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.
I know enough about smart technology to know the best lock is the old school analog ones. A hacker can break into many RF based locks with a toy turned garage door opener master key.
The cloud based always connected to the internet ones are even spookier and I dont trust my network security enough for that shit and honestly neither should you
Look I understand the temptation of smart technology connecting to your phone but were not talking about a fridge with a camera and mic that connects to the internet here. If there’s one thing I dont want hackers potentially getting into its the literal locks and bolts to my home and car. Get something analog.
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.
If you watch lock picking lawyer, you may as well just leave it open. Most smart locks seem to prioritise convenience over security. -possibly check that your insurance is happy with a smart lock.
As my father would say “locks keep honest people honest”
So what is the best way of securing a door without spending thousands?
Why would not needing a car key mean you can’t use other keys anymore? Just get a key and put it in your wallet.
It’s not that I can’t, it’s that I would prefer not to. Having nothing but an ID and credit card in skinny jeans is way better than the big bulge of keys.
A single key is as slim as any card…
A single key is also a loss risk if you take anything out of a pocket. I’m always nervous about a single key. And then there’s the ‘where did that go’ when you change without emptying the pockets because its so small you forget its there.
