Digital entrance locks

[trbomax]

Who has them on thier shop,what brand , and why do you have them? I'm ready to pull the trigger mostly for convienience,having to have the key all the time is a pia so we actually have only locked it up about 4 times in the last 3 yrs.

 

[dankicksass]

I have a Kwikset keyless deadbolt (still has a key, mind you) on my shop. It's just a homeowner grade thing but the trim is square and the finish is satin chrome so it looks fairly professional, much better than the silly Schlage ones. I think they're about a hundred bucks, my dad gave it to me, probably so he can get in on the weekends for himself. It reminds me of Ford's old keyless entry door pads. They take batteries, but what doesn't these days? I used to work at a tire shop with a mechanical pushbutton lock, jammed all the time, big pain in the ***. This is much better.

 

[D.J.]

It's not on my garage, it's on my home. Will definately have one on my garage when I get to build it. Like Dan says it still has a key in case the batteries go dead. Kwikset is the brand of mine.

 

[aar0s]

I had one of these when they first came out, didn't last long. got a replacement and it held up much better.

 

[Will67]

I have had both the kwikset and Schlage ones, the kwickset is much easier to install and program, but the kwickset finish does not last very well in full sun. If you do get one remember to use several different codes or you may wind up wearing off numbers of your code (or grease on them) and then it is just a matter of some ******* punching four digit code of worn or dirty keys to break into garage.

 

[machine_punk]

I have had the Schlage models on my house for the past three years and they work beautifully. I have the deadbolt version for the front door and the 'regular door' version for the entry from the garage to the house. Holds up to 19 codes and relatively easy to program (when I have contractors come over, I use a 'disposable' code to let them in when I am not home...then delete that code the next day). I also program in an 'emergency' code...some pattern which is VERY easy to remember and punch in, in case I need to get in the house quickly (not that I have ever needed it).

 

[d33pt]

http://www.ap501.com/

I've been using one of these on my front door for about 3 years now. It's been solid. You can use a "key" or combo keys. There is no traditional key bypass to it, which is great. Nothing to pick. For a failsafe if the batteries are dead, you hold up a 9v batt to external terminals to energize it temporarily. It's much better made than the combo locks sold at the box stores, but is kind of pricy at $300.

 

[SuperSocket]

I have had both the kwikset and Schlage ones, the kwickset is much easier to install and program, but the kwickset finish does not last very well in full sun. If you do get one remember to use several different codes or you may wind up wearing off numbers of your code (or grease on them) and then it is just a matter of some ******* punching four digit code of worn or dirty keys to break into garage.

Much easier to install and program????


I installed my Schlage and thought, "damn, they couldn't make it any easier!"... I thought it was brain dead simple.... any simpler and you'd have just a door knob like on your closet doors.


I love my Schlage.

 

[nehog]

I have had the Schlage models on my house for the past three years and they work beautifully....

...
I love my Schlage.

I have Schlage on my shop too, and same comment: love it. Works very well, easy to open. (I have keyless on all my doors, house and shop, so I am never locked out...)

 

[trbomax]

Sounds like the schlage is what I want. Two units,one code. One on house,one on shop.

 

[rodm1]

http://www.codelocks.us/ are nice they are expensive. High and I like these also very expensive http://www.alarmlock.com/trilogyexit.html#.

 

[SPCAS]

We actually use HAI automation keypads for keyless entry. Have one for the new shop to install but wanted to finish the floor first. Not really practical unless you are already doing automation though

I like them better because they can take up to a 10 digit code and you can put time constraints on the codes

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have had the Schlage models on my house for the past three years and they work beautifully. I have the deadbolt version for the front door and the 'regular door' version for the entry from the garage to the house. Holds up to 19 codes and relatively easy to program (when I have contractors come over, I use a 'disposable' code to let them in when I am not home...then delete that code the next day). I also program in an 'emergency' code...some pattern which is VERY easy to remember and punch in, in case I need to get in the house quickly (not that I have ever needed it).

