Fingerprint locks are decent, but yeah...they're definitely picky about wet or dirty fingers. I installed one a year ago—mostly works great, but gardening or rainy days can be frustrating. Maybe a combo lock is safer overall? Curious if anyone's tried those hybrid models.
I've had a hybrid keypad/fingerprint lock for about two years now on my old Victorian. Honestly, the fingerprint feature is convenient when it works, but like you said—wet or dirty fingers are a hassle. The keypad's a lifesaver on those days. Ever considered one with a physical key backup too? That's what mine has, and it's saved me more than once when the batteries died unexpectedly. Might be worth checking out if you're worried about reliability.
I've been there with the fingerprint frustration. Installed one of those hybrid locks on our craftsman bungalow a while back, thinking it'd be the ultimate convenience. And sure, it's great—until you're juggling groceries in the rain and your fingerprint suddenly decides you're a complete stranger. The keypad saved me countless times, but yeah, the battery issue is no joke.
Funny story: I once had to climb through a half-open bathroom window because the batteries died while I was out gardening. Picture me covered in dirt, awkwardly squeezing through a tiny window... neighbors got a good laugh that day. After that little adventure, I switched to one with a physical key backup too. Honestly, it's like having an old-school safety net for modern tech hiccups.
Good call mentioning that option—definitely worth considering for anyone who's had their share of "smart lock" mishaps.
Totally relate to the fingerprint issues—had similar frustrations myself. A couple things I've noticed after installing mine:
- Fingerprint sensors seem extra finicky in cold weather or if your hands are slightly damp. Learned that the hard way after a jog in the rain...
- Battery life varies wildly between brands. Mine drains faster than advertised, so now I just replace batteries proactively every 4-5 months.
- Physical keys feel outdated at first, but they're lifesavers. Tech glitches happen at the worst possible moments, always better safe than sorry.
Haha, been there with the damp fingers... nothing like standing awkwardly on your porch, desperately wiping your thumb on your jeans hoping it'll finally work. Honestly, I ended up switching to a keypad lock—less fancy, but way more reliable for me. And yeah, physical keys might feel ancient, but trust me, when tech decides to take a day off, you'll be grateful you kept one stashed in that fake rock by the bushes...
