Best keyless door locks

Door locks are installed to help homeowners control the access to their property and keep it secure from intruders. There are many types of front door locks available. While many property owners still use traditional keyed locks, keyless entry door locks are also popular.
Keyless door locks can increase security for many different users and property types. 

What is a keyless door lock?

A keyless door lock doesn’t require a physical key to access a building. Whether you need to interact with the door lock physically depends on whether your keyless door lock is electronic or manual. Manual keyless door locks rely on physical interaction, for example entering a code into a keypad to unlock the door.

An electronic keyless door lock needs to be connected to a supply of electricity. They have a small motor controlled by electrical currents running through a motor. The motor is hidden in the door or frame. 

Once the currents have received the correct electronic input, the bolt will open or lock. The lock rotates inwards or outwards depending on whether you are locking or unlocking the door.

Fair-safe or fail-secure keyless door lock?

Any electronic locking system must be fail-safe or fail-secure. This determines what happens to the keyless door lock if power is lost inside the building. Understanding the difference between fail-safe and fail-secure is important if there’s an emergency.

Fail-safe locks automatically unlock if the power cuts. They are ideal for buildings that contain multiple people at any given time — blocks of flats, gymnasiums etc. In contrast, fail-secure locks automatically lock if the power stops working. Businesses with valuable equipment or facilities commonly use them.

Benefits of keyless door locks

If you have clients who would prefer not to carry keys, you can explain the benefits of keyless door locks.

Convenience

Keyless door locks eliminate the need to carry a key. There’s also no need to worry about giving family “emergency keys” to relatives or run the risk of hiding keys under flower pots. If someone is coming to their property when the property owner is away, they have to give them an access code and disable it as soon as they have left.

Smart locks that require electricity even remove the need to remember an access code.

Easy installation

You can retrofit keyless locks to any traditional mechanical door. They are often simple to mount and usually battery-powered, which minimises the need for rerouting and rewiring. This also prevents access issues from power failures.

Try to choose a keyless door lock that has a battery indicator installed. This shows the status of your battery so you can ensure you change it before it dies. Even if the keyless system doesn’t have a battery indicator, they are also easy to install.

Enhanced durability

Traditional keys and locks can handle regular wear and tear. All that turning involving metal on metal impacts the door lock over time, making it more difficult to turn and function properly.

Keyless door locks don’t suffer the same fate. They are made from durable materials that can last a long time if properly cared for. The batteries will need replacing periodically, but the best keyless door locks are engineered to need a very minimal amount of battery power per use.

Cost-effective

Businesses with high turnover rates, family homes with multiple entry points, or teenagers prone to losing their keys will benefit financially from a keyless door lock. Changing locks or getting new keys cut costs time and money.

A keyless system with a keypad or touchscreen only means an access code has to be issued. Biometric keyless door locks are another excellent option. Not only are they unique and difficult to forge, it means all individuals at the property are always with access.

What are the best smart door locks?

Choosing the best smart door lock will ultimately come down to the user's needs and property type. Here are some things to consider.

• Like physical keys, fobs and access cards can be lost and stolen. An electronic keyless door lock is safer if there’s a history of keys being misplacing.
• It’s best to use access codes with the largest possible number of digits, as they are more secure. However, if the property owner or others with access struggle to remember codes, getting into the home isn’t possible without a locksmith.
• Budget. Smart locks can vary in price from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand. Think about what different features and functions are essential. The price quickly rises as soon as you add an alarm or voice commands.
• Power failures can be problematic for electronic door locks. Combining physical and electronic locking control on the same door is possible for emergency backup.
• Don’t forget to ask your client about their décor tastes. Keyless door locks are available in multiple colors and finishes, so you can find the right one to complement the exterior door.