Is it time for smart locks?

[rlitman]

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.

Here's what I'm looking for in a lock for my home:

1) Something that offers a reasonable defense against kick in. For me, that's a Group 1 deadbolt mated with a reinforced strike (plus at least one screw per hinge that goes into the stud). Many (but not all) of the electronic deadbolts don't meet this standard, and use screws that will fall apart when kicked for example. Yeah, I get that with enough brute force, you can get past even this. I can live with that.

2) Something that is intuitive to anyone (sorry Abloy, I like your disc lock product, but you can't just hand an Abloy key to someone and expect them to work the lock without frustration).

3) Something that does not allow unauthorized access without signs of it. This is a big one for me. I understand that it is impossible to make a house that cannot be broken into, but it is VERY important for me that forced entry comes with signs of BREAKING and entering. This is because an insurance claim usually requires the proof of forced entry. i.e. if your lock was bumped, picked, bypassed, etc, the insurer can claim that you just left the door open, and not pay up.

Bonus for good key control.

 

[My Old Tools]

Schlage/Baldwin tumblers can be rekeyed at home. I did all of mine myself. I did put a Schlage electronic deadbolt on the garage access door during construction so I didn't have to hand out keys. It's still on there and I like it. Our house is mostly windows all the way around, so locks don't really provide much security.

 

[Thumper68]

I have the Schlage keypad locks on both the front and back door to the house, I can not count the $$ and aggravation this has saved me in the 5 years we have lived in this house.

My wife is famous for loosing her keys, 3 kids and over the years several relatives staying with us, no need to hand out keys, no lost keys, no one locked out in the rain or cold, no running home mid day to let someone in.

I don't care how good the lockset is, it is only there to keep the honest, honest.

 

[kwschumm]

FWIW, according to Consumer Reports the Schlage electronic locks are one of the best out there. CR has a spotty record at times but locks are easier to test than dishwashers.

 

[speed bump]

I have Schlage electronic locks on both of my houses with the first one being installed in 2013. I would purchase them again in a heartbeat and am currently planning on putting one on my garage as well.

 

[eddieK]

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 only use Baldwin, personal preference because of the quality.

 

[6768rogues]

I used to use Kwikset locks and never had one last more than 2 years. I tried different models and concluded that they are junk. Schlage locks last for a generation.
Kwikset have a half circle mechanism that turns the backset. After about a year they wear and only work if the handle is turned opposite what the usual way is. Then after about another year they die. Pure trash.

 

[chrismenke]

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.

Well, my Schlage electronic deadbolts are Schlage deadbolts with a electronic keypad attached, so hit it with a hammer all you want...ain't gonna unlock it.

The impact will, however, cause the lock to fire off the in-lock alarm siren and it will also turn my house cameras from motion sensing to record all mode

Having rekeyed the locks to match existing keys and disassembling the existing Schlages I don't see a security difference between the deadbolt and the electronic deadbolt.

Now, there are homeowner grade and commercial grade locks, and I will admit I didn't spent $500/door for the commercial grade electronic deadbolts.

Oh yeah, I also get a text every time a lock state changes...so there's that.

 

[rick carpenter]

I've often wondered why door locks can't be an electronically controlled mechanism inside the home framing for the bolt to go into the door.

 

[ozyborn]

My work has us selling and installing these smart lock ****. I say ****. Because if the door has a good seal, where you have to even slightly pull on it to lock. The smart lock will never be able to lock or unlock it. So many get returned because of this.

That being said I would never waste my money on a smart lock when a nice old fashioned keypad on the garage door works fine

 

[Cuda416]

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.

This sort of sums it up really. There is NO SUCH THING AS COMPLETELY SECURE SYSTEM... period. All you can do is make it harder for someone to get your stuff than someone it willing to risk it for. In the I.T. industry we consider the only secure computer is one that's not turned on. Give me physical access and all bets are off, not to mention the many remote attacks. These electronic "smart locks" etc all use established protocols for control. Those established protocols are all vulnerable to remote attack.

This comment about guiding the bad guy/gal to a location which will cause them to trip a siren is the best one I've seen so far and wreaks of security system understanding IMHO. Far too many people think of security in terms of a single point to get through, which is often not the case.

In a combat environment, we were taught to NEVER go down a beaten path because that's where the bad guys WANT you. You always take the "road less traveled" that takes more effort because bad folks are counting on the inherent laziness of people.

Drop you guard behind a "smart lock" without taking into account, that the bad guy might also have been trained to take the road less traveled, and you might as well leave the door open...

Great advise Falcon!

 

[kwschumm]

Well, my Schlage electronic deadbolts are Schlage deadbolts with a electronic keypad attached, so hit it with a hammer all you want...ain't gonna unlock it.

No hammer for me, there are easier ways to get in.

