Battery swaps every 6 months aren't terrible, but have you considered mechanical keypad locks instead? Installed one on my back door about five years ago—no batteries, no reminders, and zero lockouts since. Sure, they're not as flashy or app-connected, but honestly, how often do you really need remote unlocking? Might be worth a thought if you're tired of battery schedules...
I've been eyeing those mechanical keypad locks myself—seems like a solid, no-fuss option. But do they hold up well over time? I mean, any issues with buttons sticking or wearing out after heavy use? Just curious before I make the leap...
I've installed a few mechanical keypad locks over the years, and honestly, they're decent—but not without their quirks. The buttons themselves usually hold up fine, but I've noticed that after heavy use, certain numbers can start to feel a bit mushy or less responsive. It's not exactly sticking, more like losing that crisp tactile feedback you get when they're new. Also, keep in mind that mechanical keypads have limited code combinations compared to electronic ones, so security-wise, they're not bulletproof.
Personally, I've shifted toward electronic keypad locks with battery backup. Yeah, batteries can be a hassle, but the convenience of easily changing codes and having more secure combinations outweighs the occasional battery swap. Plus, most modern electronic locks warn you well before the battery dies, so you're rarely caught off guard.
Just something to consider before you dive in—mechanical isn't bad, but electronic might give you more flexibility and longevity in the long run.
I've been using electronic locks on my rentals for a while now, and honestly, tenants seem to love them. No more lost keys drama, and I can switch codes remotely between tenants—huge time saver. But...I've had a couple of instances where the lock glitched or froze up temporarily. Have you run into any reliability issues yet, or has it been smooth sailing so far?
I've had similar experiences with electronic locks—overall they're great, but yeah, glitches do happen. Usually, it's battery-related in my experience. Even if the app says battery life is good, I've found swapping them out regularly helps avoid those random freezes. Also, extreme weather can mess with them sometimes...had a lock freeze up (literally!) during a cold snap last winter. Still beats dealing with lost keys though, hands down.
