Most guests are just impressed you have keyless entry at all. If it feels right to you, that’s probably what matters most.
That’s definitely true—most folks don’t notice the finish details unless they’re really into hardware. Curious, did you run into any issues with installation or the fit on your existing door? Sometimes those older doors need a little tweaking for the new tech.
Sometimes those older doors need a little tweaking for the new tech.
Man, you’re not kidding about that. I tried installing a smart lock on one of my 1950s rentals and it turned into a full-blown project. The door was just slightly off—like, the kind of “off” you only notice when you’re trying to line up a deadbolt with laser precision. Ended up shaving down the edge and filling in some old screw holes with toothpicks (don’t judge, it works).
Honestly, most guests are just happy they don’t have to fumble with keys at midnight. I’ve had exactly one person comment on the finish, and he was the type who probably polishes his doorknobs for fun. For me, as long as it locks and unlocks without a wrestling match, I’m calling it a win.
Ended up shaving down the edge and filling in some old screw holes with toothpicks (don’t judge, it works).
Toothpicks are basically a rite of passage for anyone dealing with old doors, honestly. I’ve had to get creative with matchsticks and wood glue more times than I can count. The thing that always gets me is how nothing is ever square—like, you think you’re done, then realize the latch plate sits at a weird angle. Still, I’d take a slightly janky-looking door over guests locked out at 2am any day.
Haha, yeah, I can’t even count how many times I’ve filled stripped holes with toothpicks and glue. Sometimes I wonder if half my door is just patchwork at this point. The worst is when you think you’re finally done, but the strike plate still doesn’t line up quite right. But hey, as long as the keyless lock works and nobody’s locked out, it’s a win in my book.
- Toothpicks and glue—classic move.
- If the strike plate’s still off, try loosening the screws just a touch and wiggling it while the door’s closed. Sometimes that tiny adjustment makes all the difference.
- Honestly, patchwork doors have character... at least that’s what I tell myself after every flip.
- Keyless locks are a game changer, but I still keep a spare key hidden just in case tech fails me.
