Is it time for smart locks?

[ezriderga]

Our house was built in 2000 and has the original locks (Titan). We bought it in 2002 as our retirement home. If I had built the house I would have paid for better quality locks but it is what it is. We do have a monitored alarm system.

All our locks are keyed the same. Recently the lock on the outbuilding door was difficult to open (lubed periodically). Today the lock on the door entering my shop off the attached garage was impossible to open, even after trying another key.

I'm just now starting to research this as I may want to replace all the door locks ( total of 6 ). For those of you who have done this, did you replace with a conventional keyed lock or smart locks?

Regardless of whether you went with keyed or smart locks, which brand did you go with? Are you satisfied with them? Did you install the replacement locks yourself? Any other suggestions? TIA for your help.

 

[rlitman]

I've got Medeco locks on my house. They get cleaned and lubricated yearly, or they stop working reliably.

 

[Mowerpan]

I prefer mechanical locks without the smart technology. I would bet that the quality of many of those locks are extremely poor anyways. I have Abloy Protec Deadbolts on my doors.

 

[bkibler]

I put super glue in the outside keyways of doors I rarely use (e.g. front door, second garage door) so they can't be picked/bumped, and then use smart locks for the remaining doors that get a lot of use. The super-glued locks just get deadbolted​ from inside. I don't carry keys, and service people and cleaners get their own unique codes.

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[keelan]

I would never put one of those Bluetooth or WiFi connected locks on my home. The "chain of custody" of the various layers of tech is a mess, and the security of the whole thing is often hinged on some black box module crapped out of a no name vendor in China.


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[kwschumm]

I've been interested in smart locks for awhile because it would be nice to be able to set a temporary access code to allow certain folks to enter the door. However, every review of smart locks I've read indicates they are much easier to physically defeat than a good traditional lock. So I'll stick with the tried and true. At least mechanical locks don't crash and/or require upgrades.

 

[Kaizen]

I have slage deadbolts and knob locks on all doors for a total of six including shop. Easier then having different keys but costly if keys are stolen. I can just have hd rekey them though. Lifetime warranty and most are going on twenty years with no maintenance. I like the idea of keyless but think it's in the infancy still


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[onthefence777]

Our house was built in 2000 and has the original locks (Titan). We bought it in 2002 as our retirement home. If I had built the house I would have paid for better quality locks but it is what it is. We do have a monitored alarm system.

All our locks are keyed the same. Recently the lock on the outbuilding door was difficult to open (lubed periodically). Today the lock on the door entering my shop off the attached garage was impossible to open, even after trying another key.

I'm just now starting to research this as I may want to replace all the door locks ( total of 6 ). For those of you who have done this, did you replace with a conventional keyed lock or smart locks?

Regardless of whether you went with keyed or smart locks, which brand did you go with? Are you satisfied with them? Did you install the replacement locks yourself? Any other suggestions? TIA for your help.

I didn't read the thread. Even if I did, I would still say stick with key locks. EMP and hacker proof. Steel door and heavy frame if you want to dig deeper. Options beyond that too.

 

[6768rogues]

I have Schlage keypad deadbolts on our house and shop. My son has them on his vacation rental homes. They work well and I do not have to carry keys. I have no reason to have them connected to anything having to do with a computer. Each lock can hold something like 19 different 4 digit codes. On the rentals, I program them with user codes, maintenance codes and cleaner codes. I also put my house code and my son's house code in each one. Those codes don't get shared and if either of us goes to any house, we can get in with no keys and nothing more to remember than our home code.
My father retired as an officer at a state prison, and they always used Schlage locks. Locks are important to them.

 

[PhysicsDude]

I install electronic locks professionally (access control systems).

I will tell you a few things about the industry:

1. The primary reason to have electronic locks is to prevent unknown hardkeys (a janitor that quit, a manager lost their key ring, etc.) existing out there, and having to rekey locks frequently. In a residential setting this is not a real concern unless you lend people your house keys often.

2. Electronic locks are for convenience, not safety. They're so you can give your friend a temporary PIN to enter your house if they're watching your dogs for a weekend which you can later deactivate. It also allows for a track record, if your hardware supports that, i.e. knowing that code 323232 was used at 9:45pm last friday night.

3. Electronic locks should ALWAYS have a mechanical backup key.

Unless you have a reason to temporarily give people access to your house, or you want to track what time your kids get home etc., I don't see a big need for electronic locks. If you want security, get cameras. Any residential lock can be unlocked easily with a good pick or bump key if someone really wants to get in.

Personally, I always use Kwickset SmartKey locks. You can re-key them on the fly in ~10 seconds. I used to have roommates, and I would re-key the doors any time someone moved out. Very convenient, and the locks are pretty good quality themselves, and reasonably priced.

I have a garage door keypad that I use to give temporary access to the house. They're like $20 compared to the ~$200 that an electronic lock costs.

