I get the charm of old locks—there’s something about the weight and patina that just feels right. But I’ll admit, I’ve been tempted by the convenience of smart locks, especially when my hands are full of groceries. Still, every time I see one glitch or hear a story like yours, I remember why I stick with the classics. There’s a certain poetry in a lock that needs a little finesse... plus, you can’t really “reboot” a deadbolt.
- I totally get the nostalgia for old-school locks, but I keep thinking about how much it would cost to replace a smart lock if it broke.
- Plus, batteries dying at the worst times... not ideal on a tight budget.
- Has anyone found a smart lock that’s actually reliable long-term, or do they all eventually glitch out?
Had a smart lock eat my lunch once—locked me out in the rain, phone inside, battery dead. Ended up using a credit card and some colorful language to get back in. Honestly, I’ve yet to find one that doesn’t get weird after a year or two. Old-school keys might be clunky, but at least they don’t need AAAs every six months...
Had a client with a similar story—smart lock just stopped responding one winter, and they were stuck outside with groceries. I get the appeal of the tech, but honestly, I always recommend keeping a physical key backup somewhere safe. Batteries and electronics just don’t have the same reliability as a good old deadbolt. Still, when they work, they’re pretty convenient... just wish they’d last longer without hiccups.
Batteries and electronics just don’t have the same reliability as a good old deadbolt.
That’s exactly why I haven’t switched over yet. I keep looking at those smart locks, but then I remember how many times my TV remote dies at the worst moment. Can’t imagine standing outside in the cold, arms full of bags, just hoping the batteries aren’t dead.
I get the convenience part, though. My neighbor swears by hers—she can let her kids in from work if they forget their keys. Still, I’m not sure it’s worth the extra cost and hassle for me. I’d rather spend that money on something else around the house.
Has anyone found a model that actually holds up well in cold weather? Or maybe one with a better battery warning system? I’d be more tempted if there was a budget-friendly option that didn’t leave you stranded when it gets chilly.
