Smart locks: what to know before you install one.
Door fit, retrofit versus full replacement, connectivity, batteries, and security grade: what to check before buying a smart lock.
By Lock Raven, Maryland Locksmith License #737 · · 5 min read
Will it fit my door?
Most smart deadbolts fit standard doors, but check the door thickness, the backset (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole), and whether a handleset or storm door gets in the way. Old or soft frames should be reinforced before any new lock.
Retrofit or full replacement?
| Type | What changes | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Retrofit | Only the inside thumb-turn | Renters, keeping your current keys |
| Keypad deadbolt | The whole deadbolt, with a keypad outside | Families, guests, no phone needed |
| Full smart deadbolt | The whole deadbolt, app and keypad | Remote access, logs, smart home use |
How will you connect to it?
- Bluetooth works when you are nearby; remote access needs a bridge.
- Wi-Fi allows remote access directly but uses batteries faster.
- Smart home hubs (Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Matter-compatible systems) tie the lock into other devices.
Is a smart lock secure?
Look for an ANSI/BHMA grade on the deadbolt, a reinforced strike with long screws, and an app with two-factor sign-in. Change default codes, give each person their own code, and remove codes you no longer need.
Need a hand with this? Talk to a licensed locksmith.
Lock Raven serves Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Carroll, and Howard counties. Every job is priced before work starts.