Same here, I got one on the shop, got tired of digging the key out of its magnetic key box hid behind the electric meter so I bought one of the brushed stainless looking ones for the mandoor on the shop. I put several codes in it and have one I can give to a neighbor over the phone in an emergency and then delete it later. The buttons have a anti-stain coating so they don't really get dirty, and I alternate the codes and also make sure my hands are clean when I open it. I added a rubber flap over it as the door is exposed to the weather (gotta get around to making an awning over the door )

I liked it so much, I added a polished brass one to the back door on the house.

I used a brother PTouch labeler to make a label telling when I changed the battery and the exp date of the battery. The house one was acting strange on the original battery so I changed it last week, it was a year and a half past the exp date on the battery. (new battery now installed and a date sticker on it) They give you some warning that the battery is going out, but like smoke detectors, you gotta change them regular.

I added the pull handle because it was difficult to get the door latched fully, and didn't want to damage the new lockset pulling on it. About a week after adding the pull handle, the door began shutting just fine and latching fully, duh!

Charles

 

[Will67]

Much easier to install and program????


I installed my Schlage and thought, "damn, they couldn't make it any easier!"... I thought it was brain dead simple.... any simpler and you'd have just a door knob like on your closet doors.


I love my Schlage.

I NEVER said that the Schlage was hard, I simply said the Kwikset was the easier of the two. Duh!

 

[NUTTSGT]

We have a couple of different ones at the firehouse. I think one is a Schlage and the other might be a Kwikset.

It beats the heck out of carrying a key fob.

 

[NUTTSGT]

sorry, just a glitch in the matrix

 

[BADSIX]

charles, i've been wanting to get one like you have. do you have a model no. so i would know what to buy. thanks

 

[Pate]

I am in the lock business and sell every major brand of electronic and mechanical access control locks.

I put the Schlage on my own house.

You may also want to check out the lighter duty verison of the mechanical locks from Kaba Ilco (Simplex). The advantage is they are full mechanical with no battery issues, but only allow you to use one code.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

charles, i've been wanting to get one like you have. do you have a model no. so i would know what to buy. thanks

I think THIS is the one, Schlage Plymouth Satin Chrome Elan Keypad Lever, Model # FE595 PLY ELA 626 Internet # 202177984 , $139.00 /EA-Each.

THIS is the same Satin Chrome except they call it Jazz and it has a more modern handle, and they **** you for $178 because the handle is different than the $139 version.

I used polished bright brass on the house, its cheaper and matched the house better, THIS is the bright brass version a $119.

Here are others................................

Antique Pewter at $117 internet special

Antique Brass at $129

Aged Bronze at $129

If you are feeling really spunky, Here is Satin Nickle wireless internet control version with the keypad, for $299

The programming is a little tricky till you realize you just have to do EXACTLY what it says to do, write it all out before hand. Do it with the garage door open so you don't lock yourself out (no I didn't)

Charles

 

[Daedalus]

You guys who have these make sure to block the view to the keypad from all angles when entering your code. A good lens hooked up to a motion-activated video recorder set up in a home or car even 200' away would be all a hungry thief needed. I used to want one, but realized that all in all, a key is probably safer. I like the rubber flap set up--people walking by don't know it's a key pad.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You guys who have these make sure to block the view to the keypad from all angles when entering your code. A good lens hooked up to a motion-activated video recorder set up in a home or car even 200' away would be all a hungry thief needed. I used to want one, but realized that all in all, a key is probably safer. I like the rubber flap set up--people walking by don't know it's a key pad.

Somehow I don't think that someone is going to bother to do this (the camera) to get in a garage or shop, its possible but...........

I put several fingers on the keypads at ATMs at one time and push the correct sequence, I'm much more afraid of someone attempting to see my PIN at the ATM.

I put the flap on to keep the rain off. If someone gets close enough to even see the flap........... well its a couple of thousand feet off the nearest public road, and several hundred feet off the street in front of the house, the subdivision is private and posted, so we don't get any unwanted traffic.

