Should I Get a Smart Knob or Smart Deadbolt
This is typically the second question we get. The answer depends on your door set up and what you are trying to accomplish. The two questions we ask right away are
1) Do you have a hole in your door for just a knob or for a knob and a deadbolt?
2) How important is it for the door to automatically lock?
If you only have one hole in your door, the least path of resistance is to use a smart knob. If you have both a knob and a deadbolt hole, I’d recommend using a smart deadbolt and changing out the knob for a passage/ hallway knob. This means that when the door closes it latches but there’s no locking mechanism. I’ve seen a number of people get locked out when their smart lock fails or someone locks the bottom lock and they don’t have a key. If you want keyless access this is the way to go. Again, please continue to carry a physical key if you have a key override available.
Smart knobs typically automatically lock. Many smart deadbolts need to be locked by the user. Meaning when they exit the house, they need to press a button in order for the lock to start locking. Other smart deadbolts can be set to automatically lock after 5 minutes or a similar interval.
If you install a smart deadbolt, we recommend switching the knob to a passage (hallway knob). That way you can close the door and it will latch. If you leave the keyed entry knob on the door, it is possible someone (babysitter, kid, guest, friend, dog walker, nurse, EMS) will turn the thumb-turn on the knob and when the door is closed the bottom lock will lock. If you carry a key, you’ll still be able to open the door. But changing the knob to a passage knob reduces the likelihood for lockouts.
The lever handle in this picture is blank on both sides. It only latches keeping the door closed.
Pros: You are less likely to be locked out.
Cons: You may forget to lock your door. The lock you choose may require additional drilling in the door.
Most residential locks use two different types of keys. They are not compatible. A Kwikset key will not go into a Schlage Lock. A Schlage key will not go into a Kwikset Lock. In order to use one key, you have to have all of the same type of lock. If you’re home already has Kwikset locks, it generally makes sense to use a smart lock that has a Kwikset key. That way, one key can open all of the locks on your house.