You didn't mention how you were lubricating the locks, if you were using conventional lubricants like WD-40, you shouldn't. It attracts dust and gums up the cylinder. You should only use dry graphite lubricant.

 

[Buckgnarly]

All Schlage at my house, new garage got keypad locks, freaking LOVE not needing keys. I have no interest in any Bluetooth **** though, keypad is enough.

 

[dogdog]

How much $$$ do you have? or want to spend?

There are consumer-grade stuff you get from HomeDepot / Lowes and there are commercial grade stuff you get even for the same brand companies.. Even for Medeco stuff.... I found that out when I bought a pair of keyed the same Medico cylinders and wants to get an extra key for it.... took the Medeco rep about two weeks to get the proper key blanks.... some controlled stuff.

Anyways for regular door locks, home stuff... Schlage brand is not bad, that is what I used for a door that I used the most. They have basic models ( that is what I have for about 7 years now), and the wifi model (newer model). or go with a name brand company.

or if you feel like a little spendy.. go with one of the locks own by Assa Abloy (they owned Medeco and other top brand lock companies). Their stuff is top notch.

http://www.intelligentopenings.com/...ts/online-access-control/power-over-ethernet/

 

[Shootinok]

I have a kwikset keypad deadbolt on my shop. It's a $100 key lock because the keypad doesn't work.
I thought it'd be great to not need a key to the shop. 1st one I bought at Home Depot didn't work. Returned it and installed the second one. Nope, no love. I had the kwikset tech on the phone for several attempts to help me program it. Even she gave up and said "I guess that one has a bad board".

I attempted to return it again and tried two different stores as they didn't have another one to exchange. Then to make it even more awesome, I lost track of the receipt and HM clearenced them out. So they would gladly refund something like $29

I put it back on the door and use a key. Works fine with the key.

If I was to buy a new lock today - no key pad for me until they get better.

 

[The Cobbler]

I like the good old key in hand. Schlage is a good brand for the dollar for most applications

 

[Richard Cranium]

locks are like every thing else, they make contractor grade, home owner grade and professional grade.

 

[ovilla]

I have Schlage key pads for the front door and the door that's used when coming in from the garage. I love not using keys and actually have no idea where the keys for our key pads even went. I've never needed them so who cares. The 9v battery on each lock lasts me a good 2-3 years before it starts glowing red to remind me to change out the battery. Anyway, just for everyone's information, all Schlage products come with a lifetime warranty - don't even need your receipt (just call the 800 number).

 

[dogdog]

I have a kwikset keypad deadbolt on my shop. It's a $100 key lock because the keypad doesn't work.
I thought it'd be great to not need a key to the shop. 1st one I bought at Home Depot didn't work. Returned it and installed the second one. Nope, no love. I had the kwikset tech on the phone for several attempts to help me program it. Even she gave up and said "I guess that one has a bad board".

I attempted to return it again and tried two different stores as they didn't have another one to exchange. Then to make it even more awesome, I lost track of the receipt and HM clearenced them out. So they would gladly refund something like $29

I put it back on the door and use a key. Works fine with the key.

If I was to buy a new lock today - no keypad for me until they get better.

The master code is usually printed inside the lock also when you open it .... maybe the factory screwed something up gave you the wrong code.... I know the Schlage is that way, they provide you the master code in a piece of paper also print it on the board inside. If you are adventurous, there are few people build a Bluetooth wifi out of adruino or something on youtube. The differences between the older generation and the newer wifi ones is that you can easily assign the codes and track entries over the wifi networks. As opposed to the old way of entering the master code then program it via keypad etc. That was a PITA.

 

[dogdog]

I have Schlage key pads for the front door and the door that's used when coming in from the garage. I love not using keys and actually have no idea where the keys for our key pads even went. I've never needed them so who cares. The 9v battery on each lock lasts me a good 2-3 years before it starts glowing red to remind me to change out the battery. Anyway, just for everyone's information, all Schlage products come with a lifetime warranty - don't even need your receipt (just call the 800 number).

That is nice.... I needed that keypad replace. I was moving stuff, one of the key fell off, when I rub it hard against one of the buttons. let me try to call them. I don't have any luck with warranty anything like my Channel Lock **** ratchet.

side note: If your house is all Schlage locks or at least all SC1 key hole cylinders... you can go ebay and buy a re-pinning kit that comes with all 0-9 bin ranges and the tool to take out the cylinder to re-pin. $20 pretty easy to do in about 10 minutes each lock, you can have all your locks keyed the same ... very Easy.

 

[yeldogt]

I view locks as access control -- if someone wants to get in they will.

Having more then one residence -- I use Primus cylinders. We let friends and relatives use our properties and I hope the Primus will give us some level of protection from rekeying.

