I hear you about decent brands making a difference. I went with a cheaper keypad lock once and the thing just ate batteries for breakfast, plus it started sticking after the first year. Ended up swapping it for a Schlage too. Still, I get nervous about battery stuff dying at the worst possible moment... I keep meaning to hide a key outside somewhere, just in case, but then I worry someone else will find it. Not sure there’s any perfect answer—just gotta pick your risk, I guess.
I hear you on the battery anxiety—nothing like the thrill of wondering if you’ll be locked out in your pajamas. I keep a spare with a neighbor I trust, which feels safer than hiding it in a fake rock (those things are not fooling anyone). At least with Schlage, you get a physical key backup, but I still triple-check the battery every few months... just in case.
I keep a spare with a neighbor I trust, which feels safer than hiding it in a fake rock (those things are not fooling anyone).
I’ve always wondered about those fake rocks—do they ever actually blend in? I feel like I’d spot one from across the yard. The neighbor backup is clever, though. Have you ever had to use it, or is it more of a peace-of-mind thing? I’m curious if anyone’s tried those keypad locks with the emergency charging port. Seems smart, but then I’d probably lose the charging cable...
I’ve looked at those keypad locks too, but honestly, I’m not convinced they’re worth the price. Batteries die, tech can glitch, and yeah—losing the charging cable would be my luck. I just stick with a good old-fashioned lockbox hidden out of sight. Cheap, simple, reliable.
I get where you're coming from—I've had a lockbox tucked behind the gutter for years, and it’s never failed me. But I gotta say, those keypad locks have come a long way. Most of the newer models have backup keys or even a way to jump-start them with a 9V battery if the internal one dies. I like not having to fumble for keys, especially when my hands are full of tools. Ever had a lockbox freeze up or rust out? That’s bitten me once or twice. Just curious if that’s ever been an issue for you.