 

[Walter_TA]

So much good and bad in this thread. I have Schlage keypad deadbolts, they are as good or better than anything that is consumer grade. The weak point of most all lock system is the jam. One good kick and walk right in. You need two larger lags going into a 2 x 4 from a plate that the dead bolts goes through to stop a foot. Much harder to stop a sledgehammer. The next weak point is windows. Electronic lock have the same protection as keyed ones, but you don't need the key. In my case it is connected to smartthings, and will open the door when I get home. The security is very good. Put the wrong code in I know. Hit it with a hammer I know. Good luck trying to hack it. If you want good locks for a fair price get Schlage. If you don't want to have a key, get keyless. Want a key, get a key lock. A keyless lock has better security as you can be told someone is breaking in. By the way, the best security is a BIG Dog. The next best security is an armed neighbor and Smartthings.

 

[ambenz]

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.

This is what I did to all my exterior deadbolts...best thing I ever did!
Not connected to computers, phones, etc...not needed!
just remember a 4 digit code.
As with all locks, they are just a deterrent...if a thief wants to get in, they will find a way!

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

My work has us selling and installing these smart lock ****. I say ****. Because if the door has a good seal, where you have to even slightly pull on it to lock. The smart lock will never be able to lock or unlock it. So many get returned because of this.

That being said I would never waste my money on a smart lock when a nice old fashioned keypad on the garage door works fine

Sounds like an installation issue. My door needs to be pulled shut due to the seal. I have no issues because the deadbolt engages after the handle is already latched. Even when someone turns the knob before inputting the code releasing the tension onto the deadbolt, it has no trouble unlocking.

 

[ozyborn]

Sounds like an installation issue. My door needs to be pulled shut due to the seal. I have no issues because the deadbolt engages after the handle is already latched. Even when someone turns the knob before inputting the code releasing the tension onto the deadbolt, it has no trouble unlocking.

Even the Augest rep that came out to train everyone. He could not get the dang thing adjusted right. Lock had no oomph to retract or extend the deadbolt without pulling in the door. When he adjusted the door so the lock could work. Well the seal was useless, ring whistling through.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Even the Augest rep that came out to train everyone. He could not get the dang thing adjusted right. Lock had no oomph to retract or extend the deadbolt without pulling in the door. When he adjusted the door so the lock could work. Well the seal was useless, ring whistling through.

Yeah, that would definitely be an issue. Mine is a Yale and doesn't have any trouble.

 

[dogdog]

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.

if you insist on fixing your current lock your self.... some times the cylinders (pin tumblers and springs) are gummed with craps and more craps. applying more lube to it would only be temporary. If you feel advantageous , take it out and clean it with ultra sonic cleaner or bath it in wd40 etc and shake out the gummed stuff in the pin tumblers.

Other times on a really old lock, the springs would be weaken due to age.

there are the good brass locks and nicely machined cylinders, and there are the "unknown" brass pot metal cylinders, dependents on what you got.


Smart locks are not for everyone and every situation. It's mostly for frequent entrances for conveniences. My door knob lock is Electronic lock. the Dead bolt is pure mechanical for security reasons , like when I am away for a longer period of time or sleeping at night.

Unless you have some special things going.... I got my locks from HD /Lowes and rekey them as needed they are OK not the top priority / security. Locks only there to keep out honest people and dumb thieves.

If you feel adventurous there are Fox Police Locks you can buy as well.. might be illegal in some cities, like NYC.

https://countrysidelocks.com/produc...MI6OL0p9za1gIV3bfACh24lw_BEAQYAiABEgK6yPD_BwE

 

[chicken89]

my first house had a button pad for the front door lock- batteries died monthly. so we ended up just using the key every time
second house had the touch pad- lock would beep like it had dead batteries after a few weeks, but the touch pad always worked. we got tired of always hearing the beep that we took the batteries out and just used the key.
one was shilage, other was kwikset. not sure which was which
now, at my current house, we have no neighbors and cow pastures on 3 side with farm field across street, if someone is walking near our house, then they ill intentions. we haven't locked our doors since moving in months ago. either my wife or i are pretty much always home due to work schedules

 

[Matt Matt]

With rental homes, I’ve gone through this over and over and over again. Nobody gets a key, here’s your code. I’m only talking consumers grade. Weiser uses a motorized latch which depletes the 4 AA batteries in no time (nine months or less depending on usage) . Now schlage only uses a 9 V battery that is hooked up to a solenoid for manual use. I have gone fully Schlage for any of my entry doors to shops, homes, cottages, vacation homes... and they all have a key deadbolt locking system for additional security. Remember, locks only keep out honest people. My front door is fully reinforced with 1/4” steel plates and non knock in hinges, but if somebody really wanted to get in, what would it take to get through three panes of glass??? And unlatch two locks?

 

[Lelandwelds]

Best security and convenience is a Best lock or SFIC. They're a bit ugly. They are not available at any big box. Pick any keyway but "A" and you are probably safe from bumping. Harder to pick. Not expensive if you know the right seller (papa777 on ebay).