Most of the electronic keypad locks have such cheap locking points .. junk. At least the high end Schlage feels like it's doing something.

I like the three point door hardware.

 

[ezriderga]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been using Houdini as a lubricant in my locks. I'm leaning towards the Schlage keyed locks at this point. I guess I'm too old to trust the "smart" locks at this point. Will I get better quality lock sets ordering directly from the company online verses buying from Lowes? It's good to know they have a lifetime warranty. I wasn't aware of that.

 

[ard]

im using a wifi/internet enabled lock by Equifax.

 

[chrismenke]

Just gonna say that it is a lot easier to pick a mechanical lock with a pick set than hack a connected lock with a computer.

Also, the mechanical lock won't tell your cameras to snap some pics or trigger the alarm.

I've got a number of properties with smart locks, and they do good things like squeal when forced and trigger alarm conditions.

 

[markw365]

Personally, I always use Kwickset SmartKey locks. You can re-key them on the fly in ~10 seconds. I used to have roommates, and I would re-key the doors any time someone moved out. Very convenient, and the locks are pretty good quality themselves, and reasonably priced.

No need to pick those, just look for that lock and use a kwikset smartkey force tool on it. As quick as a key.

As for electronic locks, I don't trust them.

All my home locks are the higher end Schlage with the beefier guts and thicker bolts.

 

[ezriderga]

Where do you purchase the higher end Schlage with the beefier guts and bolts?

 

[MushCreek]

I love discussions about super-gee-whizz deadbolts and titanium door frames, etc., when any 5 year-old can get into my house with a rock. I have good old Schlage matching deadbolts, but realize if someone wants to get in, it's not that hard. When I have to put bars on my windows and wait with a gun in my lap, I don't want to live here anymore.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

I would never put one of those Bluetooth or WiFi connected locks on my home. The "chain of custody" of the various layers of tech is a mess, and the security of the whole thing is often hinged on some black box module crapped out of a no name vendor in China.


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99% of the doors in the world can be kicked in with far less effort than entering a code or using a key. Locks really don't do much but make it noisier for people to come in without your permission. So you might as well use the lock that is most convenient for you.

 

[reader2580]

I have a Schlage keypad lock on the main door I use. It has a mechanical key lock too. It was selling for $199 at retailers three years ago and I got it cheaper on EBay.

 

[Kaizen]

Where do you purchase the higher end Schlage with the beefier guts and bolts?

My slage are off the shelf not commercial ones and have done fine. Only reason to go to other then box store is if you want to spend more money. I can't imagine what an actual locksmith would sell one for. Remember to get them rekeyed to one key


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[steveo1o9]

My slage are off the shelf not commercial ones and have done fine. Only reason to go to other then box store is if you want to spend more money. I can't imagine what an actual locksmith would sell one for. Remember to get them rekeyed to one key


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I bought all my new Schlage locks from an online retailer (who I can't remember) when I bought my house. The locks were the same quality that Lowes carries but I found them a few bucks cheaper (not much). The nice part was that they keyed all the locks the same for free before shipping and provided a bunch of keys, that was the plus for me. I tried to buy the locks in person at Lowes but the college kid who was apparently the only one who knew how to rekey those locks was never there when I went even after calling to confirm he was there...

 

[61scout80]

My front door has glass sidelites. Quality of the lock is pretty irrelevant when there is a pane of glass 4" to the right of it. If someone wants to get in they'll pop the glass.

Is lock picking really an issue with people in residential areas? I would think most criminals would pop a window, kick the door in, etc. before picking a lock.

I want a "smart lock" but I'm not buying yet. I think there is too much variation between the tech. I think eventually we're going to end up with more universal "language" for smart home devices, so I'm waiting a bit yet.

I hire help around the house and I want to know I'm getting what I pay for. When I'm going to be on a day trip I have a dog walker come by twice to walk my shepherd. I ask them to text a pic on each walk.

One older lady I hired had a flip phone and insisted on a paper log.I got home one day and the log was filled out, but my dog was absolutely desperate to get outside. This is unusual for my dog and the last visit was filled out as 2 hours before I arrived. The log looked like it was filled out all at once. It left doubt in my mind that she actually did what I paid her to do. I really think the woman showed up in the morning, walked the dog, took the cash and didn't come back.

If my lock sent me a text when someone entered their code I could know they are there to do the job. It's also easier to delete an access code when I have to fire someone then rekey my locks.

 

[yeldogt]

Where do you purchase the higher end Schlage with the beefier guts and bolts?

You have to get them online ... the light commercial line is basically what was the old base stuff.

Did quite a few rehabs in the 80's to the early 90's -- turning them into rentals. I used the same components in every one to make repairs easy -- bought decent stuff. I was selling the last one a few years ago and when I looked through my "supplies" I still had a couple 30 year old Schlage lockset and deadbolts. Now, Schlage was always a step up from Kwikset ... but, if you compare them to what is sold today .... the stuff today is junk. It's still the same design ..

