Keypad deadbolts are a decent middle ground, honestly. I swapped out one of my old mortise locks for a keypad-only model last year after getting tired of fighting with the skeleton key every winter. It’s less finicky, but you do have to keep an eye on the batteries—mine tend to die right when I’m running late. Still beats wrestling with a 100-year-old lock that sticks if you look at it funny. The tech’s not perfect, but neither is 1920s hardware... pick your poison, I guess.
Couldn’t agree more about the trade-offs. I’ve put keypad deadbolts in a bunch of my rentals, and yeah, batteries are a pain sometimes, but at least you’re not dealing with tenants calling at midnight because their antique key snapped off in the lock. I’ll take swapping out AA’s every few months over paying a locksmith to drill out a stuck mortise any day.
Honestly, for most people, the convenience outweighs the hassle. If you’re worried about batteries dying at the worst time, some models have backup keys or even a 9V battery jump-start option. Not perfect, but it’s a step up from wrestling with doors that swell shut every time it rains. Old hardware has its charm, but when you’re managing properties—or just trying to get to work on time—reliability wins out.
Honestly, I’m with you on the convenience factor—keypad locks are a lifesaver, especially when you’re juggling groceries or running late. But I do wonder about the aesthetics sometimes. There’s something about a classic brass knob or an old mortise lock that just feels right in certain spaces, you know? I’ve had clients who insisted on keeping their original hardware for the “character,” but then they’re texting me at 7am because the door won’t budge after a rainstorm.
I get that batteries can be annoying, but at least you can plan for them. A stuck antique lock is just unpredictable chaos. The backup key option is smart, though I always worry people will lose those too... or forget where they stashed them. Still, for most homes—especially rentals—I’d say modern wins out. Maybe not as charming, but way less drama when it comes to getting inside after a long day.
I totally get the appeal of old hardware—there’s just something about a heavy brass knob that feels solid. But after getting locked out twice because my 1920s latch swelled up in the rain, I swapped to a keypad. If you’re worried about losing backup keys, I recommend a small lockbox hidden somewhere outside (not too obvious, though). For anyone set on keeping vintage locks, a little graphite powder in the mechanism every few months can help keep things moving smoothly. Not as pretty as the original patina, but way less stressful when you’re standing in the rain.
there’s just something about a heavy brass knob that feels solid
That tactile quality is hard to beat, honestly. I totally understand wanting to keep the original hardware—there’s a certain charm and history you just can’t replicate with modern pieces. But yeah, the swelling issue is real. I’ve seen clients get frustrated when their beautiful old doors become unpredictable with the weather.
Have you thought about hybrid solutions? Sometimes you can retrofit a keypad onto an existing vintage plate, so you keep the look but add convenience. It’s not always seamless, but it can be a good compromise if aesthetics are a priority.
I’m curious—did you find the keypad clashed visually with your door, or did you find one that blended in? I’ve noticed some brands are starting to offer more “antique” finishes, but they’re hit or miss.
Graphite powder is a great tip, by the way. I’ve also seen people use beeswax on sticky wood parts (not the lock itself) to help with swelling. It’s not perfect, but it buys some time before things get stuck again.
