cheap residential electronic deadbolts

[victorylocksmith]

they have a 24 hour sale at Amazon for schlage electronic deadbolts for at least $25 cheaper than the normal locksmith distributors. better scoop on it fast

[Sinifar]

Or the last shriek before heading over the hills again?

Schlage has had several "models" of electronic lock going back ages. Most have pretty much gone into the junk. They just don't "work" for more than six months to a year, then they die. I am getting calls for both Schlage and Kwikset electronic locks which have died, and the client is now locked out, as they didn't have, or use a key. OR they don't know where it went to. Pick the thing open, toss in the trash, and replace with something else. The holes can be covered by a Don-Jo plate, and this one is done.

The trouble is consumer electronics are pretty much fad and the "latest" computer thing. Everybody wants computer everything. Only problem is the electronics are poorly designed, not rugged, and worse the insides are plastic. Okay Nylon, or Nylox.

I haven't had much trouble with Kaba E-plex locks, nor Alarm Lock 2700 / 2800 series of locks, but then you get the public to cough up 800 to 1K for a lock. UHUH, isn't happening. Not to mention that Z-wave can be spoofed. But you won't hear that from them, the manufacturers nor did you hear that from me.

Trust me, two generations working in computer security, one with a BA the other with a MA in the subject, from the UW Wisconsin, they know what they are telling dad. This is why I don't push the junk. That plus my experience with trying to get past generations to work - just tells me that this lock is again going into the can, and in about six months they will come out with a newer version, and the public will flock to get the latest thing.

SInifar

[silvfox1200]

Everything is just made to sell, not be reliable. Most of it comes from China and not worth much. They may say Made In America, but all parts are probably made in China.

[cledry]

I have a high failure rate with Alarm Lock Trilogy locks and a 100% failure with their double-sided ones. The Kaba E-plex 2000 series are my go to lock if they don't need bells and whistles.

[cledry]

BTW, whenever I see cheap in the topic line I know who is posting.

Inexpensive or economical sounds so much better than cheap. If you tell a customer that you have a cheap solution they will equate it with inferior, the same solution termed economical to them will sound better, even if you know it is the same .

[billdeserthills]

Why not sell Simplex instead? They are still making & selling the same lock they started out in the industry with & that lock will likely still be working in 20 years too. Not only that but the prices aren't bad, they never use batteries and most don't have the same danger inherent with these cheap battery op locks, as they don't have a key override, which to me, makes it a real lock. Also I guarantee when you pick up a simplex lock you'll know it isn't just a bunch of plastic crap, their cheapest lock says "quality" to me.

[globallockytoo]

Yep. Simplex is good value......except for the magnet trick.....oh yeah and the manipulation chart that is free online.

Codelocks - mechanical versions look great and are competitively priced, have a small footprint and available in different colors.

http://www.codelocks.us/

[ptlockguy]

I've had good results with MasterLock DSKP units. I replaced a Kwikset Signature 909 on my front door when it died, shortly after the warranty expired. They are sold with KW1, SC1 or Weiser key. If you want something more exotic, the cylinders can be replaced with ILCO 1599 or other KIK/KIL cylinders. Yes, they are imported, the numbers are doubled-up on the keypad.
It's a basic standalone unit.

I'd definitely be wary of heavily-discounted electronic locks. Manufacturers will unload products that are being discontinued. A big chain like Home Depot, Menards or Lowes will buy a couple truckloads The manufacturer honors the warranty, but coverage for the electronic parts is a year or less. After that, it doesn't matter. They don't sell parts to repair the electronics, even for current production models. That seems to be universal for residential electronic locks.

[cledry]

Yep. Simplex is good value......except for the magnet trick.....oh yeah and the manipulation chart that is free online.

Codelocks - mechanical versions look great and are competitively priced, have a small footprint and available in different colors.

http://www.codelocks.us/

Residential electronic locks have several advantages over mechanical locks. Easier to change combination and no problems if you make a mistake because it defaults either to the last combination or to factory setting. Had a few issues with Simplex ones over the years. Secondly most can have different codes for different users. Some have one time use codes for service people.

