Keyless deadbolt locks for house? (PICs)

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BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,585
14,990
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OR, you could call a locksmith and have your existing locks re-keyed.

Around here, the NORMAL charge is $45-$50 for the service call and $10 per lock to re-key. (if you have a lock that takes a key on both sides, it's $10 each side) Oh...plus any extra keys if you need them.
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
100,993
18,121
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OR, you could call a locksmith and have your existing locks re-keyed.

Around here, the NORMAL charge is $45-$50 for the service call and $10 per lock to re-key. (if you have a lock that takes a key on both sides, it's $10 each side) Oh...plus any extra keys if you need them.

or go to home depot and get a new dead bolt for less than that.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,585
14,990
146
or go to home depot and get a new dead bolt for less than that.

If you're only replacing ONE lock...and don't mind having different keys for each lock...maybe. To me, that's a pain in the ass. I'd rather have one key for all my doors instead of "this key for the front door lockset, this key for the dead bolt, that key for the side door, this key for the door into the garage, etc."
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
100,993
18,121
126
If you're only replacing ONE lock...and don't mind having different keys for each lock...maybe. To me, that's a pain in the ass. I'd rather have one key for all my doors instead of "this key for the front door lockset, this key for the dead bolt, that key for the side door, this key for the door into the garage, etc."

Op is just talking main entrance. If you have the right lock set, you can replace the tumbler section only too. Matching all the door locks in your house.


Personally I don't care. Been in this house since Jan and I have yet to use my 2 side entrances once.
 

SKORPI0

Lifer
Jan 18, 2000
18,500
2,426
136
If you're only replacing ONE lock...and don't mind having different keys for each lock...maybe. To me, that's a pain in the ass. I'd rather have one key for all my doors instead of "this key for the front door lockset, this key for the dead bolt, that key for the side door, this key for the door into the garage, etc."

But isn't that the purpose, make it difficult for those not meant to have access to your place? My main door has 1 key both for regular and the deadbolt since they came in as a set. :\

My sisters place has 1 key for the weather door, 1 key for main lock, 1 key for deadbolt lock. And all keys look the same. Same situation on the door from the back yard. Another key for the garage. o_O

lulz, how many thieves do you know that will pick multiple locks?

Probably none, I live in a pretty crime less area. It's just for a piece of mind.
 
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sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
100,993
18,121
126
But isn't that the purpose, make it difficult for those not meant to have access to your place? My main door has 1 key both for regular and the deadbolt since they came in as a set. :\

lulz, how many thieves do you know that will pick multiple locks?
 

KeithP

Diamond Member
Jun 15, 2000
5,664
202
106
4 digit code = 10,000 combos

It would be easier to figure out how to use a paperclip...

The easiest thing to do would be to watch someone operate the lock as the go in.

-KeithP
 

SKORPI0

Lifer
Jan 18, 2000
18,500
2,426
136
http://www.lowes.com/pd_39844-352-F...currentURL=?Ntt=satin+nickel+door+&facetInfo=

Been looking at these sets when I visit local Lowe's. $129+tax.

043156901364xl.jpg
 

zerocool84

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
36,041
472
126
If you're only replacing ONE lock...and don't mind having different keys for each lock...maybe. To me, that's a pain in the ass. I'd rather have one key for all my doors instead of "this key for the front door lockset, this key for the dead bolt, that key for the side door, this key for the door into the garage, etc."

Doesn't Home Depot/Lowe's rekey locks for you? I'm 99% sure they do.
 

Squisher

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
21,204
66
91
I say they take it a step further and have a key-fob for your house. How cool would it be to walk out of your house, point the keyfob backwards and have the all familiar "Beep beep" emanate from your humble abode?

:D

You can go one further and have a proximity switch open the door on your house 'hands free', but to do so you'll need to do some electrical and carpentry work because rather having the lock on the door open the striker opens up (like when they buzz you in at an apartment building). There is no actual kit for this but can be done by hooking up a proximity reader hooked to a relay to actuate the remote striker. I'm pretty sure all the parts can be had off X10.com.

EDIT: But, seeing how it isn't a kit I think I priced it out at $400
 
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ockky

Senior member
Jul 29, 2004
735
0
71
Forget busting down the door. Anyone who really wants to get in could just throw a rock through a window.

...

IMO, you're better off spending money on motion-sensing lights and real (or even fake) CC cameras before investing hundreds to reinforce and already secure door. Someone that's looking to steal something to make a quick buck probably isn't going to take the time / effort to kick down your dead-bolted door. They're most likely waiting for an opportunity where no one is home, when a window being smashed isn't going to alert anyone inside.

