Considering some of the retrofit options compatible with mortise thumb turn since I have doubts on the longevity of smart locks in the markets and the challenge of replacing them without leaving more holes behind and would just like to share some of the retrofit products here
Thanks for the important
context. From the text of your post, you are well aware of the drawbacks of digital deadbolt lock, and even more real drawbacks of digital dead bolts
plug on top of existing regular deadbolts. The small footprint size imposes constraints on motor size, the lack of integrated door close sensor or none at all, the need to have a physical token or the phone itself to unlock. You are putting heavy weightage on the door alterations (something that may be insignificant other than mental) and giving up major benefits of digital access offered today using mortise locks.
In any case, thanks for the list, some of them are interesting.
August
- Meant for deadbolt, my new place will come with mortise so it's not an option unless I were to install a deadbolt purely for using August.
Survived the early days. Saved by a major company.
Level
- Not meant outside of US in general, saw on review on Amazon that the app was not available outside of US AppStore. Also designed for deadbolt.
Very interesting but perhaps for those who want to bend over backwards for the technology intrigue, the decor or for insurance reason in some countries. I did not know about the region AppStore availability (not a showstopper for Android, easy to switch between US/SG accounts? but I think Apple maybe impracticable to do the same - I tried once for Korean app).
Yale Linus
- Not compatible with thumb turn.
Gimdow
- Compatible with mortise thumb turn. Can get it at a good price on Amazon JP with full set of accessories like keypad and wifi bridge but reliability seems like a hit or miss based on reviews.
Sesame 4 (Candy House)
- Compatible with mortise thumb turn, review seems positive in general. Can only add on wifi bridge.
Enough years since kickstarter day, and stayed afloat with one product. Uses 3M to stick on? Did the rest of the manufacturers miss something here? Maybe Americans may laugh it off. Perhaps Japanese market accept cute things. If price is low enough, it may pass the mental acceptance and hope the door does not slam too often on certain windy months in Singapore.
SwitchBot
- Newly launched but design seems bulkiest compared to the competition maybe due to the squarish design. Not much info available at the moment, no physical keypad option at the moment.
This is a crude version from what I see. I am surprised they release this at this stage but maybe the price makes it acceptable.
EPS Lock
- Malaysia company selling on Lazada with very basic thumb turn unlock via bluetooth at very affordable price.
The lack of actual photos of construction, build quality and actual installation makes this a big risk. If it is near disposable price - sure, one can be less presumptuous and just give this toy a try.
There is of course the issue of unlock speed for such retrofit options......
Yes, they do sound and feel lethargic but the mind may get desensitized over time. It can be grating on nerves to wait and hear the motor crawling. Interestingly, the rim lock is more snappy with their motors because of the layout and footprint combination.
If I were to opt for the deadbolt non-retrofit smart lock, would the size of the hole cutout done be at least standardized? For example, if I were to get a igloohome deadbolt smart lock today, will I be able to replace it with another manufacturer's deadbolt smart lock without drilling bigger/more holes the next day if I wanted to?
There is no standard but it gets close. Your variables are:
- the main hole (varies by model and the people drilling them larger than required)
- any smaller through-holes (usually one, sometimes two) for holding lock in position.
If your new lock is smaller than the old one, then the variables start to come into play. Or if the new lock requires a main hole bigger than the one, then you drill it larger.
The side bolt hole should be OK. The backset (60/70mm) are usually adjustable but if not, then it may be a problem.
These are all good for discussion only. We think too hard into the future to avoid changes but life only offers changes. I think what yields more value over the next few years is a good enough position.
PS. My views are not suitable for all. We don't have to agree or disagree. So, peace! In the mountains in between, may edit for typo and clarity much later.