What’s the difference between a privacy and a keyed (or entrance) knob?

I know it might seem really confusing, but once you understand both functions, it will be a cinch.

Privacy function:

A privacy knob or lever would be something you would probably use on a bathroom or bedroom door. Depending on the brand, it will have a push or turn button on the inside door knob. Or sometimes there will be a pin on the inside rosette. These buttons will lock the knob in place until turning the knob or lever, which releases the pin. It generally has a hole on the outside where you can insert generic tool, or your wife’s bobby pin, to pop open the lock.

Push or turn piece on inside.

Keyed or entrance function:

A keyed entrance function would generally be used on a front or back door, or any exterior door. It has a keyed cylinder on the outside where you would need to use a key to unlock and lock. The keyed functions have a turn button on the inside, similar to the privacy lock. This type of function is made for doors where security is a concern, where no one is able to enter without a key when door is locked from either the inside turn button or from locking it with a key from the outside.

Keyed on the outside, turn button on inside.

Just think, privacy function would be for a door where you would want to be able to lock it for a little privacy, like on a bathroom door. And a keyed or entrance function would be used on an entry or entrance door with a key. Simple as that!

Give us a call if you have any questions, we would be glad to help!