They’re not perfect (batteries die at the worst times), but at least you don’t have to chisel ice off a combo dial in January.
That’s honestly my biggest worry with smart locks—the batteries. I get the appeal, but I’ve had enough gadgets die on me right when I need them most. Plus, some of those models aren’t cheap. I guess it’s a tradeoff between convenience and cost. For now, I’m sticking with a regular deadbolt and hiding a spare key (not under the mat, promise). Maybe one day I’ll cave if prices drop or battery life gets better.
I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve had my fair share of battery-powered stuff dying at the worst possible moment—garage door openers, flashlights, you name it. The price tags on some of those smart locks are a bit wild too. Honestly, hiding a spare key (as long as it’s not in the obvious spots) is still a solid backup. Maybe when battery tech gets better or they add some kind of manual override, I’ll be more tempted too. For now, I’m with you—old-school deadbolt just feels more reliable.
Honestly, hiding a spare key (as long as it’s not in the obvious spots) is still a solid backup.
I hear you on that. I tried one of those fake rock key holders once—my dog found it before I did. Not super secure. I get the appeal of smart locks, but I just can’t shake the idea of getting locked out because I forgot to change the batteries. For now, my “system” is a regular deadbolt and a spare key with my neighbor (who’s way more reliable than any battery). Maybe I’ll reconsider when tech gets less finicky...
I get the appeal of smart locks, but I just can’t shake the idea of getting locked out because I forgot to change the batteries.
Yeah, that’s my worry too. I’m not about to drop a bunch of cash on something that might just leave me standing outside anyway. Plus, my neighbor’s always home, so handing them a spare just makes sense. Has anyone actually had a smart lock die on them, or is that just one of those “what if” things people worry about?
Title: No More Fumbling For Keys: Did You Know This?
- Had a client who swore by their smart lock, but I’ve seen batteries go out on other devices way faster than you’d expect—especially in cold weather.
- Most units have a backup key slot, but then you’re still carrying a key, right?
- I get the convenience angle, but if you’re handing a spare to the neighbor anyway, what’s the real upgrade here?
- Do any of these locks send you a warning before the battery’s totally dead, or is it just a gamble? Seems like forgetting to check is pretty easy if you’re busy.