Haha, raccoons are surprisingly resourceful little burglars. I had a similar issue—not wildlife-related, but weather. Installed a fingerprint lock on one of my properties thinking it'd be foolproof. Worked great until winter hit and the sensor decided my frozen fingers weren't human anymore... stood there blowing on my hands like an idiot. Switched to keypad locks after that—simple, reliable, and no biometric drama. Sometimes simpler tech really is better.
Had a similar issue with fingerprint locks—humidity messed mine up. Keypads are solid, but I've found mechanical push-button locks even better. No batteries, no electronics to fail, and they handle weather extremes like a champ. Installed one on my shed years ago, still works perfectly through rain, snow, whatever nature throws at it... Sometimes old-school tech just wins out.
Mechanical locks definitely have their charm—can't argue with reliability! But from a design perspective, keypad locks can blend in nicely with modern aesthetics, especially indoors. If humidity's causing trouble, you might consider models specifically rated for outdoor use or adding a protective cover. Had a client who installed one on their beach house porch; we added a simple weather shield and it's still going strong. Sometimes it's just about finding the right balance between style and practicality...
Keypads definitely have their perks, especially if you're prone to losing keys (guilty here...). But honestly, mechanical locks still feel reassuringly solid to me. If humidity's an issue, I've heard silicone spray can help keep things smooth—worked wonders on my shed lock last summer. Either way, it's probably smart to have a backup plan hidden somewhere discreet. Learned that lesson the hard way after a midnight lockout adventure... not fun at all.
Totally get the appeal of keypads, especially after my own late-night lockout fiasco a couple years back. Picture this: it's pouring rain, I'm exhausted from a long day on-site, and I realize my keys are sitting neatly on the kitchen counter—visible through the window, mocking me. Ended up climbing through a half-open bathroom window (thankfully ground floor), but let's just say it wasn't my most graceful moment...
Since then, I've installed keypad locks on both front and back doors. They're definitely convenient, especially when you've got your hands full or you're juggling tools and materials. But I agree with you about mechanical locks—they just feel sturdier somehow. Maybe it's psychological, but there's something reassuring about physically turning a key and feeling that solid click.
One thing I'd add is that keypad locks aren't foolproof either. Batteries die at the worst possible times (ask me how I know...), and sometimes the buttons wear out or get sticky from weather exposure. Silicone spray is great advice for mechanical locks—I've used graphite powder too, which works wonders without attracting dirt or grime.
My personal solution? A hybrid approach. Keypad lock for daily convenience, mechanical deadbolt as backup security, and a hidden spare key tucked away somewhere discreet (and dry!). Learned to keep it in a small waterproof container after finding my previous "hidden" key rusted beyond recognition.
At the end of the day, no system's perfect—but having multiple options definitely reduces those midnight panic moments.
