Pros and Cons of Electronic/Keyless Locks

Pros and Cons of Electronic/Keyless Locks

As a locksmith, you probably get asked a lot about the pros and cons of electronic/keyless locks. And if you are a regular consumer, you’ve likely wondered about the pros and cons, too. First, a quick definition of electronic/keyless locks.  They are exactly what their name implies—locks that do not require you to insert and turn a key to get a door to open. Some vehicles have them, and they are becoming increasingly popular for homes and businesses. They are essential items for locksmith supplies.

Pros of Electronic/Keyless Locks

For many people, convenience is the best advantage of electronic/keyless locks. Imagine you are toting bags of groceries, and you fumble for your key in your purse. Oops, an orange rolled out of one bag, and now there goes your drink. You get the idea. With electronic/keyless locks, you need only to enter a short numeric code, often four digits, and you’re in. There is no fumbling, and you do not need to leave the house with keys, either.

The lack of keys is another advantage, particularly if you or others in your household are prone to losing things. This is a security issue, of course, to have fewer keys to your house in circulation. It is also an issue of convenience, though. You can share your code with anyone you need, from a house cleaner to a family member who is checking in on the plants or pets while you are on vacation. It’s much easier than having to go out and make copies of keys. You also have the ability to change codes when you need. In fact, you can set up locks so that only specific people receive specific codes, and with some models, you can track who used certain codes and at what time.

The variety of electronic/keyless locks is another benefit. Locksmith tools and locksmith equipment have evolved with technology, and there are locks that can be controlled via smartphone apps. If you want to track who enters your house, you can with such an app. You can even opt to receive texts when someone opens your door. Some locks are biometric, meaning that you do not even need to key in a code; you only need to swipe a finger. Likewise, some locks connect with key fobs, and you can unlock your front door from a distance while you are still in the driveway. At CLKSupplies.com, you’ll find a wide variety of electronic options as well as traditional key options.

Cons of Electronic/Keyless Locks

With the good comes the bad. Fortunately, with electronic/keyless locks, there are a few ways to mitigate some of the risks. For example, one con of electronic/keyless locks is the security vulnerability. Repeated pressing of the same keys leads to wear and tear on the keyboard and gives potential intruders some idea of the numbers that go into your code. On the other hand, if you change your codes every once in a while and definitely when you notice wear and tear, the risk decreases. There is also the chance that someone behind you will watch as you key in a code and memorize it. Short of appearing rude, one thing you can do is try to block that person’s view and/or change the code later. You can also opt to use a traditional key in such a case.

Cost is a disadvantage of electronic/keyless locks for some people. While brand and quality vary, you can expect to spend at least about $100 more on an electronic/keyless lock compared with a traditional deadbolt. In some cases, the convenience makes up for the cost. Warranties are another aspect to look out for; some parts may have a lifetime warranty, while others have a warranty of one year only.

Many people who try electronic/keyless locks come to appreciate their convenience. It is true, though, that the security considerations for electronic/keyless locks are somewhat different than for traditional deadbolts.