Security without the keys

HIGH-TECH DOOR LOCKS – Making TRADITIONAL keys obsolete

High-tech door locks – which are typically controlled by keypads, phone apps or even a swipe of the finger -- could be transitioning traditional house keys making then obsolete after centuries of trusty service.

Several lock companies across the country are stocking up on their electronic-lock supplies in response to the demand driven by consumer interest.

"People are expecting connectivity and 24/7 accessibility," says Keith Brandon, Kwikset's director of residential access solutions. "Smart locks of whatever variety are becoming more what people are expecting and are interested in."

Michael Tierney, the standards coordinator for the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, which certifies home products, says keyless locks are very safe. "Keyless locks have been in the marketplace for some time now -- stand-alone units for decades, and the connected products for more than 10 years -- and have been proven to be safe and reliable," he says.

Tierney also recommends buying only from manufacturers that follow industry standards for security protection. Protect any passwords used to connect to these devices, and change batteries as needed.

Smart locks can be categorized into three basic categories:

1. Basic high-tech door locks are opened by pushing a button or keypads. More sophisticated models allow homeowners to change codes or assign them to specific users of choice. Entry-level locks average cost is $70 -- about twice the cost of a traditional deadbolt lock.

2. There are also keyless locks that are operated by phones, either using push-button pads, an app or simply holding a connected phone near the lock. Kwikset's Kevo is a high-tech lock that looks traditional but is opened with a swipe of the finger.

3. There are then high-tech locks that operate as part of larger "smart home" system, from home-security systems to thermostats.

Note that going keyless doesn't totally eliminate the possibility of getting locked out. DeSchamp says his company offers call-in technical assistance to those who have "lost" their digital keys. Kwikset customers can manage them through the company's website. And electronic high-tech locks are becoming common enough that many traditional locksmiths now know how to service them. And if all else fails, there's still an old standby. You guessed it, Kwikset's Kevo can still be opened with a key.

This door hardware post provided by Hardware Direct