Posted: 10/27/2010 3:53:01 AM EDT
| Anyone using electronic keypad door locks? I've been looking at a few at Lowe's, and I like the concept of being able to key in a combination or use the key. Any negatives to these systems, and are they any more susceptible to tampering than conventional locks? |
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I don't think there is any special vulnerability. Just a few weeks ago I put in a few of the Kiwiset ones and love them! As long as I remember to not lock the knob, I can just punch in the code. Much easier than fumbling with keys and arm loads of stuff. I also just hit the lock button on the way out the door and the bolt locks itself. Yes they aren't "Grade 1" dead bolts but I don't think the cylinder is any different from the Kiwiset G1 deadbolts. The only real difference is they didn't come with the metal cup for the bolt in the frame. Wasn't a big deal since I had an extra already. |
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Quoted: Anyone using electronic keypad door locks? I've been looking at a few at Lowe's, and I like the concept of being able to key in a combination or use the key. Any negatives to these systems, and are they any more susceptible to tampering than conventional locks? I had a Garage door opener with a keypad, then the door from the garage to the house had a keypad. It worked out pretty good and no one knew any better. Never got locked out of my house.  But I would never put one on my front or back doors. |
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I was always told that locks only keep honest people out. If someone REALLY wants to get in, they will find a way. With some construction, it would be easier to just remove the damn vinyl window, entirely... than to dick with any locks. This^ Having been installing some windows lately I was pretty shocked to see how little holds them together. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I was always told that locks only keep honest people out. If someone REALLY wants to get in, they will find a way. With some construction, it would be easier to just remove the damn vinyl window, entirely... than to dick with any locks. This^ Having been installing some windows lately I was pretty shocked to see how little holds them together. Scary isn't it? If I were building a house, I'd have nothing more than portal type windows and maybe glass block on the first floor. |
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Depending on how often they're used, the numbers will start to wear off the buttons, giving hints to the combination. Just FYI. If you're seriously thinking about push-button locks then that fact probably won't matter to you. Good luck! I've been trying to figure out how build a replica of the keypads we have on the office entry doors at work. They are clear keys and when you hit the "Start" button or scan your badge they randomly generate the 10 key numbers in no particular order. They are the neatest darn things but, I have a feeling if I were to buy them they would be prohibitively expensive. The technology is pretty cool. I will, eventually, find a way to solder together something like it, I hope. |
| I installed one on the spare bedroom that I keep the gun safe in. The door is reinforced but the lock is more to keep the kid / nosy people out then to stop a thief. Has been in use for 4 years and the key pad has no sign of wear. Pad gets used at least 1 time a day. Believe it is a Kwikset, If you put the wrong code in after 3 attempts it locks the pad out for 20 minutes. have been very happy with it. |
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Depending on how often they're used, the numbers will start to wear off the buttons, giving hints to the combination. Just FYI. If you're seriously thinking about push-button locks then that fact probably won't matter to you. Good luck! Yep the keypad on my truck is starting to wear. I still have some warranty, I'm about to take it to the dealer to get it replaced.. |
| I got the Kwikset handle, not the deadbolt, and it works great! I have different codes for the different doors, so if people no longer need the code to get in, I can change it in 30 seconds. I also used my original house key to re-key it myself, took about 3 seconds to do. I also set it up to automatically lock after 30 seconds, so if I forget to lock it on the way out, I am covered. Batteries are supposed to be good for 10 openeings/closings a day for 2 years, but if the batteries do die, the key still works..... I say it's a good buy, and they are on E-bay for about $70 each....... |
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I was always told that locks only keep honest people out. If someone REALLY wants to get in, they will find a way. With some construction, it would be easier to just remove the damn vinyl window, entirely... than to dick with any locks. This^ Having been installing some windows lately I was pretty shocked to see how little holds them together. Scary isn't it? If I were building a house, I'd have nothing more than portal type windows and maybe glass block on the first floor. I installed floors for a living for a few yrs. million dollar homes when i was new.. i called and said the key doesnt work.. some one came by.. used my non-working door key to pry off the edge of the windows.. remove the glass.. unlock the window .. replace the glass and the edge then look at me like a fool for not knowing this, took about 5 secs. and leave... |
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Thanks for the advice.
I agree, most experienced thieves will get in regardless of the lock. My concern was simply if the keypad locks are as robust as standard keyed locks. The door its going on is inside my shop, and I am getting tired of having to keep up with a lot of keys. |
| I also installed one along with a new door several weeks ago. I don't believe it's any less robust than their key operated models. I also activated the autolocking feature so I never have to wonder if I locked up after I leave. All in all, I'm happy with the setup. |