Schlage Plymouth Auto-Lock Keypad Door Lock

If you’ve ever been locked out of your home, you probably know the frustration that comes with traditional door locks. But newer locks remove this risk, using key codes, fingerprint recognition and even Bluetooth connectivity to keep your home safe without the inconvenience of keys.

But before you invest in a high-tech lock, there are some simple things you should consider.

“The lock should have a wear-resistant screen or buttons,” says home expert Vicki Liston.  “It doesn’t make sense to set up a lock and have a secret code if the buttons show wear or the screen leaves your fingerprints. Intruders need only to look at the wear patterns or fingerprints to narrow down their PIN guesses.”

There are multiple types of door locks available. It starts with the type of knob. Traditionally, front doors came with knobs that you turned to open the door. But over time, that setup has been replaced with levers, which are more attractive and easier to operate, especially for those with arthritis. Just a simple downward push opens the door once you’ve unlocked it.

Unlike knobs, levers must be installed facing a specific direction — a requirement that can be tricky considering doors can have the hinges on either the right or left side. Many levers are reversible, allowing you to install it to match the way your own door faces. Make sure the lever you choose can be set up to work with your own door.

Many consumers now prefer keyless locks that allow them to unlock the door using a code or biometrics like a fingerprint sensor. One of the top complaints from consumers after buying keyless door locks is battery life. Check into the battery type and amount that’s required before you buy. You should also make sure you buy a lock that will still let you into your house if your battery dies.

Consider the location of the lock’s battery compartment before you buy.

“Ensure the battery compartment sits on the interior part of the door so that it isn’t subjected to outside temperatures,” says Liston. “A cold battery will lose its charge much faster than a room temperature battery.”

You should also check the thickness of your door before choosing a lock. Some are limited as to how far they can reach, so if you have an oversized door, you could be disappointed. Some keypad-based locks also won’t work on metal doors due to the way they’re built to prevent the lock from moving around. A little due diligence on the front end can save you time and frustration.

You’ll also want to consider the hardware used to install your new door lock, says Liston.

“The no-nonsense way of getting past a lock is to kick it in — seriously,” she says. “If your lock has a strike plate with only 0.25-inch long screws holding it into the door frame, a swift kick will dislodge the screws and your thief has open access. Look for a lock with much longer anchoring screws so they hold tight to the frame.  Four 3-inch screws should be your minimum length.”

• Some keyless locks can be complicated to install, so make sure you pay attention to the instructions before you buy. There are plenty of keyless locks that require no wiring or programming. Simply replace the lock you currently have and follow the instructions to change your key code. Some locks even come with a master code preinstalled that you can use if you prefer.
• One thing that makes installation easier is that many modern locks are standardized, so you can easily switch one for another. Make sure your lock is marketed to replace most standard U.S. door locks.
• Inputting your keycode in the dark can be frustrating. Some keypads make this easier with backlighting that lets you see the numbers even in pitch dark conditions.
• Many locks also automatically re-lock after you’ve entered or exited. This is a handy feature that will reduce the risk that you’ll unwittingly leave your home’s exterior doors unlocked.
• Battery types vary widely from one door lock to another, with some requiring 9-volt batteries and others needing AAA. Your battery should last for years, but some locks have a backup that kicks in if your batteries die, ensuring you’ll never be locked out of your house. At the very least, choose a lock that alerts you when your battery life is nearing an end so you won’t either be locked out of your house or have your home unsecured without even realizing it.
• Your outdoor locks and knobs will be exposed to the elements, especially if your door isn’t covered by an overhang or roof. Look for a lock that promises weather-resistance to avoid having to deal with a lock that becomes difficult to work after a while.
• In addition to different types of knobs, locks vary based on where they’re designed to be used. Exterior locks build in top-notch security, while interior locks are only designed for privacy. You’ll also find the doorknobs and latches used on bedrooms and bathrooms will have a different build than those meant for closets, which typically don’t even need a lock.