More complex electronic locks can have scheduling and audit trails as well as be tied into a LAN or WAN for external audit and or lockout. For example in a school, a person in an office could immediately lock down all classrooms. Employee X might only have access when they are scheduled and at other times they are locked out. Ingress and egress can be controlled. With schedules the building could be locked out on weekends and holidays except to certain personnel. Can't do this sort of thing with a mechanical lock.

[billdeserthills]

Yep. Simplex is good value......except for the magnet trick.....oh yeah and the manipulation chart that is free online.

Codelocks - mechanical versions look great and are competitively priced, have a small footprint and available in different colors.

http://www.codelocks.us/

Residential electronic locks have several advantages over mechanical locks. Easier to change combination and no problems if you make a mistake because it defaults either to the last combination or to factory setting. Had a few issues with Simplex ones over the years. Secondly most can have different codes for different users. Some have one time use codes for service people.

More complex electronic locks can have scheduling and audit trails as well as be tied into a LAN or WAN for external audit and or lockout. For example in a school, a person in an office could immediately lock down all classrooms. Employee X might only have access when they are scheduled and at other times they are locked out. Ingress and egress can be controlled. With schedules the building could be locked out on weekends and holidays except to certain personnel. Can't do this sort of thing with a mechanical lock.

Quite true, however nothing you mention is even close to a "Cheap Residential Electronic Deadbolt"

[globallockytoo]

Yep. Simplex is good value......except for the magnet trick.....oh yeah and the manipulation chart that is free online.

Codelocks - mechanical versions look great and are competitively priced, have a small footprint and available in different colors.

http://www.codelocks.us/

Residential electronic locks have several advantages over mechanical locks. Easier to change combination and no problems if you make a mistake because it defaults either to the last combination or to factory setting. Had a few issues with Simplex ones over the years. Secondly most can have different codes for different users. Some have one time use codes for service people.

More complex electronic locks can have scheduling and audit trails as well as be tied into a LAN or WAN for external audit and or lockout. For example in a school, a person in an office could immediately lock down all classrooms. Employee X might only have access when they are scheduled and at other times they are locked out. Ingress and egress can be controlled. With schedules the building could be locked out on weekends and holidays except to certain personnel. Can't do this sort of thing with a mechanical lock.

What you have written is very true, however none of that is possible or likely with wireless battery powered products. And most residential grade electronic locks in the market today are the wireless battery powered garbage that is not designed to last. If it were designed to last, it would be considerably more expensive. (kinda like Baldwin, who charge a premium price for quality and guarantee it for life).

I dare you to find me an audit trail capable residential lock that is wireless/battery powered and guaranteed for any length of time. (apart from the Lockitron).

In the state of Maine, products are required to have a 4 year minimum warranty, to be sold in that state. 7/8 of the products available in todays market would be ineligible.

If i want to recommend security to any client wanting audit trail, 100+ user codes etc....there is no possible way to recommend anything but a hardwired system.

I had a client today call me, wanting a prox/swipe card system with audit trail that is wireless for a residential apartment complex. A system that allows for timed lockdowns, easily removed/controlled access and wireless to boot. After explaining the perils of battery powered products and then explaining why most hardwired systems cost $1500+ for a single install, I almost convinced him to go with Bilock restricted key control, that would almost answer all his access control desires without audit trail or electronic lockout ability, at a price that is way more competitive and significantly longer lasting, that works with existing installations, not requiring another learning curve or an electronics degree to provide service and maintenance and significantly longer lasting due to being mechanical (very green oriented).

I suggested that perhaps an alternative for him was to install a prox card operated, maglock hardwired to a control system that he could manage using a wiegand controller and software for remote access, for close to $2500 installed, but with only a 12 month warranty on parts.

It all boils down to what the client will spend. So many people want all the bells and whistles but refuse to understand why it costs so much for quality.

[cledry]

Yep. Simplex is good value......except for the magnet trick.....oh yeah and the manipulation chart that is free online.

