Smart lock in old house

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Smart lock in old house

NPCtom

430 posts

Ultimate Geek

#288423 28-Jun-2021 10:47

I'm looking to get an August WiFi smart lock for my front door.

But I am unsure if my door lock would be compatible. Does anybody with a similar style of lock have a smart lock on their door??

My reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/homeautomation/comments/o8w3h2/would_a_smart_lock_be_compatible_with_this_type/

Images: https://i.npctom.com/#16248334231035

chevrolux

4962 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2735678 28-Jun-2021 11:16

I reckon you just go ahead and grab it - looks like it comes with a lot of options, and I'd guess that has the big old square bar in the middle.

Because even if it doesn't fit, you could just swap that lock to a new modern dead bolt anyway for around another $40-$50.

Edit: Sorry, should add, would need a little bit of timber repair to replace for standard modern dead bolt. IMO, would be worth it for standardising. I replaced my old lock like this with a Schlage Encode, and just repaired the hole the old lock left behind by gluing in a tightly cut block of timber, then re-drilling to suit.

wellygary

8312 posts

Uber Geek

#2735681 28-Jun-2021 11:21

No they are not compatible

Your current lock is a mortice "Lever" lock... the key physically pushes the bolt..

The smart lock you link to is designed for a cylinder lock that where turning the key connects to a tongue that then moves the bolt.

NPCtom

430 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2735715 28-Jun-2021 12:27

wellygary:

No they are not compatible

Your current lock is a mortice "Lever" lock... the key physically pushes the bolt..

The smart lock you link to is designed for a cylinder lock that where turning the key connects to a tongue that then moves the bolt.

Thank you, I think we might end up replacing the door with a modern lock.

wellygary

8312 posts

Uber Geek

#2735717 28-Jun-2021 12:31

NPCtom:

wellygary:

No they are not compatible

Your current lock is a mortice "Lever" lock... the key physically pushes the bolt..

The smart lock you link to is designed for a cylinder lock that where turning the key connects to a tongue that then moves the bolt.

Thank you, I think we might end up replacing the door with a modern lock.

The easiest way is to just leave to existing lock in place and put the new cyclinder lock higher or lower,

If you take the mortice lock out, you will need to fill the big hole with something, leaving the hole empty will significantly weaken the door...

NPCtom

430 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2735721 28-Jun-2021 12:42

wellygary:

The easiest way is to just leave to existing lock in place and put the new cyclinder lock higher or lower,

If you take the mortice lock out, you will need to fill the big hole with something, leaving the hole empty will significantly weaken the door...

The problem with that solution is that we already have a full mortice lock (a door handle with a lock) above the lock I pictured).

3 door locks isn't the appearance I was looking for.