Smart locks & Lock Smith Recommendations
 

1. Anyone currently use smart locks? Thoughts and recommendations?

2. Looking to probably change locks etc to the door for our new home and while Google is out there with a bunch of reviews figure why not hear from fellow RS folks on any experiences they had.

TIA!

I’m not sure if I trust the Bluetooth/fob key chains yet even from major manufacturers.

I’ve always liked just the basic key pad on the door, don’t need keys and they typically feel a bit more solid/quality

If you use Telus services Telus recently acquired alarm force and is offering some “smart home” features now that include smart door locks etc

Yea, I'm kind of on the fence about the whole smart lock too but just thought I'd see what people's experience were. At the moment I think I'm leaning towards the key pad style lock which does help me with a problem I have where the wife often doesn't bring her keys.

As well I'm looking to add a latch/chain or something because my 4 year old kid knows how to open the door on his own and I just need some added security so he can't just open the door and leave by accident.

I dont have the keypad style at my house due to it being a super old door, but my parents have had the same one forever and it's worked pretty much flawless.

The only potential issue is when the battery is almost dead sometimes there isnt enough juice to completely open the deadbolt and in those scenarios you may need a key

I'm looking at the August Smart Lock because I want to AirBnB my place, and the fact that the strata doesn't let us change the outside lock...

Will let you guys know how it is if I decide to go with it.

I'm ok with having to use a key as a backup, I'm actually not looking to get rid of the key at all but to have a 2nd ability whether it be by code, an app, or otherwise to open it for a variety of scenarios that my wife, grandparents who come pick up my kid etc might run into.

From what I can gather too while it looks like smart tech have come a long way that even the better smart locks have issues from time to time i.e. using the app to lock/unlock but it does nothing. I'm sure it works 99% of the time though for the most part.

August Smart Lock w/ Keypad?

Can even set hours on the code to limit access for baby sitters, parents, etc.

Also in the market for this, haven't decided what to go for yet. Leaning towards the Schlange sense/connect as it is a keypad but also can use a manual key. Really like the idea of the built in alarm (comparable to car alarm I think I read?) when someone tampers with it or tries to force entry.

I’m using August Smart lock pro with the connect. It works well but the I found a few glitches. I setup my daughter as a guest so she doesn’t have full access of the August. But to do this she have to download the app and do a full registration, lots of work for a person that comes for a few days for Airbnb. I don’t know have this been changed since I’ve set it up. Also the door ajar sensor is not working properly. When door is locked it shows door open after a few sec, this only happens as soon as it is locked. Otherwise I’ve been happy with it. I get warning door is locked and unlocked and by who, or manual.

Personally I wouldnt go with anything fob/phone connected, I feel that the technology isnt there at the moment since it kinda just feels like theyre taking super expensive tech and dumb it down for your regular Joe Shmoe. Ive played with and owned $1000+ smart lock systems and it just doesnt work as well as you would want it to.

If you NEED the smart home integration and you want everything to still look the same as existing hardware youre stuck with the August line of products.

Go for a nicer quality push button electronic deadbolt with low battery warning and support of up to x amount of user codes you can delete whenever you feel the need. Anything at a big box store you get what you pay for.

Edit: Always carry a spare key on you and never get anything without a key override, it'll cost you way more in the end if you forget your key and the battery dies.

I personally wouldnt trust new brand smart locks startup.. I would look at Schlage or other trusted brands thats been around, they are coming out with Keypad/Smart connected locks.

All the brands in regards with keyless entry are junk in regards to security. Did my research a while back, and just too much security flaws. Just ended up getting Multi-T-lock from action locksmith and hardware and door strengthening/target hardening. Only place, i would use those keyless entry is probably my shed, which holds my lawn mower and rusted out garden tools.

But, if you insist on regular store brand locks. Then, go with the shclage Pro series.
Also, having a keyless entry on the front gate is nice if you are able to get it done. It stops , stupid solicitors and random people walking in and scoping in on your front property. As well, get a side security keyless entry gate as well. But, for the house stick with key'd and reinforced/steel and hardware.
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Smart locks are sweet. so much more convenient.

TBH, the type of lock you use wouldnt matter, burglars wouldnt go through the front door anyways.
Deadbolt would be the way to go if you really wanted security.
Smartlocks are more of a convenience thing.

Always appreciate the reply boys and girls