NFC Door Lock/Handle

AndyCr15

AndyCr15

AndyCr15

Soldato
Joined
28 Apr 2011
Posts
15,680
Location
Barnet, London
I'd love to remove the need for me to take keys out with me when I cycle or run. Has anyone any experience with a door that can be unlocked using your watch or phone? How safe are they these days?

Ideally I'd love it to connect to Google Home and be able to be checked when out and about that I did actually lock the door! (Like, check the overall state - open, closed, locked etc)
 
I'm in similar situation (I don't run so only cycling for me :D) but I'm thinking of installing one of those "key safes" with combination lock somewhere in the garden.
 
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tom_e said:
I'm sure there was a thread on here recently
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bayo000 said:
I'm thinking of installing one of those "key safes" with combination lock somewhere in the garden.
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When I searched 'NFC Lock' possibly your thread was the only thing that came up, so I thought a thread specifically about doors/handles/locks might be okay. Happy to be directed to something pre-existing.
tom_e said:
the consensus was they're still crap.
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I guess I wondered about how mobile wallets seem safe on the whole? I also then wondered about most security exploits seem to come from IoT devices...

Mind you, a lock, you would think they would think about security a little more than a kettle!

Freefaller said:
but what happens when the tech goes wrong? At least with a key the chances are a lot lower.
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Yeah, definitely. I didn't know if there might be one that had a key lock as well as an NFC option? I don't know how much that helps me if I get locked out and I needed to use my phone as the keys are inside though!
 

Smart lock to home front door.

I'm about to take offers from some firms to change a few windows and front door. My house is getting fairly smart now with pretty much just heating and door locks to go, but I'm very hesitant about making the step to a smart lock system, though now would be the time. Anyone here have one/use...
forums.overclockers.co.uk forums.overclockers.co.uk
 
radderfire said:
For cycling, get a small frame bag and put your keys in that - it's a lot cheaper than an NFC door lock and more reliable too!
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Not that I cycle these days but personally go with a small, light weight, sling pack. Doesn't get in the way at all, can protect a phone, etc. as well as somewhere to put keys.
 
For cycling I'd rather stick to the zip pocket than either of those options. There are some coffee stops where your bike can't be seen for a time, I'd rather, if it did get stolen, I at least still had my keys on me! Not a fan of a bag with lycra either :p

The biggest advantage would be popping out for a run at lunch.
 
Surely a single key is a lot less bulky than a phone and/or whatever else you'll be carrying anyway? If there's one thing I've learned from LPL videos, it's that while many locks are ****, "smart" locks are on a whole other level of ****-ness. Most are easily bypassed, and the backup key locks are the cheapest possible and can be opened literally with a paperclip.

Basically exactly what you'd expect from a security product designed by tech people rather than security people :p

Edit: here's one very typical example (of many):

 
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Haggisman said:
Surely a single key is a lot less bulky than a phone and/or whatever else you'll be carrying anyway? If there's one thing I've learned from LPL videos, it's that while many locks are ****, "smart" locks are on a whole other level of ****-ness. Most are easily bypassed, and the backup key locks are the cheapest possible and can be opened literally with a paperclip.

Basically exactly what you'd expect from a security product designed by tech people rather than security people :p
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We had a break in at work once - they spent ~20 minutes crowbarring through a "high security" door - in more recent times thanks to LPL I found it can be opened without the keys in like 5 seconds flat... also interesting how many locks, especially combinations, can be compromised in a few minutes without even any tools.
 
Haggisman said:
Surely a single key is a lot less bulky than a phone and/or whatever else you'll be carrying anyway?
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But which is bulkier, a phone & keys, or just a phone? Or, for a run, a watch and keys, or just a watch. In both instances, there is less to carry if I can leave keys at home. A wallet is no longer needed, it would be great if keys were no longer needed is all.
 
Not sure what key you have, but I could slip mine inside my phone case and barely notice it was there. I'd rather have to carry an extra 10g of brass than get home to find my front door open and the contents missing. It's probably more "secure" to have a decent lock and just hide the key under the doormat to be honest :D
 
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Haggisman said:
It's probably more "secure" to have a decent lock and just hide the key under the doormat to be honest :D
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Tbh, I've wondered about doing that when just going out for a 30 minute run at lunch time. To be quite honest, it would probably be fine to leave the back door unlocked...
 
Depending where your house is one of those outdoor key safe things could be good, i personally take my keys in the tool bag i have on my bike otherwise would just hide my key somewhere but i've got a big garden and live out in the sticks so would be different if you're in a terraced house.
 
You say tomato, I say tamato..;)

I mock a little*, but they always struck me as actually quite useful especially if whatever you were wearing didn't have any decent sized pockets. I've got a couple of "workmans" versions in the garage, and somewhere I should still have the one I bought on holiday when I was about 12, very stylish and able to hold a walkman (IIRC "nike" black with bright neon green trim and a see through top pocket).

Back on topic a bit, as others said I don't think there are many/any consumer level "smart" locks that really come close to a decent normal lock at the moment in terms of security, which is a shame. I suspect it's mainly because all the "consumer" level ones are being made to be a quick "drop in" replacement, when you really need the "smart" electromechanical part of the locking mechanism to be either buried in the door/wall or behind the door, so you've only got the normal "backup" mechanism (using a proper, decent lock) and keypad/reader exposed.

*I'm allowed, I consider crocs comfortable shoes to wear in the garden and garage. :eek: I have no shame :p
 
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