CML Hardware Entry Deadbolt Door Lock and Passage Knob Combo Set, Single Cylinder Deadbolt Lock with Keys for Exterior and Interior Door, Stainless Steel, 1 Pack

Why I chose this combo

I wanted a straightforward way to secure an exterior door without adding friction for people moving through the house. The CML deadbolt + passage knob combo hits that brief: a single-cylinder deadbolt handles the security, while the interior knob is non-locking for free passage. For an entry that doesn’t need a locking knob—think side doors, mudrooms, or a garage service door—this configuration makes a lot of sense.

Build and components

Both pieces feel reassuringly solid. The deadbolt uses an all-metal housing with a steel internal structure, and the cylinder is a 5‑pin solid brass core keyed to the common KW1 keyway. You get three keys in the box for the one keyed cylinder. The passage knob, as advertised, does not lock—there’s no key cylinder or privacy button—which keeps operation simple and avoids double-locking.

The finish is a satin stainless look that reads modern without being flashy. It blends with brushed stainless appliances and other satin hardware without drawing attention, and it does a decent job hiding fingerprints.

The adjustable latch covers the standard 2-3/8" and 2-3/4" backsets, and both the deadbolt and knob assemblies fit doors between 1-3/8" and 1-3/4" thick. The faceplates are square-cornered. If your door or jamb was previously mortised for rounded corners, plan on a little touch-up with a chisel or switching to matching plates if you have them.

Everything you need comes in the box, including strike plates and screws. A small but useful detail: the machine screws for the knob are pre-installed in the assembly for shipping. You do need to remove them before you start—an easy step to miss if you’re moving quickly.

Installation experience

This set is friendly to DIY installs. With a tape measure, a Phillips screwdriver, and a sharp utility knife or chisel for minor mortise cleanup, I had both the deadbolt and knob swapped in under 30 minutes.

A few practical notes from my install:
- The latches adjust easily between backset positions; there’s a clear detent and the setting holds.
- The through-holes lined up well with existing bore holes on a standard pre-hung door. No re-drilling required.
- The deadbolt tailpiece engaged cleanly with the interior thumbturn assembly; no binding when tightened down.
- Strike alignment was on point with my existing jamb mortises. If yours are a bit off, it’s worth adjusting the strike alignment rather than over-tightening to make things “fit.” You’ll get a smoother throw and less wear on the bolt.
- Don’t forget to replace the short strike screws with longer ones (2.5"–3") into the wall framing for better kick resistance. The included screws are adequate, but longer screws into the stud dramatically increase strength.

Left- or right-hand doors aren’t a problem; the latch orientation is reversible. The instructions are clear enough for first-timers—diagrams are large and legible, and the sequence mirrors how you’d logically tackle the install.

Daily use and feel

The passage knob is slightly larger and more spherical than many budget knobs, which makes it easy to grip even with wet or gloved hands. Operation is smooth with minimal play. The latch tongue engages quietly, and the return spring feels appropriately firm without being stiff.

The deadbolt throws cleanly and seats positively into the strike. There’s no scraping or drag once aligned properly. The thumbturn has a low, unobtrusive profile, and the detent at full extension is easy to feel. The keying is what you’d expect of a 5‑pin KW1 cylinder: straightforward, no sticking when the key is properly inserted, and no need to jiggle.

Noise-wise, it’s quiet. The latch doesn’t rattle in the strike, and the deadbolt retracts without a clack. That might seem minor, but on a frequently used door it adds up to a nicer experience.

Security perspective

This is a single-cylinder deadbolt, which means a key is required on the exterior, and the interior uses a thumbturn. It’s the most common configuration for residential use and the right choice for quick egress. If you have glass sidelights or a window within reach of the thumbturn, understand the tradeoff: an intruder could break glass and twist the thumbturn. That’s not unique to this set; it’s true of any single-cylinder deadbolt. If that’s a concern, look into reinforced glass or layout changes rather than relying on a double-cylinder solution, which can create life-safety issues.

The 5‑pin solid brass core is a good baseline. It’s pickable in theory—as most residential cylinders are—and while the anti-bump design helps, it’s not a “high-security” cylinder. For most residential applications, it’s sufficient, especially when paired with common-sense upgrades: a longer strike plate with 3" screws into the stud, a solid door, and hinges secured with long screws on the jamb side.

Fit and compatibility

• Backset: 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" (adjustable)
• Door thickness: 1-3/8" to 1-3/4"
• Handing: works for left- or right-handed doors
• Faceplates: square corner

If your door uses radius-corner faceplates, you can either square the mortises with a chisel or source radius plates that match the latch dimensions. Also, this combo is ideal where you want a non-locking knob. If you require a keyed entry knob or a privacy function, this isn’t the right set; choose a keyed knob or separate privacy set for those locations.

Finish and durability

The satin stainless finish has held up well for me. It resists smudges better than polished finishes and doesn’t show hairline scratches easily. All-metal construction is a plus—no plastic collars to crack under screw tension. I wouldn’t expect it to develop the looseness you sometimes see in very lightweight hardware after a couple of years of heavy use.

CML backs the set with a three-year replacement that covers both the finish and mechanicals. That’s a solid safety net at this price point and suggests the manufacturer expects it to hold up under normal use.

Quirks and tips

• The passage knob does not lock. That’s by design. Make sure everyone who uses the door understands that the deadbolt is the only locking mechanism.
• Remove the pre-installed machine screws from the knob before starting. It saves ten minutes of head-scratching.
• Use a dry lubricant (graphite or PTFE) sparingly in the cylinder once or twice a year. Avoid oil-based lubes; they attract dust and can gum up the pins.
• Swap the strike screws for 3" wood screws into the wall stud for a meaningful security upgrade.
• If your door’s previous hardware used radius-corner plates, budget a few extra minutes for mortise cleanup.

Where this combo makes sense

• Secondary entry doors where you want free movement inside but solid locking from the outside—mudroom, side, or back doors.
• Garage service doors (house-to-garage doors often rely on the deadbolt for security; check your local code for self-closing requirements).
• Rental turnovers or refresh projects where you need reliable, clean-looking hardware without overspending.

If you want the “always locked” behavior of a keyed entry knob or you prefer a privacy lock for a bedroom or bath, look elsewhere. This set isn’t trying to be all things.

Value

Compared to premium, heavyweight hardware, this set is lighter but still feels well made. The action is smooth, the finish looks good, and the install is painless. For a modest price, you get an all-metal deadbolt, a comfortable passage knob, and keys in a common keyway that any locksmith can rekey. The three-year replacement coverage is a welcome bonus.

Recommendation

I recommend this CML deadbolt + passage knob combo for anyone who wants a simple, dependable way to secure an exterior door while keeping interior movement effortless. It installs easily, fits standard doors, operates smoothly, and the satin stainless finish looks good in most settings. Security is appropriate for typical residential use when paired with basic strike reinforcement. Just make sure a non-locking knob fits your use case; if you need a locking knob function, choose a different configuration. For the intended purpose, this combo is a smart, no-nonsense choice.