Install A Digital Lock

[GaryArmadale]

Hi,

I would like to replace a front door lock with a digital lock.

I have been told by a locksmith that the Lockwood secure digital lever that I have bought will not work.

Mcgrath locks have been recommended by one of the locksmiths.

Are there any other cheaper locks that I could use ?

Regards

Gary

[JacobZ]

Hi @GaryArmadale,

Did they explain why it is that you couldn't use that door lock?

If they did, I'm assuming the locksmith said you couldn't use this lock because you currently have a mortice lock?

Essentially, behind that face plate, you have a rather large mechanism that sits inside a rebate that is cut into the side of your door. It looks like this.

The reason the Lockwood smart lock wouldn't work is that the big rebate on the side of your door is going to be there when you remove the current lock, and the faceplate on the smart lock needs to be screwed in at the location of that large rebate, which isn't possible.

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any smart lock that wouldn't run into this same issue with your door in its current state.

The only option I can think of that would guarantee you could use a smart lock is to replace the door.

If your locksmith has recommended a smart lock that would work, then it may be worth following their advice, because the only alternative I know of that would make a smart lock a viable option is to replace the whole door.

If you needed to replace the door, you might like to consider using our Door Installation service.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[GaryArmadale]

Thanks for your reply.

One of the locksmiths suggested installing a digital dead lock above the existing one.

Does this need to be a digital dead lock ? 

So how does the door lock then ? Does the digital lock and the mortice lock need to both locked or unlocked ?

[JacobZ]

Hi @GaryArmadale,

We certainly have options for digital deadlocks, such as the Orion Grid Connect Smart Deadbolt Lock with Remote Access or Orion Grid Connect Smart Digital Deadbolt.

If you installed a digital deadlock above the existing lock, then you would just end up with two functional locks on your door. The existing handle would still be the only way to open the latch.

To enter the house, both locks would need to be unlocked, but if you wanted to give someone access to the house without a key, or you wanted to leave the house without your keys, then you could just leave the mortice lock unlocked and lock the digital deadbolt.

If this were the sort of function you were hoping to have, then it is certainly an option worth considering.

Jacob