Hello Lemmy!
I have moved to a walkable area and no longer need to have my car keys on me all the time. My landlord has put in a crappy 4 digit combination style door lock, but said I could change it.
What is the best kind of keyless door lock that I can use instead? Ideally one with decent enough security to be as good or better than a key?
Thanks for your input!
Locksmith here. What specifically are you looking for? I can tell you now, avoid Level, they are incredibly vulnerable to brute force attacks. I would also steer clear of any “Amazon” type smart locks. If it’s not a major brand, it hasn’t been vetted and there’s little one can do as a consumer if it fails.
I’ll give more detailed recommendations depending on your needs, and pro/con of the options available that meet that need. Do you need:
- A key override if batteries die?
- (Or no key at all, ever?)
- Internet connectivity/app integration?
- Latch monitoring?
- Price range?
Thank you!
My main requirement was getting away from needing a key, and making sure the door locks behind me. I would like to avoid network capabilities unless they are local and very secure. Long battery life or no battery at all would be ideal.
I was thinking about a 6-8 digit combo lock made out of something that doesn’t wear easily so the buttons aren’t revealed overtime, that makes certain that the door locks behind you—an issue with the current lock that requires a button to be mashed for locking every single time.
Kwikset Obsidian
No key, use a 9V battery on the exterior terminals if you get locked out because of a dead battery
User codes 4-8 digits in length
Smudge resistant touchscreen, sometimes annoying to activate
Discontinued, but you can find them on Amazon
Compatible with standard US deadbolt prep, no additional drilling required
Has an automatic relock option, locks itself after 30 seconds. Just didn’t forget, if you propped the door open for a minute, the bolt is extended. Don’t mindlessly slam the door
Because this doesn’t have a keyway, I have no problem recommending this Kwikset. Kwikset Smartkey has gotten better, but still has vulnerabilities that I didn’t like.
overtime
“over time”, right?
I don’t do auto lock ever because I’m screwed if I walk outside (get mail for example) without my phone or keys.
I’ve been using a set of Yale’s digital combination locks for more than a decade and they have been great. They support multiple codes of up to at least 8 digits, but you can choose fewer. Battery life has been very good and they’re easy to change.
They have no exterior keyway, which makes them harder to bypass using conventional methods. If you get stuck outside with the battery dead, just hold a 9V battery against two contacts on the underside of the keypad to provide power.
We have them on all three of our exterior doors. Between those, and our keyless cars, we no longer need to use keys.
I have a Yale PIN lock that has swappable wireless cards. I use it on a Zigbee network, but that’s completely optional. It’s fantastic. Even without the wireless, it’s great.
I’ve had to reprogram it once or twice just due to issues with my smart home stuff, and even the physical interface is nice and easy, assuming you’re just entering your PIN or if you have the manual available if you’re doing anything more involved.
Schlage makes a keyless entry lock that isn’t strictly “smart” (no wifi or Bluetooth) but is pretty well made and as secure as any common deadbolt lock. I have two and have been using them for several years with no problems. I can’t remember the model but they are in the $100 price class and most major hardware outlets have them.
As others have said, I’d stay away from any kind of fully remote lock.
Watch the Lockpicking Lawyer videos on youtube and just stick with a normal lock. Any lock that doesn’t suck major balls will cost way too much.
I’ve had no issues with my Eufy smart lock. It has a fingerprint reader which is super convenient. It also allows you to program in multiple people, each with different codes, fingerprints, and allowed access time.
Does it integrate with Homebase?
I dont think so, there’s not a camera on mine so no video to store
If you’re gonna be putting a number lock or anything of the sort on anything, make it a lock box to keep the key for the door in.
Focus on a secure key lock instead of trying to find a better alternative, the best you can do is a harder to pick key lock.
I like the August Smart Lock.
