Are Keypad Front Door Locks Safe?

 

Many homes and businesses are switching over to keyless locks, with some people opting for keypad entry operators and others upgrading to smart technology locks. But with any big change involving technology, you might be wondering if you’re trading some security for a more sleek and modern look.

smart lock on white door, hand holding smart phone with keypad to open door

Types Lock Grades

When it comes down to security itself, the bolts in a keyless locking system and a deadbolt can be essentially the same. The most important factor for determining safety is the grade lock. Lock grades come from the America National Standards Institute/Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association grading system.

Grade 3 is considered a residential grade, typically for home use, supply closets or offices.

Grade 2 locks are used for light commercial, such as a door leading into low traffic area. Some businesses can also use Grade 2 locks for areas that require a higher degree of security. That can include an office or doors to storage rooms housing valuable merchandise, equipment or other materials.

Grade 1 locks are considered the strongest of all. This grade is given to the most secure commercial door locks, locks that are placed at high-traffic areas like schools, hospitals and museums. Grade 1 locks are also expected to have longer lives than lower graded locks.

What Type of Keyless Entry System Works for You?

Once you determine which strength lock will best suit your needs, you can start digging in further to determine what keyless entry system will work best for you.

Regardless of which grade of lock you ultimately pick, some people feel keyless front door locks provide some additional safety measures. Keypad front door locks are pick proof, as well as bump proof. To bump a lock all someone has to do is insert a specifically-cut key into the lock and bump it with something else, like a screwdriver, forcing the pins in the lock to line up with the key and open the door. Both of those concerns can be left behind with a keyless system.

Keypad entry locks can be a great tool for families with young kids. Whether you don’t want your child to have to carry around a key, or they’ve just lost a few already, getting rid of keys altogether works around both concerns. You can program more tech-savvy locks so your kid has their own code to enter, as well as setting it up so the door automatically locks after that code is entered so you don’t have to worry about them remembering to lock up if they get home from school when no on else is around.

Another benefit in using keypad locks are the lack of repetitive friction from inserting and turning keys regularly. This makes the system more durable since all you have to do is press in the code to open it. Some worry that regularly pressing in the code can make it easier to guess because the buttons will show some wear on them. Certain locks use fingerprint-resistant touchscreens to combat that concern. They can also be cleaned off regularly to help lower that fear.

Many of them run on battery power, so even if the power goes on, the lock can remain operational for a certain amount of time. Even if the power goes out, you should be able to use your lock in person, although if it’s connected to your home or business’ internet, you might not be able to access it remotely.

So whether it’s for aesthetic reasons or security ones, making the jump to a keypad lock or some other keyless entry system should be able to fit your desires. The trained professionals at Harry’s Locksmith have more than 100 years of experience, and can make sure your home or business has the safest and most current locking system properly installed.