Smart lock recommendations?

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Lias

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#306789 21-Aug-2023 14:58

Anyone using one? Anyone have any recommendations? As my offices is now in the garage I find myself going back and forth to the house repeatedly and am contemplating replacing the deadbolt with something smarter.

Fingerprint and/or RFID tag would be my unlock preferences
Don't need video
Wifi not really essential but wouldn't want to have to buy any additional bits to configure it (e.g. a hub)
Slot in replacement for a bog standard single cylinder yale deadbolt would be ideal

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#3118639 21-Aug-2023 15:26

We've got a few different ones.

By far and away, my pick of the bunch is the Yale Digital Door lock. But this is a mortise lock, it won't replace your deadbolt one for one.

We also have a Yale Assure Deadbolt, which is an easy substitute for a deadbolt. But main mechanism is PIN, not RFID or fingerprint. It is also relatively slow (as in 1 second or so) to lock and unlock. However my biggest frustration is that if the door isn't latched properly, then the deadbolt isn't aligned properly and you have to jiggle the door to get it locked. The mortise lock fixes this since the latch and bolt are integrated.

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#3118656 21-Aug-2023 15:48

We've got a Yale 3109, and a Yale Digital Deadbolt (YRD226) at another property.
Both with z-wave modules (separate purchase), easily connected to Home Assistant for smart control, automations/rules etc.

Our 3109 came with RFID cards/fobs, but to be honest we never ended up using them, as it was just as easy to type a pin, or pull out phone while walking towards house and unlock via home assistant.

Luckily our front door previously had a mortice lock, so installing the 3109 was straight forward.

If you want a easy swap, maybe look at the Yale Unity Digital lock, that may or may not suit, comes with key tags, but looks like you need a separate smart keypad for PIN entry.

MikeB4

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#3118658 21-Aug-2023 15:51

I am interested in this as well as it would be useful when I am in the chair.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

CYaBro

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#3118661 21-Aug-2023 15:56

The in-laws new house has one of these:

Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt (schlage.co.nz)

Seems to work well and you can lock / unlock from the app.
Can also have up to 100 access codes and they can have their own schedule plus you can enable/disable notifications for each access code.

Haven't looked into the app very deeply to see if you can set it to unlock automatically when you get within bluetooth range or when your phone reconnects to the same wifi network.

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#3118843 21-Aug-2023 21:39

I have a Yale Assure Lock SL with a Z-Wave network module (ZigBee and HomeKit modules also available). Works a treat with my Fibaro system. I try and avoid the "an app for every device" syndrome, so look ahead to a consistent architecture if it makes sense.

trig42

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#3118876 22-Aug-2023 06:42

I've just installed a Eufy Video Smart Lock Video Smart Lock - eufy (myeufy.co.nz)

Whilst it has video (which you don't want) it does do everything else you're looking for. Fingerprint unlock is very fast. It doesn't require the purchase of any hubs or homebases (comes with a WiFi bridge, that acts as the doorbell chime as well). It will install in a standard deadbolt hole (60mm or 70mm deep, 38-54mm diameter).

It is quite spendy though. I managed to get a good deal on one through a work deal. They do versions without the camera as well.

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MikeAqua

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#3118918 22-Aug-2023 09:22

SteveXNZ:

I have a Yale Assure Lock SL with a Z-Wave network module (ZigBee and HomeKit modules also available). Works a treat with my Fibaro system. I try and avoid the "an app for every device" syndrome, so look ahead to a consistent architecture if it makes sense.

An app for every device is bit of a curse. A physical hub for every device can be too.

Mike

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#3118922 22-Aug-2023 09:41

We've been using the Wyze lock + keypad for the past 4 years and it's been pretty flawless.

We love this because it doesn't actually replace your external lock, you can still continue to use the key to enter. It simply replaces the deadlock internal mechanism.

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duckDecoy

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#3118944 22-Aug-2023 10:31

We have an E-LOK on our external garage, 9 series as it is weatherproof.

Except it wasn't. Replaced after 6 months due to rusting inside. Broke about 1 month after replacement because some spring jammed that prevented the handle from disengaging, so it wasn't able to lock. Locksmith who installed it fixed this.

So based on my experience I'd steer clear of it.

Klathman

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#3118956 22-Aug-2023 11:02

I've had an August lock for a few years now. My version is Bluetooth only, but I have the connect WiFi hub to allow it to integrate with our HomeAssistant and Echo devices. The Connect range is pretty poor but the new versions have WiFi built in. That's really my only complaint with it at the moment. Sometimes the connect loses its connection with the lock even though it's only 2m away.

The auto-unlock works really well though despite any range issues.

I have been tempted to get the new version but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Obraik

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#3120073 25-Aug-2023 12:32

I imported a Level Lock+ from the US and have been very happy with it. It doesn't have a keypad but it looks just like a normal deadbolt - you wouldn't know it was a smart lock just by looking at. The biggest reason I got it is that it supports Apple's HomeKey, so all I have to do is hold my watch or phone up to it and it will unlock.

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#3120077 25-Aug-2023 12:42

I've been using a Nuki + BLE gateway + keypad. Been really good, battery life is decent but I have the v1 and there is a v2 out now which is probably more efficient.

The gateway has a local API you can use for local-only automations - no cloud needed if you don't want.

Can get a keypad and keyfobs as extras.

Would definitely recommend them.

Blurtie

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#3120109 25-Aug-2023 14:04

I've got this Lockly deadbolt which ticks most of your requirements.. That model requires a separate bridge/adaptor for wifi - but it looks like there's a newer model that has it integrated.

Just to echo an earlier post - my door isn't aligned perfectly when shut, so the deadbolt doesn't engage properly.. Need to jiggle the door. More than minor annoyance, but overall pretty happy with it!

Konev

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#3120154 25-Aug-2023 16:45

Had an E-Lok for 18 months now, other than having to replace a part (elok supplied it) because the builders didnt fit it properly its been flawless.

tweake

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#3120157 25-Aug-2023 17:16

just be a bit careful with what you buy.

many electronic locks are very very easy to open. i recommend searching the model you looking at buying and seeing what exploits it is vulnerable to.

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