A new toy to play with

When the email came through it seemed like a nifty idea and I thought I had just the place to put it.

What is it?

A keyless programmable lock. Something that could be mounted on a door for everyone’s convenience.

I wanted to put it on my garage…Well, that’s what we call it, but it’s not for parking the car in. You see it’s detached from the house and 30ish feet behind it, but with no driveway leading up to it. We use the building for storing stuff, primarily the pool stuff. And we keep it locked up.

The building has 2 doors. A typical garage door (hence why we call it our garage) and a sidedoor. And with it locked up, it’s a pain when someone needs to run out there and get something.

– Remember the key…Find the key chain…Find the correct key on the key chain (which means trying all 3) -

And if we are already outside when we go through this, then it means tracking back into the house first. The idea of having a code sounds great!

Schlage suggests that you’d want the lock because you can put in multiple codes (up to 19) and can change them whenever you want. So, your latchkey kids (yeah right, in this household?) can have their own codes and never have to remember a key or worry about losing one. Or if you schedule some workmen they can use their own code to come in and do the work (which you can erase when they are done).

So, the lock came and I set it up.

It’s a bit heavier than a regular deadbolt, but that’s not too surprising given that it’s got a lot more to it. It had multiple pages of instructions (in two languages) including everything from drilling instructions (if you need to cut a hole), installation, and programming. And there’s even instructions on where to go on the web to find more instructions and video clips (showing installation and programming) if you want to see someone setting it up.

I’ve installed regular locks and deadbolts before and I found the paperwork more than adequate. Oh, btw, the lock runs off a 9V battery and they even send you a battery.

The lock comes with a programming code and then two preset user codes. I suspect trying not to lose the programming code will be interesting (though taking the lock back apart will get you access to the code, and removing the battery – and pressing a certain button – will reset the lock). You use the programming code to enter and erase the user codes – which I did, and it worked fine.

My only concern will be how long the battery will last, and that only time will tell. The lock they sent me does have it’s own keys to use as a back up if you forget the codes or the battery fails.