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5 Mistakes Keyless Lock Rookies Make
So you’ve decided to make the switch from traditional locks to a keyless lock system–congratulations are definitely in order. You’ll now be able to enjoy an entirely new level of convenience and security, and you won’t have to worry about keeping up with those clunky, pesky keys anymore. While keyless locks are light years ahead of traditional locks in terms of usability, there are still some important things you need to know to ensure that you can get the most out of using them. Below are five common mistakes that keyless lock rookies make, and how to avoid them.
1. Failing to change the default access codes.
Most keyless locks come pre-programmed with at least a couple of default access codes just to get you started using the device. This can be a good and bad thing, because when you first get the lock, you can test to make sure it works by using these default codes, but if you fail to reprogram those codes, you could open yourself up to a security risk without even knowing it.
Many thieves and other shady characters have studied the user manuals of these various locks, and they know which default codes come with which models. A would-be intruder could possibly test your lock with one of the default access codes just to see if they can get into your house.
The last thing you would want is to give an open invitation to any burglars, so make sure to reprogram your access codes by way of utilizing the lock’s master programming code. The Schlage BE365 deadbolt lock is a great example of a keyless lock that allows you to disable and then reset all of your access codes with a simple programming sequence, which the owner’s manual will walk you through step-by-step.
2. Purchasing keyless locks from a questionable source.
There’s a lot to be said for purchasing a keyless lock from a reputable company. If you decide to buy a keyless lock from Joe Schmoe’s Semi-Anonymous Super-Discounted Keyless Lock Website, where there’s no way to contact any customer service representative, no physical address for the company listed on the site, and no guarantee of a secure online transaction, don’t be surprised if you end up having problems with your keyless lock. When it comes to the safety of your home and family, there’s no room for cutting corners, so be sure to purchase your keyless locks from an authorized dealer like GoKeyless.com.
3. Buying a keyless lock that does more (or less) than what you need.
It is important to do your homework before buying a keyless lock, because different models are designed to perform different types of jobs based on the expected demand that will be placed on the lock. For example, if you’re purchasing a set of keyless locks for a commercial building with extremely high foot traffic, you’re going to need a different lock than what you would pick for a storage closet that only gets accessed two or three times a week. For certain exterior applications, you’ll also need to consider whether or not the lock is weather resistant. Make sure that you have fully researched the features of each lock, and find out what type of usage it’s designed for so that you can make the most informed choice possible.
4. Choosing the wrong keyless lock based on the door type.
Different door types may require different keyless lock models in order to ensure proper installation and use. Make a note of whether the door is glass, metal, wood or otherwise, so that you can be sure that the keyless lock you select will be compatible with the door type right off the bat.
5. Making your access codes too easy to guess.
This is only about a half-step above using the default access codes. Avoid using any code that can even be remotely tied to your personal information, such as your birthday, street number, phone number or anything else. You want to make your access code very difficult to guess, but memorable enough so that you won’t be forgetting it all the time. You should also make sure to use the maximum number of characters allowed when creating your access code. In other words, if your lock allows you to create a code between 4 to 6 characters long, go for the full six characters.
Keyless locks are definitely the most convenient, efficient and cost-effective devices available for securing your doors, but they must be used with the appropriate amount of safety protocols in place so that you can get the most out of them. Make sure to avoid the mistakes listed above, and you will ensure a much greater level of safety for your home or your business.