Amazon Basics Exterior Door Knob With Key Lock and Deadbolt, Coastal, Matte Black

A door lock shouldn’t draw attention—until you need it to. I installed the Amazon Basics coastal knob-and-deadbolt set on a secondary entry to see how a budget-minded option holds up in day-to-day use. After living with it for several weeks, I came away with a clear sense of where it shines and where you may want to spend more.

Design and build

The set has a simple, modern profile with a matte black finish that plays nicely with most trim and hardware. Up close, the casing is brass with a steel internal structure, paired with a zinc-alloy latch bolt, a rounded steel faceplate, and a steel strike. None of these components feel premium or overbuilt, but they don’t feel flimsy either. The knob has a bit of “give” if you tug on it deliberately, the way many budget entry sets do, yet the overall assembly sits square and tight when installed correctly.

The finish is even and attractively muted. Matte black is fashionable and practical—it hides fingerprints better than shiny finishes. I wouldn’t call it scratch-proof. Be mindful during installation: rest metal tools away from the finish and snug screws by hand for the final quarter-turn to avoid scuffs.

Installation experience

The kit includes clear instructions and a drilling template, but most doors will already be bored for a 2-1/8-inch lock body and 1-inch latch hole. The latch adjusts from 2-3/8 to 2-3/4 inches, covering the two standard backsets. It fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, which covers almost all residential exterior doors. I had everything swapped in about 20 minutes with a Phillips and small flathead screwdriver.

A couple of tips that made the job smoother:
- Test the latch orientation before you screw it in. The beveled side should meet the strike as the door closes.
- When assembling the deadbolt, align the interior thumb turn to match the lock’s current state. If you install the interior half “out of phase,” you’ll end up with the odd behavior of only being able to lock from the outside until you re-seat it.
- Keep the screws slightly loose until the exterior and interior halves of both the knob and deadbolt fully engage. Then tighten them evenly to center the mechanisms and avoid binding.

Door-to-frame alignment is the hidden variable in any lock installation. If your door sags or the weatherstripping is stiff, any set will feel rough. With the strike plate positioned correctly, this one throws smoothly.

Keys and compatibility

One practical perk: four brass keys are included, all keyed alike to the same KW1 keyway. That’s plenty for a household without an immediate trip to the hardware store for duplicates. Because it’s a standard keyway, rekeying should be straightforward for a locksmith if you need it. The lock cylinder itself is a basic pin tumbler—serviceable, not high-security.

Operation and feel

The knob turns with light effort, and the latch retracts cleanly. The deadbolt has a full throw and seats without grinding when the door is aligned. There’s a slight “budget feel” in the rotational smoothness—less glassy than premium sets—but it’s predictable and consistent once everything is bedded in. For a daily-use side entry, I found the operation dependable.

One small quirk: the interior thumb turn on the deadbolt has a bit more play than I prefer. It doesn’t affect locking or unlocking, but it’s a reminder you’re not working with an ANSI-rated heavy-duty set. That said, after several weeks of regular use, there’s been no loosening at the escutcheons, no misalignment creep, and no balky throws.

Security perspective

This is a standard residential entry pairing, not a high-security system. The steel strike and rounded faceplate are adequate, but I recommend upgrading the strike screws to 3-inch wood screws that bite into the framing—an easy, inexpensive improvement to resist kick-ins. If you want more robust physical security, you’ll want to combine this set with a reinforced strike, a door jamb kit, or step up to a higher-grade deadbolt.

From a key control standpoint, the KW1 profile is ubiquitous. That’s convenient for copies and rekeying, but it won’t deter a determined lock picker or someone equipped with a common bump key. For most suburban and rental applications where layered security (lighting, cameras, good sightlines) is already in place, this set is adequate. For a front door in a high-traffic urban setting, I’d invest in something with heavier hardware and a higher security rating.

Finish and durability

The matte black “coastal” finish looks great out of the box and has held up well through routine use and weather exposure during the review period. I did notice that the finish will scuff if you drag a metal screwdriver across it during installation. If you’re worried about long-term wear—especially on a sun-exposed or salty-air install—masking the surrounding area during install and handling hardware on a towel will go a long way. Some owners clear-coat matte black hardware as a protective layer; if you choose to do that, keep the coats light to preserve the texture.

The latch and bolt materials are typical of this price tier. The zinc-alloy latch hasn’t shown deformation or sticking under normal use. I added a tiny dab of graphite to the keyway and a silicone-safe lubricant on the latch face during install; both help keep things smooth and quiet.

Value and use cases

At its price, the set offers solid value for anyone needing an immediate, cohesive upgrade on a secondary entry, garage door, rental turnover, or renovation where matching hardware across several doors matters more than flagship-level feel. The four included keys, adjustable backset, and inclusive hardware simplify planning and reduce extra trips.

Where it’s less compelling is on a heavily used front door that takes the brunt of bags, keys, and weather. It will work there, but I’d temper expectations about long-term finish perfection and the premium tactility you get from more expensive brands. Consider this a competent, good-looking workhorse rather than a lifelong heirloom piece.

What I’d improve

• Slightly thicker interior components would reduce the minor play at the knob and thumb turn and elevate perceived quality.
• A beefier strike plate with longer screws in the box would meaningfully improve out-of-the-package security.
• A clearer note in the instructions about deadbolt orientation would save a second install attempt for first-timers.
• Extending the warranty beyond a year would inspire more confidence for an exterior-facing product.

Practical installation checklist

• Confirm door thickness (1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches) and existing bore sizes (2-1/8-inch lock body; 1-inch latch).
• Measure your backset: 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches. Set the latch to match.
• Test-fit before tightening. Center hardware and tighten evenly to avoid binding.
• Use 3-inch screws for the strike plate to anchor into the framing.
• Lube the keyway lightly with graphite; avoid oil-based lubricants that attract dust.
• Keep metal tools away from the finish during install to prevent scratches.

The bottom line

The Amazon Basics coastal knob-and-deadbolt set does exactly what a budget-friendly entry combo should: it installs easily, looks clean and modern, and operates reliably once aligned. It’s not built to be a fortress, and the finish needs a little care during install, but there’s plenty of utility here for everyday residential use.

Recommendation: I recommend this set for secondary entries, garage doors, rental properties, and budget-conscious upgrades where you want a cohesive look, predictable operation, and straightforward installation. If you’re outfitting a primary front door in a high-traffic environment or you want top-tier security and feel, consider stepping up to a heavier-duty alternative and pairing it with reinforced door hardware.