Smart Lock

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Looking to get a smart lock for my front door. Think I’d like on that I replace the dead bolt rather than using the current one.

Any suggestions on ones you like, number pad is a must, biometric would be nice but not necessary.

Also, who would I call to install this? A locksmith or like a nerd squad type company? I’m in New Orleans if anyone has a specific installer recommendation.

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Installing a smart lock is stupid easy. Seriously. Unless you're one of those crazy impatient people who can't stand to read directions, it should be a painless process that takes you less than 15 minutes or so.

I have a Next x Yale lock, which I like quite a bit, but I haven't tried any others, so I can't speak to comparatives: LINK

One possible complication to note: smart locks are extremely particular about there not being lateral resistance against the bolt when it's opening and closing (the reason being that it will burn up the tiny motor). So keep in mind that you might need to chisel out the hole in your door frame a bit if the last person who installed the door was a lazy count about it and didn't worry about lining it up correctly.

I assume it's something a locksmith would do more than a tech guy, but I suppose it's technically more carpentry/handywork. It's really easy though. Just look at which side your bolt is rubbing against. Then unscrew the striker plate. Grab a hammer and a flat head screwdriver and just chisel away the wood on the door frame laterally until you've widened it far enough in the correct direction. Screw the striker plate in over the adjusted hole and you're good to go.

Unless your door frame is made out of some exotic dense wood, it should take very little effort.

I installed a Schlage on my door about 1.5 yrs ago. About 6 months ago it quit working so I changed the batteries... now it kills batteries in a couple of days and I don't even use it.

Not sure if it's a common problem or I just ended up with a lemon.

Nest X Yale looks great and is easy to install; i put 3 of them in my home in less than an hour.

Schlage here as well, no issues and nice to have

I have the eufy wifi biometric lock and it's amazing. Rechargeable battery that lasts forever, excellent fingerprint recognition. I never carry my keys anymore.

As others said, it's not a tech issue, it's strike plate misalignment, and is a drill and screws issue, not a geek issue. The screw crew just needs to make sure the deadbolt/latch is smooth acting, and then you don't need 'em. But, the smart lock is so simple to install, they'll probably do it anyway, and then realize that puts them on the hook (sorta) to teach you how to use it via the app on your phone.

I know you already ordered, but I hope it has physical buttons and is not "touch screen" based. The "touch screens" seem to have problems with a lot of reflected sunlight (from driveways, etc.) confusing the keypad. I moved the touch screen to the back door which is always shaded (kids locked us out while we were in the pool a couple of times) and put a physical button model on the door that faced the sun. I haven't used a key to get into the house in years.

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I installed a Schlage on my door about 1.5 yrs ago. About 6 months ago it quit working so I changed the batteries... now it kills batteries in a couple of days and I don't even use it.

Not sure if it's a common problem or I just ended up with a lemon.

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It seems we share the same problem, (Schlage Connect Camelot Deadbolt) died about 6 months ago, eating batteries every 2 days, overheating them, etc. had to pull the battery pack and start using the keyway.
What sucks is I miss the autolock feature, and having to go downstairs to check the lock at night (instead of looking at the upstairs alarm panel)

NOBODY has a new one in stock for under $400!! *Amazon seller has one but wants $469 last I checked).

I just ordered a Kwikset Smart Lock from Vivint (my home alarm system for $125 or so).

Hopefully I can replace the garbage Kwikset SFIC core with a Schlage (probably need to change the tail piece), if it works great, else I will return it. Kwikset generally has a pick resistance of 5-10 seconds from raking attacks.

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I have the eufy wifi biometric lock and it's amazing. Rechargeable battery that lasts forever, excellent fingerprint recognition. I never carry my keys anymore.

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I have one too. It's awesome.

I switched from Schlage to NestxYale and WOw. What a difference. Better key pad, nicer lock, and you can lock/unlock remotely. Much easier to set codes for you and other people to access the house. And you can set time windows for someone to enter/exit which is super nice if needed