Title: Finally switched to keyless entry and here's what I noticed
Swollen doors are such a summer classic, right? Nothing like watching your beautifully painted door suddenly refuse to close because it’s decided to bulk up for the season. I swear, wood has more mood swings than I do before my first coffee. I totally get the keypad drama, too. Those low-battery lights are like the check engine light of home hardware—easy to ignore until you’re locked out at 11pm, arms full of groceries, cursing your life choices.
I’m with you on the backup key thing. I know some folks think it defeats the “keyless” part, but honestly, I’d rather have a Plan B than try to squeeze through a bathroom window in front of a client. Not my most graceful moment. Have you ever had tenants call you in a panic because the keypad “ate” their code? I had one who thought the battery dying meant the whole lock was broken forever. Cue the dramatic sighing.
Curious—have you noticed any difference in how the doors look after switching to keyless? I’ve seen some models that are just plain ugly, but others actually add a bit of modern flair. I’m always torn between function and aesthetics. Also, do you do anything special to help with the swelling, or is it just a “wait for fall” situation? I’ve tried sanding and sealing, but sometimes it feels like the door is just determined to rebel.
Anyway, you’re not alone in the summer door struggle. At least with keypads, you can skip the frantic pocket-patting for keys... until the batteries die, of course.
Honestly, I’m still not sold on the whole keyless thing. I get the convenience, but those battery issues just seem like another headache waiting to happen. I’ve stuck with a good old deadbolt and a spare key hidden outside (in a not-so-obvious spot). Plus, some of those keypads look a bit clunky on older doors, at least to my eye. As for swelling, I just keep a can of WD-40 handy and deal with it as it comes... cheaper than replacing the whole setup every few years.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually found some of the newer keyless locks look pretty sleek—especially the low-profile models in matte black or bronze. They blend in better than you’d think, even on older doors. Battery change is maybe once a year, tops. For me, not fumbling for keys every time my hands are full has been worth it.
Honestly, you nailed it with the “not fumbling for keys” bit. That’s always the moment I see folks convert—standing at the door with a bag of groceries in one hand, dog leash in the other, and keys buried somewhere in a coat pocket you forgot you had. Classic.
I’ve put in a bunch of these newer keyless locks lately, and I’ll admit, I was skeptical about how they’d look on older doors. Thought they’d stick out like a sore thumb. But you’re right, those matte finishes are surprisingly subtle. Had one client with a 1920s Craftsman—figured it’d clash, but the black lock actually looked like it belonged there. Sometimes you gotta see it in person to believe it.
On batteries: I get asked about this all the time. People worry it’ll be another thing to remember, but most models beep or flash when they’re running low. If you can remember to change your smoke alarm batteries (or at least pretend you do), you’ll be fine. And honestly, swapping out the battery is usually easier than changing a lightbulb in some of these old fixtures.
One thing I like to remind folks: keep a backup physical key somewhere just in case. Not because the tech fails often, but because Murphy’s Law loves a good opportunity—like your kid locking the keypad with peanut butter fingers.
Anyway, glad to hear it’s working out for you. There’s something satisfying about walking up and just tapping a code or using your phone—makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if there’s laundry piled up inside.
Can’t argue with the convenience factor—keyless entry is one of those upgrades you don’t really appreciate until you’re juggling a pizza box and a toddler and realize you’re not stuck fishing for keys. I was on the fence about the aesthetics too, especially with older wood doors. Some of those brushed nickel or matte black finishes actually blend in better than the old brass knobs ever did.
On the battery thing, I’ve found most brands are pretty generous with battery life. I swap mine maybe once a year, and it gives me a warning for weeks before it’s actually dead. Still, I agree—having a backup key tucked away is just smart. I learned that the hard way when my nephew decided the keypad was a toy and locked us out for a solid hour.
One thing I’d add: if you’re worried about Wi-Fi models and hacking, there are plenty of solid non-connected keypads. You get the convenience without adding another device to your network. Not everyone needs their front door talking to their phone, honestly.