I was expecting someone to say something about the glass in the door, but no one did, its laminated, and while it could be busted out (anything can be broken into) it is not an easy smash and grab kinda thing. The garage door next to it is glass also, but its tempered, again, not real easy to get thru. The man door jam is braced inside so it cannot be spread with a crowbar to release the door lock tongue.

Charles

 

[machine_punk]

I use keypad locks constantly (at work and both my doors at home)...I always make sure I stand DIRECTLY in front of it and just a few inches away, while I punch in the code. My entryway at home is 'set in,' so nobody can see from the sides, just straight on.

 

[GarageEnvy]

Another Schlage user. I have it on my gate rather than my house. It's uncovered and exposed to the weather. I've had it about a year with no issues. I bought it after my brother did a similar setup on his gate and had no problems over 4 years. The rest of our house has Schlage and it's possible to have it keyed alike so that was the deciding factor. Also, I meet a lot of locksmiths in my job and I've heard on many occassions that a Kwikset is cheap and can be picked in under 30 seconds. The locksmiths I've talked to say that Schlage is a little higher level of security. Every foreclosure I go to has Kwikset because they're cheap.

 

[MrSnicks]

I have a cipher-type lock on my door. I'd have to check the brand I got it from IBM when they were demo/renovating one of the labs when I worked there. It has 9 digital keys and each key is randomly assigned one of the numbers each time you go to use it. This way if anyone sees your pattern it doesn't matter as it changes each time.

Patrick

 

[slickgt1]

Another Schlege.. I have both deadbolt and handle on my entry door. NYC here, so I lock it all the time. My tenants have their own code, we have a diff one. I change the codes regularly or when tenants change. I get serious use out of mine. The door must lock and unlock 40 times a day. I have it for 3 years now, and still never changed the battery. It is supposed to do a slow red blink when the bat is failing. So I leave it be till it does that.

Sitting here knocking on wood, hope that I didn't just jinx myself. lol.

 

[Cardboard Man]

Schlage here too. Been using it 3 years now and love it. Give codes out when necessary and revoke them just as easily.

Avoid the motorized lock sets that throw the bolt automatically when the code is entered. If the door isn't fully closed or the jamb is a little off due to swelling, the bolt might not fully engage and you wouldn't know it. The Schlage units have a manual knob that you turn and you'll know instantly if you need to pull the door shut more.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Another Schlege.. I have both deadbolt and handle on my entry door. NYC here, so I lock it all the time. My tenants have their own code, we have a diff one. I change the codes regularly or when tenants change. I get serious use out of mine. The door must lock and unlock 40 times a day. I have it for 3 years now, and still never changed the battery. It is supposed to do a slow red blink when the bat is failing. So I leave it be till it does that.

Sitting here knocking on wood, hope that I didn't just jinx myself. lol.

It takes a Phillips screwdriver and about ten minutes to unscrew the inside mechanism and change the battery and reinstall it, making sure you don't pinch the wires. Personally, with that many people depending on it, I'd be changing the battery every year. Pick a date and do all the door lock and smoke detectors at the same time, all 9v so go buy a big pack of them and spend an hour running around doing everything and get it over with.

Charles

 

[rwhite692]

Near Field Comm locks are hitting the market now:


http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/09/20/yale-locks-to-introduce-nfc-enabled-residential-locks-one-more-reason-nfc-will-be-awesome/


Video Demo:

 

[slickgt1]

It takes a Phillips screwdriver and about ten minutes to unscrew the inside mechanism and change the battery and reinstall it, making sure you don't pinch the wires. Personally, with that many people depending on it, I'd be changing the battery every year. Pick a date and do all the door lock and smoke detectors at the same time, all 9v so go buy a big pack of them and spend an hour running around doing everything and get it over with.

Charles

Yea I know I put them in. It took me longer to program all the codes than to install it. I am not concerned about being able to change the batteries. I'm just curious how long it will last. It still has keys, and I have a few people that have the keys. I also have more than one way to get to that door if something does happen. So yea, not worries about the bat dying on me all of a sudden. I also check to see if the red light works by entering a wrong code once in a while. Still no issues with the locks after such extreme use.

