"tech loves to surprise us at the worst moments... Learned that one the hard way myself."
Haha, isn't that the truth? I remember installing my first smart lock thinking I'd finally outsmarted myself from ever getting locked out again. Fast forward a few months, and there I was—standing outside in the rain, phone battery dead, keypad frozen up, and no spare key hidden anywhere. Lesson learned!
Since then, I've gotten into a habit of keeping a backup plan. For anyone interested, here's what works for me:
1. Hide a spare key somewhere discreet (not under the welcome mat or flower pot—thieves check those first).
2. Consider a lockbox with a combination code tucked away somewhere inconspicuous.
3. Regularly test your smart lock batteries and replace them proactively.
4. Keep a portable phone charger handy in your car or bag.
Tech is fantastic until it decides to take a day off... better safe than sorry, right?
Haha, your backup plan sounds solid. I learned my lesson after getting locked out at midnight... ended up climbing through a tiny bathroom window. Now I stash spare batteries everywhere. Has anyone tried those fingerprint locks—are they actually reliable?
"Has anyone tried those fingerprint locks—are they actually reliable?"
I've installed fingerprint locks for a few clients, and reliability really depends on the brand and setup conditions. In my experience, higher-end models from reputable brands usually perform pretty consistently—quick response times, minimal false rejections. Still, they're not foolproof. If your finger's wet or dirty (like if you're caught in the rain or coming back from gardening), some models struggle to recognize your fingerprint. I've had homeowners mention occasional frustrations with needing multiple attempts.
Also, keep in mind that some cheaper models can degrade faster—sensors wearing out or becoming less responsive over time. I'd suggest looking for something with solid user reviews and a decent warranty. And always have a backup entry method handy... just in case.
I've had one installed for almost a year now, and honestly, it's been pretty smooth sailing. Sure, there's been a couple times after washing dishes or coming back from a run when it took an extra try or two—but nothing major. Definitely agree about having a backup method though... learned that the hard way after a power outage once. Overall, it's still way better than fumbling around for keys in the dark or juggling groceries at the door.
Good points about having a backup—I've been considering installing one at my rental properties, but reliability is a big concern for me. Power outages are rare here, but still... Murphy's law, right? Curious if anyone's had issues with battery life or connectivity over time. Also wondering how tenants generally feel about them—do they see it as a convenience or more like an unnecessary hassle?
