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+--- Thread: Keypad door locks - did someone here decide on a good one? (/showthread.php?tid=275152)
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Keypad door locks - did someone here decide on a good one? - mrbigstuff - 02-27-2023
I recall the discussion not long ago, but now it turns out that I am also in the market for a new door lock. Current lock is a deadbolt with keyed doorknob, and I would like to keep both (if possible).
I'm about to go to my very capable locksmith locally, but I'd also like to know what I'm talking about with him. Thanks for any suggestions.
Re: Keypad door locks - did someone here decide on a good one? - mattkime - 02-27-2023
There are a few good options out there but the choice is usually a bit personal as the features of the particular smart lock can vary.
I've enjoyed using this one - https://www.amazon.com/Yale-Assure-Touchscreen-Wi-Fi-Smart/dp/B07GQ372JP?ref_=ast_sto_dp
but I didn't pay the current asking price.
Re: Keypad door locks - did someone here decide on a good one? - Ken Sp. - 02-27-2023
I absolutely love this lock. UltraLoq offers these locks with some or all of the features. I got on the one listed.
This one has:
Regular physical key.The face flips up to insert key.
Backlit Numeric electronic physical buttons for multiple codes. Lets you enter extra numbers before your actual real code, so if someone is peeking over your shoulder, they don’t know the real entry code.
Fingerprint reader
Bluetooth proximity to unlock as your phone gets near
Internet remote unlock from anywhere
Works with Alexa
You can share additional or temporary entry codes, and time restrict.
You can set the lock to automatically lock after a set amount of time.
Very strong hardware.
Very good 4 AA battery life.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082TNN1QB
Re: Keypad door locks - did someone here decide on a good one? - d4 - 02-27-2023
I've used this mechanical deadbolt door lock by Lockey for +10 years. No electronics. No App. No wifi. No battery. 100% mechanical. It has pros and cons. As a secondary lock (third lock in your case) it serves its purpose well keeping honest people, honest.
Re: Keypad door locks - did someone here decide on a good one? - Gareth - 02-27-2023
mrbigstuff wrote:
Current lock is a deadbolt with keyed doorknob, and I would like to keep both (if possible).
You want to keep them, as in you want to keep the setup of having a deadbolt and a keyed doorknob? Or you want to keep the actual locks you have and use an "add-on" device?
Also, are you tied to a particular key brand? (i.e. do you have other locks on other doors and you want the physical keys to match?).
Do you lock the doorknob also? Depending on the features you want, it can be hard to find matching keypad deadbolts and doorknobs. Also, keypad doorknobs are usually taller and might interfere with the deadbolt placement. I think the typical use for keypad doorknobs is on doors that only have a doorknob. It seems pointless to me to have a keypad deadbolt with a keyed doorknob - greater risk that you'd get locked out if someone locks the doorknob. So, I would consider replacing the doorknob with a non-key version if you replace the deadbolt.
Do you want smart features for the locks? (i.e. so you can remotely lock/unlock, see the lock status, set codes via an app, etc)
Re: Keypad door locks - did someone here decide on a good one? - Ombligo - 02-27-2023
I've used a schlage for years, no wifi, just punch in the number.
One bit of keypad security advice - change the 4-digit passcode at least once a year using completely different numbers, don't repeat. Using the same numbers will make it visibly obvious what your numbers are due to wear. Then instead of having 10,000 possible combos, you only have 24.
Re: Keypad door locks - did someone here decide on a good one? - Gareth - 02-27-2023
Ombligo wrote:
One bit of keypad security advice - change the 4-digit passcode at least once a year using completely different numbers, don't repeat. Using the same numbers will make it visibly obvious what your numbers are due to wear. Then instead of having 10,000 possible combos, you only have 24.
Yup, I've got 4 keys that are obviously the ones used, but at least we use a 5 digit code, so that'll probably confuse 'em! (4, 5, or 6 digit combos are options on some locks).
On a new lock, I set different codes for different people to use different numbers. Some locks also have a "random unlock" feature. I.e. on our new Kwikset, you have to press the 2 random numbers that show up to "unlock" the keypad before entering your code. I didn't like the feature though, so I disabled it and just went with the different codes with different numbers approach.
Re: Keypad door locks - did someone here decide on a good one? - mrbigstuff - 02-27-2023
I'm hoping to keep 2 locks that I have ( no 3rd lock). I'll research suggestions, thanks!
Re: Keypad door locks - did someone here decide on a good one? - RAMd®d - 02-27-2023
Current lock is a deadbolt with keyed doorknob, and I would like to keep both (if possible).
Yeah, no, not possible with most keypad locks.
One exception is the Level Lock, which uses one's existing, discrete deadbolt and has an optional keypad.
This is an amazing lock, replacing only the door strike mechanism.
Another possibility is the August lock, but I don't know if it has a keypad, and it's a bit ungainly.
Both are pricey.
Oh, and... - RAMd®d - 02-27-2023
It is a personal preference, but I'm not a fan of a keypad for a BT/WiFi lock.
It advertises that one has such a lock, and being only slightly paranoid, but mainly erring on the side of caution, it is possible that it could and might be hacked once the nature of the lock is known.
Now I'm generally a lone voice decrying exotic scenarios contrived by many how something may be deficient or defeated under unusual circumstances.
Most any deadbolt can be defeated by a good 'mule kick', easily accomplished, so proper installation is paramount, and even then...
A rim latch, properly installed, is a much better option but outside of the scope of the OP's request.
So to add a keypad means either a mechanical 'digital' lock, or one of the wireless variety.
In the case of the latter, convenience and UI need to be considered, so once an option seems viable, check out the UI first.
In the case of the former, that's basically a deadbolt only, used in addition with an existing/other lockset and deadbolt.
For a very long time, a Simplex mechanical deadbolt adorned one of my interior doors.
It was similar in construction to the Digital above, with 10 buttons and a 4-digit code, and a push button bar to open.
With such a lock, I'd want a 5-6 digit code, especially if the door isn't in a readily visible area with good neighbors.
I had a lot of luck, but on a bet I opened the same Simplex lock on a friend's door, after easily discerning which four keys were the ones in the combo.
Adding a second deadbolt like the Digital would be a keypad with extra security, though not particularly fashionable.
I don't know how suited they are for exterior use, but they may be serviceable.