Smart locks with style for villas/bungalows

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Smart locks with style for villas/bungalows

kelly42

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Topic # 225628 27-Nov-2017 14:41

I live in a 1920s bungalow with an original-style front door handle and lock. I love home automation and I want to move to a smart lock - I've seen great examples from Yale and August Home. But - I can't find anything that would either be compatible with, or would be a similar style replacement to, my existing lock. My family wants to keep the house's appearance as original as possible.

Do you know of any automatable "smart locks" / keyless locks which have a 'vintage' visual style?

wellygary

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Reply # 1908506 27-Nov-2017 14:59

What is the current setup,

Does it still have the original Key and mortice lock ( about waist height- turn key to unlock, open door, take key out - insert key in hole in back and turn to lock)

or has it been upgraded to a 50s style "nightlatch" type ( about eye height, - turn key, open door, take key out - close door, door is locked- can be double secured by latch on back on lock)

davidcole

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Reply # 1908517 27-Nov-2017 15:20

Hav eyou looked through Windsor Brass? http://www.windsorbrass.co.nz/view,shop,2.html

We bought our mortise locks through them, but we went for a key. I had a quick squiz and their electronic did seem to be modern looking. Maybe someone like soapers or architectural supplies may have something else suitable.

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kelly42

11 posts

Geek

Reply # 1908518 27-Nov-2017 15:22

Great question, wellygary:

Does it still have the original Key and mortice lock ( about waist height- turn key to unlock, open door, take key out - insert key in hole in back and turn to lock) or has it been upgraded to a 50s style "nightlatch" type ( about eye height, - turn key, open door, take key out - close door, door is locked- can be double secured by latch on back on lock)

The existing lock is more like the 50s style "nightlatch" type you described. It's eye height, turn key, open door, take key out, close door, which is locked. From the inside I can either insert a key and turn to lock, preventing anyone from turning the handle and opening the door on the inside, or I can (if unlocked) turn the handle to open the door, then choose to keep the latch from extending by pushing a button on the door frame side if I want to keep the door unlatched.

wellygary

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Reply # 1908526 27-Nov-2017 15:48

kelly42:

The existing lock is more like the 50s style "nightlatch" type you described.

I thought as much,

- But my point is , what you have is not original , the door lock was updated when lock functionality improved,

so don't get hung up on calls that "its not in keeping with the rest of the house"

davidcole

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Reply # 1908537 27-Nov-2017 16:01

yeah but this:

and

dont look anything like:

At least that 2nd modern one would be better in a darker colour/polished brass (depending on door lock style).

There's keeping in style and there's completely different especially if you're not replacing all locks.

graemeh

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Reply # 1908543 27-Nov-2017 16:17

Most of the smart locks are not very water resistant. Make sure you check the rating of the lock is appropriate for the level of shelter (or lack of it) for your door.

kelly42

11 posts

Geek

Reply # 1908725 27-Nov-2017 23:17

You've got it, davidcole. Here's what I have right now:

Outside:

Inside:

I don't have any pieces on the outside handle which turn - just the key cylinder. Hard to find an equivalent or similar appearance in a smart lock.

struct

2 posts

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Reply # 1912367 3-Dec-2017 18:54

https://www.schlage.com/en/home/keyless-deadbolt-locks/sense.html

blakamin

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Reply # 1912370 3-Dec-2017 19:10

kelly42:

I don't have any pieces on the outside handle which turn - just the key cylinder. Hard to find an equivalent or similar appearance in a smart lock.

That's just a deadbolt in a frame at the front, but the back is your issue.

The problem is it's not internal to the door or the frame, which means most US style deadlock smart locks won't fit (august etc).

US *might* use that as an extra lock, but not the main lock. I've never seen a smartlock for that style.

Most US locks use a deadbolt, but on the inside, it's just this:

inside

My second lock is a deadbolt, but with a key on both sides. I kickstarted August, but cancelled as it's not my main lock, so basically pointless.

irongarment

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Reply # 1912375 3-Dec-2017 19:29

You could install an electric door strike.

I can't post links yet, but here's a typical one, from Jaycar:
www.jaycar.co.nz/12v-ac-dc-door-strike-release/p/LA5078

As you can see, it's designed to sit in the door jamb. You probably want a surface mounted one like this:

www.assaabloy.co.nz/en/local/nz/products/electromechanical-solutions/electric-strikes/trimec-es150-series-rim-strike/

But shop around. That was for illustration only and is likely to be expensive. Make sure you get a "fail secure" version, which is locked when power is off (or fails) and unlocks only when energised.

On top of that you need something to drive it. It could be a keypad with a pulse output, or an RFID reader, or an app on your phone, or some feature in your home automation software.