Really happy with it.

 

[cowboyjosh]

I have the oil rubbed bronze finished Schlages on various doors at my house, no issues, we love them. I did have them rekeyed with Medeco keys and cylinders so all the locks would be keyed the same.

 

[trbomax]

Bought a schlage today. will post on the install.

 

[35mm]

While not electric I have used these a lot at different work locations over the years.

http://www.locksmithtoolandsupply.c...oduct_Code=LR1021B26D&Category_Code=PBL-L1021

They are rock solid and you don't have to worry about the batteries running out. I did have one get screwed up because of bad door alignment. I called a locksmith to come out and "break in". When he saw the lock he said "****, this is the absolute hardest lock to break in". It took him about an hour with a small sledge and a grinder to get in!

 

[NUTTSGT]

I was expecting someone to say something about the glass in the door, but no one did, its laminated, and while it could be busted out (anything can be broken into) it is not an easy smash and grab kinda thing. The garage door next to it is glass also, but its tempered, again, not real easy to get thru. The man door jam is braced inside so it cannot be spread with a crowbar to release the door lock tongue.

Charles

As I came back to this thread, I saw the pics this time. I was going to say something about the glass.

All a lock does is keep an honest man honest. If a thief wants your stuff, he'll find a way to get it, wether it's chainsawing the wall out, driving a car through the garage door or waiting on you and gunpoint.

About the only thing you can do is just make it harder to get in. I do know, the keypads make it easier than fumbling with keys at times.

 

[R7237]

Schlage Chrome here. Been using since June last year, no problems. I think I got it at HomeDepot for $119. Love it. Can put in multiple codes for different users.

 

[frank_c]

had the Schlage at the old house, but on a couple inside doors. worked great.

 

[trbomax]

The install was no different than changing out a keyed lockset except that the holes in the striker were about 3/16" different (on center) than the Quickset that was previously installed.This required the glue and match stick trick to fill the holes. It is a very smooth operating set , glad I made the switch.

 

[Vinko]

Just bumping this thread to ask anyone who has installed one of the cheaper (such as those sold at Home Depot), residential grade combo/digital locks how they've held up?

I want to install one on a wooden gate on the side of the house -- and I'm not looking to spend a lot, but at the same time, I hate having to do a job twice if the thing's going to **** out in a few years.

That said, I've got older codelock (mechanical combos) that have held up in very heavy use in a shop environment for over 25 years, so they've definitely paid for themselves.

But this one is more just to keep the stray tweaker or opportunist away.

This thing will be by the beach though -- so the environment is somewhat humid, salt air, and all that goes with that.

 

[Vinko]

Another Schlege.. I have both deadbolt and handle on my entry door. NYC here, so I lock it all the time. My tenants have their own code, we have a diff one. I change the codes regularly or when tenants change. I get serious use out of mine. The door must lock and unlock 40 times a day. I have it for 3 years now, and still never changed the battery. It is supposed to do a slow red blink when the bat is failing. So I leave it be till it does that.

Sitting here knocking on wood, hope that I didn't just jinx myself. lol.

That's a good endorsement for the Schlege. Do you know off-hand what model you got? The ones at Home Depot didn't look like they'd withstand that kinda frequent use. But I what I do know

 

[FakeName]

I have three of these Emtek:

handlesets.com has them- don't be put off by the list price, enter coupon code EMTEK and the price drops a LOT. They use a Schlage blank and you can order them keyed to your key number. I also use a double-cylinder deadbolt when I'll be away for a few days.

 

[FakeName]

BTW- Schalge has a very groovy system that is controlled via ip. One can control one's locks via internet browser from anywhere in the world, including setting temp passwords or unlocking. Buddy of mine has a business with multiple areas of access.

There's a monthly fee that's about $10 or 20 per month, so I passed.