I'm not sure where you live curse, but here in Atlanta, the majority of break-ins are done by kicking in a door. I've watched plenty of footage of kids/teenagers to know it's really easy. deadbolts are a joke if you dont have anything re-enforcing the doorframes such as 3in screws on your doorplates or a StrikeMaster. go look at your door frame where the deadbolt enters, do you honestly think that little sliver of wood is going to stop any thing when some decent force is applied to it?

that said, a fob lock would be pretty sweet for ease of use
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
If you're only replacing ONE lock...and don't mind having different keys for each lock...maybe. To me, that's a pain in the ass. I'd rather have one key for all my doors instead of "this key for the front door lockset, this key for the dead bolt, that key for the side door, this key for the door into the garage, etc."
Even at Home Depot you can buy matched sets. When I replaced the locks at my house, I did all 3 doors, knobs and deadbolts, with the same key. Off-the-shelf HD locks.

I even picked out the ones whose key profile was *slightly* harder to pick, although obviously it'll still be vulnerable people with actual skill or people with a bump key.
 

sourceninja

Diamond Member
Mar 8, 2005
8,805
65
91
I always laugh at the deadbolt on my front door which is made mostly of frosted glass...
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,585
14,990
146
Even at Home Depot you can buy matched sets. When I replaced the locks at my house, I did all 3 doors, knobs and deadbolts, with the same key. Off-the-shelf HD locks.

I even picked out the ones whose key profile was *slightly* harder to pick, although obviously it'll still be vulnerable people with actual skill or people with a bump key.

Of course you can. I never claimed otherwise. My reference was to the cost. Why buy NEW when the OP can simply have the old ones re-keyed?

Of course, if he WANTS new locksets...he can buy new ones...but if his other doors use the same keys as the old front door locks...they'll either need to be re-keyed as well, or he'll still have the security issue of locks that other people may have keys for. Remember, that was his original concern:
Over the years too many people have keys to my house. (mainly neighbors that moved.)

Also, as already pointed out, the lock isn't the weak point. MOST burglars don't pick locks, they kick in the door. The door frame itself is the weak point.
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
Of course you can. I never claimed otherwise. My reference was to the cost. Why buy NEW when the OP can simply have the old ones re-keyed?

Of course, if he WANTS new locksets...he can buy new ones...but if his other doors use the same keys as the old front door locks...they'll either need to be re-keyed as well, or he'll still have the security issue of locks that other people may have keys for. Remember, that was his original concern:
Gotcha. You're right, re-keying is the way to go. Looks like the lock in the OP is a Brinks, which is certainly a step up from Kwikset or Schlage. Re-keying would be more secure than getting a cheap "keyless" lock.
 

edro

Lifer
Apr 5, 2002
24,326
68
91
I have this one (from Home Depot): http://www.kwikset.com/Products/Details/Electronic-Locks/909-15-SMT.aspx $100

I love it. I have had it for 2 years and have only changed the batteries once.
They take 4 AAs. We use it every day.

It took some trial and error to install. The dead bolt has to be lined up with the hole in the door frame perfectly. Also, you cannot tighten the bolts too tight or it will bind up the mechanism.
Just keep in mind that it is obviously a tiny, low torque motor, so if the bolt isn't lined up perfectly, it won't engage. (it will beep loudly to warn you)
I have to pull the door tight for the deadbolt to engage with minimal drag.
Its the same with a normal dead bolt. Sometimes you have to push or pull on the door a little for it to line up perfectly.

In all, I love it. So nice not to have to worry about keys when entering OR leaving. Just push a button and it is locked.
 

darkxshade

Lifer
Mar 31, 2001
13,749
6
81
Why not get one of those magnetic locks where you unlock the door by flashing a card near a reader?
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
60,682
11,050
126
I've never liked electronics attached to to the outside of the house. I don't want buttons and crap on my doors. It looks too institutional. I put an old school twist doorbell on my door. Unfortunately some people don't know how to use it. I probably wouldn't want to answer their call anyway, as they're obviously a bit too dumb :^D
 

fstime

Diamond Member
Jan 18, 2004
4,382
5
81
OP, you are wasting your time and money.

If someone wants to get inside your house, they will find a way even with your fancy $399 lock.

The most you will do MAYBE is add another 1-2 minutes to them finding an alternate entrance/technique.

Re-key or buy a the cheapest replacement lock and call it a day.

You have property insurance for a reason (unless you are stashing $200K under your matress).