Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+

 Smart Door Lock, Smart Door Lock Brand, prices & installa

views
     
blancpain4470
post Mar 27 2020, 12:51 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,063 posts

Joined: Feb 2019


QUOTE(scsoo @ Mar 26 2020, 03:09 PM)
Jumping in with a Personal review for own stay and not for AB&B type of Digital Lock approach...

Move over to Digital Lock and as usual did the normal research and whatever and to be honest nothing much there around to guide...

Mine was on a Fire-Rated Security Front Door and I opted for a Push Pull type. One thing I noted that so far there isn't any waterproof type of Digital Lock. The front mostly water-resistant while the rear mostly wont. As such I decided not to Digital Lock my Grill Door as water can be a major enemy to electronics. So be careful if wanna go digital if water is an issue. The Lock front can stand splashes of rain but the rear is questionable.

Secondly, there is so many type out there... so it can be confusing. Handle with latch, deadbolt only, Push pull.. This part you can read up and understand. The Lock will unlock digitally but you still have to unlatch it if its a Latch lock. Push Pull also a Fancy Latch Lock Combo. Then see what you want and budget.

If possible try to get it from a friendly Locksmith that is easily Contactable. Lot of people are on the DIY way nowadays but do note Digital Lock is not that easy to DIY or look up in youtube due to security reason. So better to have someone contactable if you run into problem. As there is so many type and brand with each to its own set of setting its better to have someone there to provide support if possible.

Securitywise, I opt for fingerprint and PIN only. Its just like keyless car. you carry everything on you. I opt not to use contact card and such as fingerprint and PIN cannot be stolen. This is up to you.... I prefer the way that things cannot be stolen from you. Fingerprint and PIN are the hardest to steal from you... hahaha

Batterylife, just keep a spare set of AA Battery at home. Most lock operate with AA Battery. If indeed dead battery there is the 9V battery way and override Key. Most people wont use the 9V battery way if you carry the override key with you. Just override the lock, go into the house and change the dead battery with the spare. Most of the time this wont happen as battery don't die suddenly. There is battery low indicator unless you so stupid to ignore.

Then the choice is yours, so many brand and type out there... then its your wallet to decide. Nothing if foolproof but main thing is Digital lock will save you the need to carry 1 key per lock. Still need to carry.. but no need to fumble with it.. carry as its for emergency use only... like the keyless entry car.. you still have a key that you carry for emergency.

Its something nice to have and its for you to consider. Just sharing my opinion and thinking.
*
Running out of battery power is really not a big problem unless you are really stupid and ignore the alert and doesn’t bother to check. That said after my lock malfunction it is always good to have a manual key override until the faulty part was replaced.

Mine has 6 access methods. Personally the finger print is the best imho. Usually they are accurate and fast. The Auto Unlock sounds good but works inconsistently. I strongly recommends people buy one with finger print access.

Get one with WiFi bridge. It is worth the extra $.


blancpain4470
post Mar 27 2020, 04:47 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,063 posts

Joined: Feb 2019


QUOTE(scsoo @ Mar 27 2020, 04:16 PM)
I may sound paranoid, but I would advise against Wifi Bridge. Still prefer to be physically present to operate the lock via physical mean like fingerprint or PIN.
This being said, my review is mainly for own use where you most of the time will be operating the lock. Not AB&B where someone else uses the lock....
As for running out of battery, if you keep spare battery inside the home, no issue.. just use the key to open the door and replace the battery straight away.. no need to go get another 9v battery provided you do carry the key with you or stash it away somewhere within your reach.
Wow, 6 access method.. nice to have... As for me for security sake I disable those I do not use and only operate those I use.. so less chance of security breach with too many type of access....
*
I can see your points. Mine is g&g so my smart lock is mainly for convenient. Not easy for people to come into my small township.

For mine if my batteries are dead I can use a powerbank to open the lock or manual key. I deem powerbank troublesome so just keep a spare key with me.

WiFi bridge gives me the flexibility to check the status of the lock from anywhere. I can create users/temp users and grant one time access if I want to. I can also open my lock (in basement) from my kitchen or backyard one floor above where Bluetooth can't reach
blancpain4470
post Apr 2 2020, 04:55 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,063 posts

Joined: Feb 2019


QUOTE(knwong @ Apr 2 2020, 01:20 PM)
Here’s how I manage my AirBnB - initially wanted to install digital lock. Luckily I did not. Instead I went with this:

https://s.lazada.com.my/s.0fSZV

A simple combination lock that I put at my letter box. In it I drop my house and lift key for my tenant. This is so much better - no need to worry about Wifi, Bluetooth, battery, finger print, etc. Cheap and effective

Just change the combination lock PIN every few weeks
*
You are still on manual lock. First your combination lock can be cracked easily since only 3 digits. It is a cheap solution that may serve the purpose but unless you are arguing manual lock is better than smart lock it is not relevant here.

If you want most secured may be manual lock is still the best. But smart lock offers you convenient that you can't beat. In g&g environment it is just great without worrying too much about security beaches
blancpain4470
post Apr 2 2020, 10:39 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,063 posts

Joined: Feb 2019


QUOTE(knwong @ Apr 2 2020, 05:49 PM)
Beg to differ. I see more downside in using digital lock:

1. Super expensive
2. Need to worry about power supply (battery)
3. Some model need internet connectivity
4. Need to educate tenant how to use the lock (waste of time)
5. Follow up from no. 1 - poor ROI

The thread starter asked for digital lock that's good to use for AirBnB so my argument is based on this alone. If you are debating on the merit for personal use, then you can justify with any personal reason I won't argue at all - to some cost is not an issue

There's no 100% foolproof in using locks. I'm a fan of LockPickingLawyer videos in Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9K6rby98W8JigLoZOh6FQ

You'll find that lock picker nowadays are smart, they have graduate to cyber-thief. Digital locks also can be easily tamper with
*
What is super expensive? You can get those with simpler number pin code smart Lock for under 1k. Of course manual key is still cheapest if that's what you meant.

Power supply? Most can last 8000-10000 open/close. That's one year at least under normal usage. As far as internet goes you would think most ab&b will have internet service. Oh well if it is cheap ab&b then it will be basic and you won't need smart Lock anyway.

On educating tenant how to use don't you think people that travel around know how to use basic numerical key pad which is basic for smart lock?

There is no definite solution. It may work for you but if I were to do abnb for mid range to higher range offer, smart lock will work just fine
blancpain4470
post Apr 3 2020, 08:37 AM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,063 posts

Joined: Feb 2019


QUOTE(knwong @ Apr 2 2020, 11:09 PM)
Let me share the perils of running homestay:

High end market is rare. I do get those Middle East, Datuk, politician tenant but no one will leave feedback that using manual lock is deal-breaker. If tenant lost a key I deduct RM50 from their deposit which is small income

When there’s power or network connectivity outage, you won’t want to come rescue your tenant in the middle of the night

When running a homestay business, keep the operation as lean as possible. Don’t go with fancy digital lock, 60 inch Flat screen, inverter A/C. Those are overkill

Take these serious advise for someone who has run homestay
*
My preference is outsource to "professional" that will run this thing for you. I would not want to do this on my own but that's a different topic. We used to get this guy that renovate the apartment and manage this for us. But luckily I decided to cash out before the market collapse and now the virus

 

Change to:
| Lo-Fi Version
0.0163sec    1.26    7 queries    GZIP Disabled
Time is now: 27th November 2025 - 09:16 AM