Hi everyone, I’m new to home automation and I’m interested in getting a smart lock for the front door, as I want to replace the lock anyway (new house purchase, generally good practice to replace the lock). I’d rather the outside looked like a normal lock as I don’t want it to look expensive and attract undue attention, so ai want something that just has a normal key lock on the other side.
This should also be functional, so we can get in and out with the key.
Any recommendations?
I’ve seen the switch bot lock, which looks doable, but is a) a bit ugly and b) if the key has to be permanently in on the inside, you wouldn’t be able to put a key in from the outside.
We have a Nuki, and use a lock from Yale which is designed for their own smart locks, but works fine with the Nuki. It has its own key from the outside, so doesn’t look out of place at all.
The other option is to get a lock that can leave the key in and still use it from outside. Astral is one brand I think, but when I found the Yale it was perfect.
You can buy euro cylinders that allow a key to be in both sides at once.l and still lock / unlock.
I would say a Nuki would be my go to, no change to the external look of the lock. Can interface with a key on the inside of a thumb turn and if you want to change to a euro cylinder with a thumbturn inside so that it doesn’t have a key installed inside permanently then that’s 5 minute DIY job.
I have a Danalock which I got through the Ultion brand. It looks like Ultion now use Nuki for their smart locks, rather than Danalock.
You get an Ultion lock (with optional matching keying if you have multiple doors and want to use the same key for them), with an included Danalock/Nuki and - importantly - if you get it fitted by a qualified locksmith, it meets the BS3621 standard so it won’t invalidate your home insurance.