A new article has appeared today in Popular Mechanics magazine (online - and due to be printed in the October 2015 print edition) giving readers an opinion of the authors feeling about the new smart locks that are being seen across America.
The article, written by popular guest author Schuyler Towne (also an admin at Lockpicking101.com), offers an opinion that is supported by many lock industry professionals, home handymen, DIY'ers, building contractors and any homeowner that has seen the failure of their new prized smart lock.
Schuyler makes a really good point that many residential locks today might look really good, but dont actually improve the security of your home. In fact, the emergence of electronics in many smart locks has forced the manufacturers to skimp a little on the security aspect of these locks, by packing the needed wiring in place of better construction, using battery technology that really hasnt improved since the last century, all in the aim to keep costs competitive.
Like many locksmiths and other industry professionals, Schuyler points out that the age of the mechanical key will still be with us for a great many years to come. Sure, the beauty of being able to operate your entry with your smart phone is appealing (at least until the smartphone battery dies or the lock batteries wear out), but in reality, most of us are still going to be carrying the mechanical key "just in case", no?
Or the ability to give temporary access to the babysitter or the scheduled utility repair-person with a one off access code, certainly does present a part of the appeal factor because you no longer need to give them a key or leave one out under the flower pot, right?
But in reality, leaving out your spare key can open another can of worms. By NOT using a restricted key or key control system.
We do offer some better quality "smart" locks that can be installed with restricted key control cylinders instead of the ones that come with the average lock, that prevents unauthorized duplication.
Of course most restricted key control cylinders are significantly more expensive and can add significantly to your cost, but how much is the contents of your home really worth to you?
How much is your families safety and security really worth, compared to the average smart lock, where almost anyone and their relative can access so easily?
The article appears in the source below.
(source...)
