The deadbolts, electronic locks, and smart locks that enter CR’s labs get kicked, picked, and drilled into oblivion.
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For the kick-in tests, CR’s test engineers built a custom jig that allows them to swing a 100-pound steel battering ram at a replaceable section of a door with the deadbolt installed. They repeat the test eight times, dropping the weight from increasing heights or until the lock fails. The models that fail—and at least half do—then go through another test round with a reinforced box strike plate installed on a new lock sample. Again and again, CR’s experts have found that this basic do-it-yourself upgrade improves security for any lock (more on that later).
For the drilling test, we evaluate how well each lock can withstand an attack from a cordless drill. And for the picking test, we assess the internal mechanisms of each lock to see how easily it can be picked.
All models, including smart locks, receive a score in each of the four break-in tests, allowing you to easily compare a lock’s strengths and weaknesses in the face of a physical assault. The only exception is with retrofit smart locks. These locks replace only the interior side of your existing deadbolt, essentially adding smarts to the lock you already use. As a result, a retrofit smart lock’s resistance to kicking, picking, and drilling is entirely dependent on the deadbolt it’s paired with.
Both types of smart locks also get additional testing. We investigate features such as smartphone alerts, remote locking and unlocking, geofencing (the ability to automatically lock or unlock the door based on your ’s location), third-party app and voice control (via Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Assistant, and Apple Home and Siri), shareable electronic keys, access logs of who comes and goes, and even tamper alarms. Our testers factor these features into our ratings under headings that include ease of remote access, convenience, and security add-ons. We also run through the wireless setup process to see how difficult it is to connect the locks to a smartphone and other smart-home devices (such as smart speakers), putting ourselves in your shoes. For details on how well each door lock performs in these tests, see the results in our door lock ratings.
The price alone might be enough to make you scoff at buying a smart lock, but before you dismiss it, consider the convenience it delivers. A smart lock can be very helpful if you often forget to lock your door or need to let in a contractor, cleaner, or dog walker when you’re not home. They’re also a great way to know when kids get home from school.
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Smart locks solve those problems by way of smartphone apps and optional remote locking and unlocking features. Just know that remote access sometimes requires some sort of WiFi bridge at an additional cost. (Many smart locks now have WiFi built-in because the technology has become more power-efficient over the years.) And if you’re considering a smart lock but don’t want to pay extra for WiFi access, an electronic lock might serve your needs. This type offers keypad access and the ability to program and distribute PINs to various guests, but it can’t talk to your smartphone.
Weak doors—in particular, hollow-core doors—may give way before the lock does. Whichever type of lock you buy, be sure to use a box strike made of heavy-duty metal and install it with the screws provided. Another option is to install 3-inch screws on your existing strike plate. Hinges should also be secured with 3-inch screws.
You might not want to spring for a double-sided lock, though. Many municipalities consider them to be a fire hazard because you need a key to unlock the door from inside, which creates the possibility of being trapped. But they can offer peace of mind if installed on a door adjacent to glass sidelites by denying a would-be burglar the ability to break the glass and reach in to unlock the thumb-turn.
Some smart locks will soon adopt a new wireless technology called UWB (which stands for ultra-wideband) that can accurately determine a device’s location within centimeters. It’s the same technology used in Apple AirTags. Smart locks can use UWB to track your ’s precise location to unlock a door as you approach it and lock it when you leave, all hands-free without you needing to take your out of your pocket or bag.
Smart locks with this technology will hit the market later in . This technology is part of yet another new industry standard called Aliro, which is being created by many of the same companies behind Matter. You will likely see Aliro branding on smart locks with hands-free unlocking in the near future.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of door cylinder supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.