Kwikset San Clemente Front Door Handle No Lock, Entry Handleset Exterior with Interior Reversible Handed Lever, Non-Locking, Matte Black, Deadbolt Not Included, with Microban Protection

Why I Picked This Handleset

My entry door needed a refresh: the old handle was pitted, the action was sloppy, and the look didn’t match the rest of the hardware in my home. I swapped it for the San Clemente handleset in matte black, and after a few weeks of daily use, I have a clear sense of where it excels and where you should pay attention before installing.

Design and Build Quality

The San Clemente is a modern, minimal handleset with clean lines and a gently sculpted pull that feels substantial in the hand. The matte black finish looks refined without being flashy, and it works well on both painted and stained doors. More importantly, it feels heavy and solid in a way that suggests long-term durability. There’s no tinny rattle when you pull; the handle is quiet, and the interior lever action is smooth with a satisfying, well-damped return.

The set is “handle-only” on the exterior—there’s no keyed cylinder in the handleset itself—so you pair it with a separate deadbolt (mechanical or electronic). I actually prefer this configuration; it keeps the handle geometry clean and lets you pick your preferred deadbolt technology without compromise.

One thoughtful touch: the surfaces are treated with Microban. It’s not a substitute for cleaning, but it’s a nice extra for a high-touch piece of hardware that sees constant use.

Installation Experience

This is a straightforward project if you’re comfortable with a screwdriver and a drill. The set comes with the handleset, interior lever, adjustable latch, strike plate, screws, and an installation guide. A few notes from my install:

• Door fit: It fits standard doors 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thick. My slab is 1-3/4" and everything stacked up perfectly.
• Backset: The latch adjusts from 2-3/8" to 2-3/4" with a twist. It’s tool-free and positive—you won’t accidentally mis-set it.
• Bottom through-bolt: Some doors (especially if you’re replacing a different style of handle) may not have the bottom mounting hole for the exterior pull. If yours doesn’t, you will need to drill one. I used the included template, measured twice, then drilled a pilot hole clean through and counterbored from the exterior so the bolt head sits flush. Painter’s tape on the door face helps keep the finish from chipping.
• Reversing the interior lever: The lever is reversible for left- or right-hand doors. Mine required flipping. It’s simple, but the steps aren’t front-and-center in the instructions. Expect to remove a couple of screws to reposition the internal piece that determines handing. Once flipped, the lever action and latch orientation were spot on.

I replaced the strike plate, checked alignment, and had the door latching squarely in under an hour (including the extra drilling). If your door already has the bottom hole, it’s a much faster job.

Compatibility and Pairing With a Deadbolt

Because the handleset doesn’t lock on its own, your deadbolt choice matters. I paired mine with a keyed electronic deadbolt from the same brand, and the aesthetics match cleanly. The vertical spacing between the deadbolt and the handle is the standard prep, so anything designed for a standard 2-1/8" bore with a 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" backset should work.

If you’re going with a smart keypad deadbolt, the clean, unkeyed look on the handle itself complements the tech-forward top lock nicely. Just make sure the lever’s return clearance doesn’t conflict with any decorative trim around your deadbolt; the San Clemente’s lever is compact enough that this shouldn’t be an issue.

Daily Use and Ergonomics

The reason to choose a handleset like this is the feel in daily use, and this one delivers. The pull is comfortable for quick exits, and the interior lever turns with minimal effort. The latch engages smoothly without drag or binding, and the return spring brings the lever back without slapping the rosette.

With kids in the house, the non-locking handle is a plus—no accidental lockouts from a mis-turned button—and all security functions live on the deadbolt. The matte black finish has resisted fingerprints better than I expected. It still shows dust like any flat finish, but a quick wipe brings it back to a uniform tone.

Finish and Durability

The finish looks even and consistent out of the box, with a micro-textured feel that hides small marks well. After a few weeks of sun, rain, and lots of traffic, there’s no visible wear or color shift. It’s early days, but combined with the lifetime mechanical and finish warranty, I’m comfortable with durability expectations.

I also appreciate the build choices that contribute to longevity: the through-bolt at the bottom eliminates wobble over time, the latch face sits flush, and the screws are appropriately sized (no soft heads that cam out on the final quarter-turn).

Security Considerations

A handleset’s job here is to operate the latch cleanly; security resides in the deadbolt. The San Clemente keeps the latch action consistent and the door seated firmly against the weatherstrip, which helps your deadbolt align and throw smoothly—especially important for electronic models that don’t like friction.

If you’re upgrading security at the same time, consider:
- Reinforced strike plates for the deadbolt.
- Longer screws into the door jamb.
- Proper alignment to prevent precocious wear on a smart deadbolt’s motor.

The handleset doesn’t get in the way of any of that; it integrates neatly.

What I’d Change

A few small areas could be improved:
- Clearer guidance on reversing the interior lever. It’s doable, but a dedicated callout in the install guide would save time.
- A more prominent reminder about the bottom through-bolt hole requirement. If you’re replacing a knob or a different style handle, you’ll likely be drilling; good templates and notes are included, but it’s worth highlighting up front.
- Including an optional reinforcement plate for the exterior pull would be a nice value-add for thinner doors, though not strictly necessary.

None of these were dealbreakers, but they’re worth knowing before you start.

Who It’s For

• Homeowners seeking a modern, minimal look to pair with a mechanical or smart deadbolt.
• Anyone upgrading from a dated, two-piece handle/knob set who wants a heavier, smoother feel.
• DIYers comfortable with basic drilling and alignment. If your door already has the correct prep, even a first-timer can handle this with patience and a level.

If you want a one-box solution with an integrated lock, this isn’t it—you’ll need to buy a deadbolt separately. But that modularity is part of its appeal.

Tips for a Clean Install

• Confirm door thickness and backset before starting.
• Use the included template and a brad-point bit for the bottom hole to minimize tear-out.
• Test-fit the latch and check handing before tightening everything down.
• Don’t over-torque the screws on the interior trim; snug and even keeps the lever action smooth.
• After installation, cycle the lever and latch 20–30 times to confirm there’s no rub against the strike.

The Bottom Line

The San Clemente handleset strikes a smart balance: modern aesthetics, a solid in-hand feel, and an install that’s approachable for DIYers. The non-locking design keeps the look clean and lets you choose the deadbolt that fits your needs, and daily operation is smooth and confidence-inspiring. The matte black finish and Microban-treated surfaces are welcome touches that elevate the experience without gimmicks.

Recommendation: I recommend this handleset. It’s a quality upgrade that feels more expensive than it is, installs cleanly on standard doors, and pairs seamlessly with both mechanical and electronic deadbolts. As long as you’re aware you may need to drill a bottom mounting hole and you’re comfortable flipping the lever if needed, it’s a low-stress project that delivers a meaningful improvement in both function and curb appeal.