Codelocks - mechanical versions look great and are competitively priced, have a small footprint and available in different colors.

http://www.codelocks.us/

Residential electronic locks have several advantages over mechanical locks. Easier to change combination and no problems if you make a mistake because it defaults either to the last combination or to factory setting. Had a few issues with Simplex ones over the years. Secondly most can have different codes for different users. Some have one time use codes for service people.

More complex electronic locks can have scheduling and audit trails as well as be tied into a LAN or WAN for external audit and or lockout. For example in a school, a person in an office could immediately lock down all classrooms. Employee X might only have access when they are scheduled and at other times they are locked out. Ingress and egress can be controlled. With schedules the building could be locked out on weekends and holidays except to certain personnel. Can't do this sort of thing with a mechanical lock.

What you have written is very true, however none of that is possible or likely with wireless battery powered products. And most residential grade electronic locks in the market today are the wireless battery powered garbage that is not designed to last. If it were designed to last, it would be considerably more expensive. (kinda like Baldwin, who charge a premium price for quality and guarantee it for life).

I dare you to find me an audit trail capable residential lock that is wireless/battery powered and guaranteed for any length of time. (apart from the Lockitron).

In the state of Maine, products are required to have a 4 year minimum warranty, to be sold in that state. 7/8 of the products available in todays market would be ineligible.

If i want to recommend security to any client wanting audit trail, 100+ user codes etc....there is no possible way to recommend anything but a hardwired system.

I had a client today call me, wanting a prox/swipe card system with audit trail that is wireless for a residential apartment complex. A system that allows for timed lockdowns, easily removed/controlled access and wireless to boot. After explaining the perils of battery powered products and then explaining why most hardwired systems cost $1500+ for a single install, I almost convinced him to go with Bilock restricted key control, that would almost answer all his access control desires without audit trail or electronic lockout ability, at a price that is way more competitive and significantly longer lasting, that works with existing installations, not requiring another learning curve or an electronics degree to provide service and maintenance and significantly longer lasting due to being mechanical (very green oriented).

I suggested that perhaps an alternative for him was to install a prox card operated, maglock hardwired to a control system that he could manage using a wiegand controller and software for remote access, for close to $2500 installed, but with only a 12 month warranty on parts.

It all boils down to what the client will spend. So many people want all the bells and whistles but refuse to understand why it costs so much for quality.

There are many battery operated wireless locks that have an audit trail, scheduling etc. I use them all the time. The 4 year warranty is not a requirement in most places, in fact this is the first I have heard of any state mandating to private industry what products can be sold, or do they mandate that a lock with a 2 year warranty must say it has a 4 year warranty. Kaba has a 3 year warranty and I have had good luck with them. Alarm Lock only has a 2 year warranty and I have more issues with them.

If the warranty wasn't an issue for you you could use a battery operated Kaba if you are an certified installer (can't be installed unless you have the certification). That will do prox or pin, prox and pin, wireless remote, wireless audit trail, wireless lock down.

Fail to see these perils you talk about.

As you say the Bilock system is worthless if a customer wants instant lockout remotely, wants an audit trail, wants to monitor ingress and egress... It is just a mechanical lock that offers key control and some physical security. How much does a key cost vs a prox? When it is time to remove a user from the system and you didn't get that key back you now have lost key control unless you rekey the locks. So now you need to have someone come out, do a rekey, issue all new keys. The electronic access system would be able to instantly delete a soft key from the system, all the other tenants keys would still work. It could be done instantly by the authorized person. The cost incurred over time can be much less for electronic access than a mechanical system.

We prefer not to use maglocks because of the issues with backup power supplies and the requirement to tie them into the fire alarm system. We still install them but prefer to use fail secure electronic locks or strikes.

For residential use my experience has been that people aren't looking for the highest quality when they ask for an electronic deadbolt they want convenience and a low price. Yes, a Grade 1 deadbolt would be much more secure but it isn't as convenient to the customer.

[billdeserthills]

A fav distributor of mine is having a close-out on kwikset fingerprint locks, the 908 series Smart Scan locks which retail at $400 are being closed out at only $100. Kwikset Model 864 Night Sight closeouts at $20
I will be glad to pm anyone interested, as the forum will not allow me to post their info.