Monday, July 8, 2024

Door Locks, Digital Entry Locks, and other home security devices

For escape from a courtyard where the door and the gate are locked:

First, the simplest & least expensive solution is to fasten a pushbutton key safe somewhere inside the courtyard and install conventional locks on the doors:

http://www.amazon.com/AccessPoint-Original-Slimline-Pushbutton-Combination/dp/B000GTQU22/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1338987189&sr=1-1

 

To avoid being locked out, install knob or lever locks that either don't have a key, or a knob lock that unlocks when you turn the inside handle. 

  • I almost never install key locking knobs/levers under a deadbolt anymore. One less keyhole to mess with when in a hurry, they have no security anyway, and harder to get locked out. 
  • Non locking is called a passage function (or hallway/closet lock). 
  • A keyed lever that unlocks when you turn the inside handle is called "push button locking" as opposed to "turn button locking". The ANSI designation is F82.

Regarding digital entry locks, I have never seen a residential one with a keypad on both sides, or a double cylinder deadbolt with a keypad. There is one commercial double keypad, Trilogy by Alarm Lock. Pure Junk ...

 

Most of the residential keypad units are also not well designed and succumb quickly to a variety of attacks all of which can be found on the internet. I would stay away from the Kwikset, Weiser, & Master. 

 

If you really want double cylinder deadbolts AND keypad control, you will need to go to a commercial solution with either an electrified mortise lock for the deadbolt, or a standard deadbolt and a special electric strike on the frame. Probably $1,000 per door installed.

 

What I use at home is Schlage. I have the Schlage Link (Now rebranded as Nexia).  You can get digital entry handles or deadbolts, cameras, an energy management thermostat, and other sensors all on a Z-Wave network

A Nexia Bridge connects to your router to allow you to control your home through a broadband Internet connection. It communicates wirelessly with many other Nexia-compatible Z-Wave products so that you have complete control over your home, whether you're at home or away. 

You can control the system via iPhone or a web browser and an annual subscription fee is charged, about $100.00.  You can set schedules, scenes, events, view the cameras, unlock a door, change the temperature, etc. 

 

Regarding keylocks, my short answer is Schlage, however the sliding door my be problematic. I need to see a picture & dimensions, especially of any existing lock that was provided.


STAY AWAY from the so called "Smart Key" products that allow you to rekey the lock yourself. There are some very well known attacks. 

For example, on the Kwikset, cut a key to all #4 cuts, and using a vise grip, insert the key and turn. The lock breaks and opens. 

Schlage had a similar product, but to their credit, removed it quickly from the market. Not so with Kwikset. 

With key locks, you get what you pay for. Good locks cost more.



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