Almost all attacks are physical. (Kick in door.) Criminals break in during the day. They avoid breaking glass, chainsaws, and grinders.

Best security? Never leave home. Get a dog. Get a nosy neighbor.

Abloy? Medico? MulTLock? Too expensive. Look at Angal, Marks, Everest, Primus.

Schlage, Quickset, and pretty much every company makes a quality lock and a **** lock. The **** lock is made specifically for the big box stores.

Dont shop at the big box stores.

 

[bkibler]

If you feel adventurous there are Fox Police Locks you can buy as well.. might be illegal in some cities, like NYC.

https://countrysidelocks.com/produc...MI6OL0p9za1gIV3bfACh24lw_BEAQYAiABEgK6yPD_BwE

Why would fox-style police locks be illegal?

When I lived in a NYC walk-up, I had 3 Mul-T deadbolts on my door: 2 on the knob side and 1 on the hinge side, basically the same result.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[cthulu]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L2SVZY4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Best deadbolt lock on the market, you have to nest it with typical hardening solutions but I would choose something like this over a bluetooth/wifi lock any day. Can't bump it, can't copy keys, theoretically you could pick it but the guy that can pick this is doing other things besides stealing your furniture.

 

[Pate]

I'm a locksmith and have installed the Schlage BE series locks on my house and almost everyone I know.

As far as spending a ton of money on Medeco, Primus, Abloy, etc it's a waste of money on a house. I've yet to see a residential burglary that had the lock picked.

Get a Schlage B660 grade 1 deadbolt and it will outlive you.

 

[dogdog]

Why would fox-style police locks be illegal?

When I lived in a NYC walk-up, I had 3 Mul-T deadbolts on my door: 2 on the knob side and 1 on the hinge side, basically the same result.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

yes, it is almost the same result if it is a metal door. Fox police locks are not picked proof, they are designed to prevent force entries. It's just a regular Rim type cylinder if I remember correctly.

This is what I have heard, they were being such a tough lock to break for the police in a drug bust back in the 70's 80's I think. they made it illegal to sell... Although I can't find any web reference about that. But almost every NYC apartment have them if you are in the neighborhood like lower east side back in the days.

 

[bgarrett]

im using a wifi/internet enabled lock by Equifax.

the internet of things is a bad idea

 

[JJ13]

While not as convenient as the newer, touchpad locks, I installed a mechanical button deadbolt lock many years ago. In my experience having one in the house where I grew up, it lasted 15+ years without any issues. I cannot remember the brand and am not home to check on it. I believe the company sold the patent and the name brand changed over the years but I really like the tall, narrow mechanical button lock.

While not as convenient as an electronic when it comes to recoding, it's only four screws and rearranging a few stamped metal parts to change the code. If you don't need to change it often, this might be better, definitely more secure!

 

[longez]

More than you want to know

Most of the information in this thread is pretty good. Hardware and lock grading is done by an ANSI accredited organization called Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association - or BHMA. The standards BHMA develops are known as ANSI/BHMA A156.** . How/why do I know this? I serve on BHMA's Board of Directors, their Executive Committee, and Chair BHMA's Standard Steering Committee - just returned yesterday from a BHMA meeting in FL. Full disclosure: I work for ASSA ABLOY

Traditionally, BHMA developed lock standards ONLY for commercial hardware, with Grades 1,2 and 3; 1 being the best. A few years back we began writing lock and deadbolt standards for residential applications. We chose to use A, B and C for grades to avoid confusion and misrepresentation with commercial locks.Take a lock at this website - almost all domestic lock manufacturers, including Schlage (Allegion), Kwikset and Baldwin (Spectrum Brands), Yale and Emtek (ASSA ABLOY) will be using this standardized grading scheme on their residential packaging and literature.

https://securehome.org/

https://www.buildershardware.com/

As several have pointed out, you need to be concerned more about the installation of the hinges and strike, and securing the casing to the framing than worry about the lock.

I have Emtek locks on my house, Emtek electronic locks on my shop and Adams Rite locks on my hangar...all with keys. If I didn't get a great employee discount there are other locks I'd be just as happy with; most of the Schlage products are very good too.

By the way, ASSA (Swedish) and ABLOY (Finnish) are both subsidiaries of ASSA ABLOY; I know it's confusing.

 

[ezriderga]

Thanks for everyone’s input. I ended up going down the street to our Lowes store and purchased this set keyed alike. We have lived in the ‘burbs for a number of years and have never had a problem with break ins. I know they can happen anywhere anytime.

Our front and rear entry doors are locked + deadbolts. Each have storm doors which we lock from the inside. The other entry door is accessed by opening the garage door and driving in. In addition, we have a monitored alarm system. I’ll get them in next week.

 

[ezriderga]

Just finished the install of the Schlage locksets. I was pleased with the fit and finish and the ease of installation. I got all of them
at Lowes for around $250 with my military discount. I guess I’m just too old school to switch to “smart” locks.