The big box stores have reduced choices and quality with almost everything

 

[ddawg16]

Our side door (which gets used the most) has a digital keypad lock.

Best thing we have done.

More than once the wife has locked her keys in the house.

Kids don't need a key.

We can set a temp code for a house cleaner or what ever.

Yup.....love it.

But I would only do one door...the one used the most

 

[Jon_E]

The door in my house that gets used the most, has a Schlage keypad lock. The rest of the doors are various manufacturer's key locks, because we went with design rather than security - so one is a Baldwin, another is a Kwikset, etc. I am probably going to put Schlage keypads on everything in due time.

At work I am responsible for keying and security of all doors, and we have been transitioning from a crappy mixed bag of various locks and keys, some of it 50+ years old, to Falcon/Best Grade 1 and Grade 2 commercial ADA leversets with SFIC (small format interchangeable core) keyways. That way if keys are lost or misplaced or someone leaves, or there is a mechanical failure, I can just pull out my control key and change the core, and issue new keys immediately. Expensive? Very. But worth it. We are also transitioning to a high-security RFID card reader system for exterior and office doors, largely as a reaction to various active shooter scenarios. We want to be able to lock every exterior door at once.

None of the last paragraph is really applicable to the OP or those looking for home security, but there are many options out there that provide a high level of security. Adding cameras helps a lot.

 

[Brian_WK]

I use 2 key pad locks on the front door and one on garage door. Neither are connected but my garage door is MyQ wifi enabled. In all honesty with all the glass in my house it just keeps the friends and family out. Anyone who really wanted to get in would. The only thing I would be wary about with the connected locks is losing support for them rendering them dumb locks.

Brian

 

[Falcon67]

PhysicsDude has a good summary - I also run an access control system. We don't install any door that doesn't have key entry along with the electric strike. I personally use Grade 1 Schlage deadbolts at the house. As noted, any random brick will grant access to the house so you really should just steer an intruder to a room with a motion detector to set off the house alarm.

 

[Kaizen]

I bought all my new Schlage locks from an online retailer (who I can't remember) when I bought my house. The locks were the same quality that Lowes carries but I found them a few bucks cheaper (not much). The nice part was that they keyed all the locks the same for free before shipping and provided a bunch of keys, that was the plus for me. I tried to buy the locks in person at Lowes but the college kid who was apparently the only one who knew how to rekey those locks was never there when I went even after calling to confirm he was there...

Definitely a bonus esp as extra keys and rekeying do cost money at hd.


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[kwschumm]

Just gonna say that it is a lot easier to pick a mechanical lock with a pick set than hack a connected lock with a computer.

Also, the mechanical lock won't tell your cameras to snap some pics or trigger the alarm.

I've got a number of properties with smart locks, and they do good things like squeal when forced and trigger alarm conditions.

Nobody will try picking the electronic locks, they will just bash it with a hammer or kick the door in. And a few reviews say the electronic locks are far weaker defending against a physical attack like that.

 

[CraigStu]

We use the Schlage keypad deadbolts. The deadbolt itself seems to be the same robustness as any standard keyed deadbolt. These are so convenient we installed them when we moved here 3 yrs ago. they were the first thing I did to the house.
http://www.schlage.com/en/home/products/BE365CAMFFF.html

 

[ezriderga]

I bought all my new Schlage locks from an online retailer (who I can't remember) when I bought my house. The locks were the same quality that Lowes carries but I found them a few bucks cheaper (not much). The nice part was that they keyed all the locks the same for free before shipping and provided a bunch of keys, that was the plus for me. I tried to buy the locks in person at Lowes but the college kid who was apparently the only one who knew how to rekey those locks was never there when I went even after calling to confirm he was there...

That sounds like a good plan. I could go to box stores and get an idea of which Schlage lock sets I want and then find online retailers. We always use the entry door inside the garage when we leave or return so a keypad lock might be a good option there. Entering any other door will set off the alarm.

 

[MikeF2316]

I don't trust smart locks. The way I think, there's an actuator just waiting to unlock your door. You're trusting a company that buys electronics from the lowest bidder to not have any bugs. While I know that anybody can get in my house if they really want to, I'd like to think that it's harder to get in my house than some on my street, and that any bad guy will go to those ones.

When I was adding a man door to my detached garage, I was in a big box store and saw Yale brand keyed door knobs with keyed alike deadbolts kits. You could see the key code on the keys, I managed to find 3 that were the same. So I got 3 deadbolts, 3 door knobs and 12 keys (4 per package) all at once. So we went from 3 keys for the house (2 different knobs, same deadbolt front and rear) to 1 for 3 knobs and 3 deadbolts! I still pat myself on the back for that one.