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!

  • MystikIncarnateEnglish
    2·
    4 months ago

    I’m not OP, but I’ve been trying to figure this out for a while.

    I’ve been looking for something smart integrated as a deadbolt, or some kind of electronic deadbolt that can be wired to a relay to open/close.

    Any suggestions on where I should look?

    My ultimate goal would be to integrate it into something akin to the unifi access platform. I’m not 100% on using that specifically, but something similar. This is for my home, key bypass would be nice (as long as it’s not easily pickable).

    Security is #1 for me, but I’m hoping to build out something a bit more convenient.

    I’m in IT, so the back end should be pretty trivial for me to build and implement.

    Thanks

    • SirSamuel@lemmy.world
      5·
      4 months ago

      Regarding integration to a home network, well… I’m not up on residential stuff, so consider this a starting point

      If you’re looking for a higher security keyway or a more durable lock, I’d go with a smart lock retrofit kit like August or Yale Approach. These will mount to an existing deadbolt inside the door and turn it into an electrified DB, but the outside remains unchanged. I will say Medeco has some interesting standalone deadbolt solutions, but they are geared for larger systems and commercial use.

      On the hardware side, you can’t go wrong with a Schlage B250 with a Primus cylinder. Other options are the ASSA 7000 series, the Medeco Maxum, or the Mul-T-Lock Hercular. Add a reinforced strike plate, and, if your really worried, a door wrap for another layer of metal reinforcement on the door, and you’re sitting pretty. Now the bad guys will take over look at your Fort Knox door, shake their heads in despair, and break a window instead.

      • MystikIncarnateEnglish
        2·
        4 months ago

        and break a window instead.

        Exactly why I don’t fret too much on it. I replaced all the locks on the outer doors with a keyed alike set from someone similar to kwikset. I think it’s a “local” rebrand of the same stuff, complete with the smartkey/rekeying system. I’m not a fan, but honestly, the doors aren’t going to stand up to someone determined to get in, and there’s ground floor windows… So…

        I just needed a starting point from someone who knows enough about this stuff that they can point me in the right direction, without having to do a ton of research (which is what I would have to do). If I can start somewhere instead of just googling blindly, that will save me a ton of effort.

        The unifi access platform uses a small door entry controller that basically just has options for no/nc relays that flip when the door unlocks. It’s supposed to be used with an electric strike, but I don’t know of any electric strikes that work with deadbolts, at least, not without remortgaging my house. So I’d rather just set up an electric deadbolt, and rig it with a sensor that will only extend the deadbolt if the door is actually closed (so the deadbolt doesn’t extend when the door is wide open).

        That system also supports maglocks which I also think is overkill for home use. So I’m a bit torn on it. But that’s all just decisions to be made.

        The missing piece is how to secure the front door, which basically only has a deadbolt for security the door knob doesn’t have a key. The latch is just to hold the door closed when the lock isn’t engaged. Rather than rip out everything, I’m looking to just focus on the lock.

        Anyways, that’s a lot of backstory that nobody asked for. I appreciate lead. I’ll look into everything that you mentioned. I appreciate it.