How to pick a digital door lock?

Choosing the right digital door lock involves assessing your specific needs, considering factors like usage, location, and desired features. By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can select a lock that offers optimal security, convenience, and durability for your property.

Here's how to pick a digital door lock:

Key Considerations for Selecting a Digital Door Lock

To make an informed decision, evaluate the following crucial points before purchasing a digital door lock. These factors will guide you toward a lock that perfectly matches your requirements, ensuring both security and convenience.

1. Evaluate Usage Frequency

The intensity of use is a primary determinant of lock durability and battery life.

• High-Traffic Areas (e.g., Main Entrance, Office Doors): For doors that are opened and closed frequently throughout the day, opt for heavy-duty locks designed for commercial use. These often feature robust mechanisms and longer battery life or even hardwired options.
• Low-Traffic Areas (e.g., Storage Rooms, Private Offices): Less frequently used doors might be well-served by standard residential digital locks, which prioritize convenience and basic security.

2. Determine Door Location: Internal vs. External

The placement of the lock significantly impacts the required features and materials.

• External Doors: Locks for exterior use must be weather-resistant (e.g., waterproof, UV-resistant) and offer enhanced security features to withstand forced entry attempts. Look for locks with high IP ratings and durable finishes that can endure various climate conditions.
• Internal Doors: Locks for interior doors, such as bedrooms, closets, or internal office doors, can prioritize convenience, aesthetics, and basic privacy/security without needing extreme weather protection.

3. Consider the Door Material

The material of your door dictates the compatibility and installation method of the lock.

• Wooden Doors: Most digital locks are designed for standard wooden doors. Ensure the lock's mortise or latch mechanism fits the door's thickness and existing boreholes.
• Metal Doors (e.g., Steel, Aluminum): Some digital locks are specifically designed for metal doors, often requiring different mounting hardware or a slimmer profile.
• Glass Doors: Special frameless or framed glass door locks are available, often using clamp-on mechanisms or requiring expert installation.
• uPVC Doors: These doors often require specific multi-point locking systems, so ensure the digital lock is compatible with such mechanisms.

4. Choose Your Preferred Handle Type

The handle type affects both the aesthetics and functionality of the lock.

• Knob Handle: Traditional and common, often found on residential doors. They can be good for standard push/pull operation.
• Lever Handle: Easier to operate, especially for individuals with mobility challenges or those carrying items (ADA compliant). They are common in commercial settings and increasingly popular in homes.

5. Decide on Keypad Placement: One-sided or Two-sided

Your need for controlled access on both sides of the door will influence this choice.

• Keypad on One Side (Exterior): This is the most common setup for residential front doors, allowing keypad entry from outside but free egress from inside (e.g., a simple thumb turn or lever).
• Keypad on Both Sides (Interior & Exterior): Ideal for specific security requirements where controlled access is needed for both entry and exit, such as server rooms, sensitive offices, or certain commercial applications. This prevents unauthorized exit as well as entry.

6. Do You Need a 'Hold Open' Facility?

A 'hold open' facility is a convenient feature for temporary unlocking.

• Yes, for Convenience: This feature allows the door to remain unlocked for a specified period or until manually re-locked, which is useful for moving groceries, during peak business hours, or when continuous access is temporarily needed.
• No, for Constant Security: If maintaining constant automatic locking is paramount for security reasons (e.g., apartment building entrance, back door), then a hold open facility might not be necessary or even desirable.

Additional Factors to Consider

Beyond the core considerations from the Codelocks blog, here are other vital elements:

Security Features

• Access Methods:
  • Keypad: PIN codes. Look for anti-peep technology (allowing extra digits before/after the code to deter onlookers).
  • Biometric: Fingerprint recognition for quick and secure access.
  • RFID/NFC: Key fobs, cards, or smartphone taps.
  • Smartphone App: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi control, remote unlocking, access logs, temporary codes.
  • Traditional Key Override: Essential mechanical backup in case of battery failure or system malfunction.
• Auto-Locking: Locks automatically after a set time, preventing accidental unlocking.
• Tamper Alarms: Alerts you to forced entry attempts or incorrect code entries.

Power Source and Battery Life

• Most digital locks run on AA or AAA batteries.
• Check the estimated battery life and ensure there's a low battery warning.
• Look for models with external battery terminals (e.g., 9V battery jump-start) for emergencies if the internal batteries die.

Connectivity and Smart Home Integration

• Bluetooth: For local control via smartphone.
• Wi-Fi: For remote control and integration with smart home ecosystems (e.g., Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit).
• Z-Wave/Zigbee: For integration into smart home hubs, offering more robust network control.

Installation and Compatibility

• DIY vs. Professional Installation: Some locks are designed for easy DIY installation, while others, especially those requiring mortising, might need a professional.
• Door Thickness and Backset: Ensure the lock's specifications match your door's dimensions.

Budget

Digital locks range widely in price based on features, brand, and build quality. Determine your budget early to narrow down options.

Summary Table: Choosing Your Digital Door Lock

By methodically evaluating each of these points, you can confidently select a digital door lock that enhances the security and convenience of your property for years to come.