Yeah, those sensors just don’t get along with winter hands. I’ve got an old house and honestly, half the time I’m just hoping the original lock doesn’t jam on me. Ever tried one of those combo keypads? Wondering if they’re any better when it’s freezing out...
Ever tried one of those combo keypads? Wondering if they’re any better when it’s freezing out...
Honestly, I swapped out the old deadbolt for a keypad last winter after getting locked out with numb fingers one too many times. It’s not perfect—buttons can get stiff if there’s ice buildup, but at least you’re not fumbling for keys with gloves on. One thing, though: if your door isn’t perfectly aligned (old house problems), even the fanciest keypad won’t save you from a sticky latch. I’d say it’s an upgrade, but not a miracle cure.
even the fanciest keypad won’t save you from a sticky latch
That’s spot on. I’ve installed a handful of these in rentals, and honestly, the keypad’s only as good as the hardware behind it. If the deadbolt or strike plate is even a little off, you’ll still be wrestling with the door. For older doors, I usually do a quick alignment and hit the latch with some graphite lubricant before winter. Makes a big difference, especially when temps drop and things swell up.
Honestly, I get the point about hardware, but I’d push back a bit on always reaching for graphite or quick fixes. Sometimes those lubricants just mask a bigger issue—like a warped jamb or moisture problems. I’ve had better luck swapping out old weatherstripping and using reclaimed hardwood for repairs. It’s a bit more work upfront, but it keeps things moving smoothly year-round and cuts down on waste. Plus, less chemical residue indoors. Just my two cents...
I get where you’re coming from—quick fixes like graphite are just band-aids if the door’s actually out of whack. I’ve seen folks dump half a can of spray lube into a sticky lock, only to have the door swell shut again after the next rainstorm. Swapping out weatherstripping and fixing up the jamb is definitely more work, but it’s the kind of thing that actually solves the problem instead of kicking it down the road.
That said, sometimes people just want their door to open right now, especially if they’re standing outside in the cold with groceries. I’m curious—when you’re dealing with an old door that’s already seen better days, do you always go for reclaimed hardwood? Or do you ever just bite the bullet and replace the whole unit? I’ve had clients who swear by patching things up, but sometimes it feels like you’re fighting a losing battle with old wood and shifting frames...
