Shopping for a front door lock means so much more than simply choosing the best price you can see on the shelf or find online. You need to factor in some important aspects ranging from your expectations in terms of safety, lifestyle, budget, and openness to embracing advanced technologies. If you are not sure whether you should choose a standard, mechanical deadbolt or make the switch to an electronic lock for your front door, here are a few pros and cons that should make things easier for you. You can also contact us for home locksmith services and for lock supply and installation.
Mechanical deadbolt locks have affordable price tags. If you are worried about having to spend a small fortune on a new lock on your front door, you are going to appreciate the affordable prices mechanical locks have on display. The price tags range from $30 for a Kwikset deadbolt with SmartKey that retails online to $50 or more for the Schlage single-cylinder deadbolt, depending on the model. Make sure you only shop for deadbolts that are certified by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association and comply with the highest American National Standards Institute for protection and sturdiness.
Electronic keypads like the Kwikset Electronic Keypad with a single cylinder and one-touch motorized locking mechanism can be purchased for around $60 online, so the differences have started to become negligible in recent years. Of course, if you are looking for a more advanced electronic keypad deadlock, you will need to dig a little deeper into your pocket.
Installation is simple on both types of locks. The Schlage Snap and Stay model, for example, is one of the simplest mechanical deadbolts that you could opt for in terms of installation. However, our years of experience with installing deadbolt locks have taught us that the most efficient way of installing a deadbolt lock for a front door is to hire an expert locksmith to do it for you. The slightest error when chiseling the strike, for example, will render the lock useless. Using an awl to mark the middle of the barrel hole on the door's edge, drilling, fitting the barrel in the hole and fitting the screws are just a few of the main steps required during installation. Does this sound a little too much for you?
Make your pick out of the rich array of mechanical deadbolt locks you can find online or in hardware shops or let us recommend the best-branded locks for your custom needs and handle the quick installation hassle-free. If you have zero experience with installing a lock on your own, give us a call and schedule an appointment with us. We specialize in all types of single- and double-cylinder deadbolt locks, as well as mortise locks, lockable thumb-turn style locks, jimmy-proof deadbolts or interchangeable core cylinders to mention just a few of door locking technologies we offer. No installation job is too complicated or difficult for us. We can normally fit a new lock on a door in a matter of minutes and we do it at some of the most affordable prices in town.
At the same time, electronic keypads are also relatively easy to install, again, provided you decide to opt for an expert service do to it for you. Since there are no wires involved in the installation, the locksmith will simply need to remove the old lock and strike plate, install the mounting plate using screws, place the internal assembly on the plate, install the necessary batteries and make sure the electric motor is in its place. Of course, there are also several security controls that need to be set up in order for the keypad lock to become fully functional.
Wide variety of designs to choose from. Mechanical locks come in an almost endless number of styles and designs, which means you can purchase one that can perfectly blend in with your home décor or office aesthetics. If you are passionate about antique locks or futuristic silver or golden designs that perfectly match your home's curb appeal, you should have no problem finding exactly what you are looking for. Make sure you also add the matching handle set to go with it and let us handle the installation for you. On the other hand, electronic keypads usually have futuristic designs with back-lit keypads and illuminate touchscreens, so if you are into futuristic designs, these locks are definitely for you.
Electronic keypad locks provide you with more convenience. An electronic deadbolt will prevent you from having to worry about carrying and losing your standard, bulky and heavy metal keys. Access codes and PIN codes will turn into your new home access solutions that will replace your old keys. You will also get to create unique access codes for home guests and let them enjoy all the freedom of movement they need, without worrying about not having an extra spare key to give them or not being home to welcome them in person. Our locksmiths can provide you with the keypad lock alternatives you are looking for if you are not sure which model to opt for and you would rather we recommend and supply the locks for you.
Dealing with lost/stolen keys or faulty electronic mechanisms. A standard key and lock system can easily lock you out of your home because of a faulty lock mechanism, a jammed cylinder or a missing key. Metal keys can get easily lost, stolen or misplaced. Nonetheless, an electronic keypad lock malfunction could also lead to a dreaded lockout scenario. Problems with both types of locks can be easily fixed by our expert locksmiths for residential and our commercial locksmith crews. Do not hesitate to give us a call and ask for assistance 24/7.
You must memorize your unique access code and remember to change the batteries periodically. If your memory is not the best or the batteries are not replaced on time, you will risk locking yourself out.
You must memorize your unique access code and remember to change the batteries periodically. If your memory is not the best, you forget where you've stored the PIN or the batteries are not replaced on time, you will risk locking yourself out. On the other hand, you will need a large number of spare standard keys for your guests, housekeepers or babysitters provided you will opt for mechanical deadlocks. The more keys you own, the more difficult it may be to control access to your home.
The replacement batteries can be poor quality and tend to fail periodically. Unless you will make sure to always buy quality batteries that last longer, you may deal with inopportune lock failures.
Water, the elements and chemicals can wreak havoc on electronic keypad locks. They could cause the small electronic parts to corrode, preventing the lock from working normally.
Get in touch with our expert locksmiths at (888) 884-1958 and let us tell you more about electronic keypad locks and mechanical deadbolt locks. We charge affordable lock installation prices and we are available for lockout emergencies 24/7!
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