layer of security to your door, which makes them totally worth it.

• Can I use a different set of screws for the chain lock?

Yes, you can use a different set of screws for the chain lock. In fact, it would be better if you opt for high-quality screws for installing the lock. That will let you carry out the setup process properly and allow the lock to be properly in place.

Final Words

By getting the best door chain lock, you would ensure that the door is burglarproof and add a layer of security to your door. And we would like to wrap things up by stating that all of the models we have gone through in this article are nothing but that. So, you can pick one without having to overthink.