Remote door lock for house?

[expat]

We have an older house with a basement workshop that has access to the garden.
We never really bothered locking the door when we leave the house, but over Christmas there have been a couple of thefts in the area, and we want to get in the habit of locking the basement door.
The problem is, to do so, we have to go downstairs, through the workshop, lock the door and head back up (taking shoes on and off along the way)
I also get frustrated when I'm outside and find I'm locked out of the basement, then have to go Up around and down, to unlock the door.

I'm thinking it might be handy to rig the door with some sort of 'Remote door lock' like we have on cars.

Any Ideas how I could best implement this?

 

[Warstud]

Not Cheap...

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_19?url=search-alias%3Dtools&field-keywords=remote%20control%20lock&sprefix=remote+control+lock%2Caps%2C2031

 

[expat]

Originally Posted By: Warstud
Not Cheap...

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_19?url=search-alias%3Dtools&field-keywords=remote%20control%20lock&sprefix=remote+control+lock%2Caps%2C2031



and most seem a little 'out of character' with my workshop door.

 

[Number21]

Search ebay for "access control" or "electric lock". You can get a striker that installs in the door frame with your current door hardware. They are around $20. To control it, you could have something as simple as a hidden switch, a wireless remote, a keypad, RFID tag, bluetooth, or more.

Here is a kit, you can buy the individual parts quite cheaply:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diy-Full-Complet...=item51b6d66c4f

I'm installing a system like this in my shop so I can use the same RFID tag to lock 6 different doors. I'm tired of looking like a janitor with all the keys I carry. The RFID sensor will be hidden behind the wall, and so will the lock, so even if somebody wanted to break in they wouldn't know how.

 

[Tom NJ]

I have a digital key pad lock on several doors that automatically lock 30 seconds after opening. That way the door is always locked and you can't forget to lock it. To enter from outside, just enter the code - no key needed.

The Kwikset lock also allows you to program a key in seconds, so all my locks open with a single key. They are available at Home Depot and Lowes for about $100. I have the one shown in this link:

Kwikset

Tom NJ

 

[expat]

Originally Posted By: Number21
Search ebay for "access control" or "electric lock". You can get a striker that installs in the door frame with your current door hardware. They are around $20. To control it, you could have something as simple as a hidden switch, a wireless remote, a keypad, RFID tag, bluetooth, or more.

Here is a kit, you can buy the individual parts quite cheaply:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diy-Full-Complet...=item51b6d66c4f

I'm installing a system like this in my shop so I can use the same RFID tag to lock 6 different doors. I'm tired of looking like a janitor with all the keys I carry. The RFID sensor will be hidden behind the wall, and so will the lock, so even if somebody wanted to break in they wouldn't know how.


Thank you!
Problem solved

 

[crazyoildude]

unless you spend around $400 the ones you buy in most big box stores are junk

 

[expat]

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
unless you spend around $400 the ones you buy in most big box stores are junk


In what way?

If you mean a would-be thief can defeat them, then I would have to consider how vulnerable the rest of the house is.

Frankly, in an area where houses are made of wood, and almost every household has a Chain Saw.
Spending much money on high end locks is kind of pointless.

If they really want IN, there is little you can do to stop them.

But I have to admit, a totally unlocked door is a bit like an invitation.

 

[Number21]

I watched some youtube videos showing how extremely easy it is for an old man to kick in a front door with one well placed kick. Most of them have a 1"x3/4" peice of wood behind the deadbolt. That's all that is keeping anybody out.

I will definitely be reinforcing these areas on my doors. I would bet there are a lot of people that buy fancy locks and overlook this part.

 

[kb01]

This is something I've been interested in for awhile.

It seems like the keypad/fob locks are expensive enough, that I might as well just bite the bullet and get a z-wave controller and go the home automation route. I don't necessarily want the ability lock/unlock them remotely but I would like the ability to check their status and activity via my phone.

 

[Number21]

Originally Posted By: kb01
It seems like the keypad/fob locks are expensive enough, that I might as well just bite the bullet and get a z-wave controller and go the home automation route. I don't necessarily want the ability lock/unlock them remotely but I would like the ability to check their status and activity via my phone.


Search for access control on ebay. The parts are really cheap. You can do one door with a keypad or other verification method for under $100, and it's even cheaper to expand from there. The ones you see at the local big box store are sure nice, and easy to install, and self contained with no wiring, but like you say, they aren't cheap....