How to enter your home without a key: Video

A home improvement project doesn’t have to take hours or require multiple tools. Sometimes it can be a quick task that makes a big difference.

Locking and unlocking the doors to our homes is part of our daily routine. But it can be a nuisance to dig through a bag for keys or to try unlocking the door with an armful of groceries or a sleeping baby. Simplify home entry by swapping out your analog deadbolt for a digital one and say goodbye to your keys and hello to the keypad.

Watch this video to see how you can easily upgrade your door with a smart lock.

Smart lock  

There are many models to choose from, but the most important thing to keep in mind is how your doorknob and lock sit on your door. Make sure the digital version you buy will fit that setup. After that, it’s up to you to decide which features you want or don’t want.

You can find smart locks that unlock using:

• A pin code. 
• Your fingerprint or palm print. 
• The app on your phone. 
• A special knock combination. 
• Your physical key.

It’s easy to create different PIN codes so there’s one for every day, but you can also create shorter term or one-time-use codes for repair people, dog walkers or guests.

Most digital locks also come with a companion app. There, you can create and manage PIN codes, set the door to lock automatically after a certain amount of time and review a log of when and how the door was locked or unlocked.

Swapping your standard deadbolt for a digital lock can be done in just a few minutes, often with only a screwdriver. A simple upgrade like this shouldn’t cost you your safety deposit, either. However, you may want to check with your landlord or property manager, in case there’s anything in your lease that requires you to notify them. 

When it’s time to move out, just unscrew it, put the original deadbolt on and it’s just like it was the day you moved in.

Spare keys 

Some digital locks only replace the inside portion of the lock, meaning the outward-facing side is still a standard lock with a keyhole. Keeping a physical key, and a few spares, handy is always a good idea.

You can make a spare key for most physical keys. Always use the original key when making duplicates, since copies of copies may not work as well. 

Visit your local home improvement story and look for the DIY key kiosk. These machines can duplicate most keys in just minutes. However, some keys may require some special assistance from an employee and a different machine to make copies. 

Consider having a copy key to:

• Hide outside your home.
• Keep at your office or in your car. 
• Share with family or house guests. 
• Leave with a trusted neighbor.