How can I make a deadbolt mechanism that locks the front door from outside via a (key fob) remote?

Question

Hello-

I'm interested in either making -OR- buying a device I can add to the inside of my front door which allows me to deadbolt it when I leave. The automated deadbolt mechanism would be activated by a remote control and ideally be dual powered (battery & adapter plugged into the wall). I'm looking for a solution that does as little damage to the door as possible and allows me to keep the existing lock & deadbolt.

Basically, a remote control deadbolt that can only be unlocked from inside or with the remote. Thank you!

@ david m

Negative. The risk is still the same as when you leave your house and lock the regular door. Your deadbolt remains unlocked (if no one inside is there to lock it). This is actually *extra* security. Even if someone scanned it, they'd still be only to unlock the deadbolt, not the regular lock. So its still a net loss for said bad guy. This is also the case w/ garage door openers, but I don't see insurance companies having anti-garage door penalties or saying the house is somehow more vulnerable.

Answer 1

Schlage and Kwikset both make residential duty remote deadbolts. They are not very expensive and will use the same holes as your existing deadbolt. No doubt Home Depot and Lowes sell then, or, you can order one from a locksmith. If you go with a locksmith, he should be able to key it alike with your knobset, if you like.

I don't recommend any electronic lock without a key over-ride. Sooner or later a battery will be jarred loose, or the remote will get wet, or some other unforseeable pitfall will cause a lockout. You don't want to rely exclusivly on a cheap remote. I've seen too many car alarms that couldn't be disarmed on a rainy day.

Answer 2

I do not understand clearly why you need this to be some covert operation, if you live in a condominium where your locks can not be changed because of concerns regarding there appearance as part of the "common element" then you may need to retrofit something, If this is not the case then purchase a remote "RF" operated deadbolt that will accept a retro-fit Medeco cylinder, this lock will offer greater security against picking drilling and bumping. These locks also offer key control which means that duplication of keys is restricted to signing authority "YOU". You can give your landlord a copy of the key in a signed and sealed envelope ONLY TO BE OPENED IN EMERGENCIES! YOU ARE ENTITLED TO NOTICE 24HRS IN ADVANCE IF HE NEED TO ENTER YOUR PROPERTY IN WHICH CASE HE WOULD NOT NEED THE KEY IF YOU WERE HOME! You can ask to see the sealed envelope anytime you think he has entered unlawfully without notice! You have the right to better security! If your landlord poses any questions tell him you would like him to put in writing that he will accept responsibility for your security with his crappy lock! He should have access for emergency purposes, if you are installing this hardware at your expense he should not have an issue unless you are damaging the door to do so.

Answer 3

I remember seeing something like that, only I can't remember where I saw it. I don't know if it was a deadbolt or a regular door lock. But either way it was electric. Maybe do a search for electric door lock remote. that's the best I can do.

Answer 4

Your best bet is go to a hardware dealer, this specialized type of lock is not common and wouldn't be at home supply stores. My thought is how would you power up the solonoid that drives the bolt it would have to be on the jam side, sort of a reverse lock,because you cant run power through the door. They have a battery operated model on www.keylesspro.com

Answer 5

research HOME LINK You program your car to open locks,garage doors and even your lights. If you are James Bond then you might have some one trying to decode your frequencies or some thing. But until you become the president of the United States of America, I don't think you have much to worry about. gl

Answer 6

Cool idea - except - remotes can be scanned from quite a distance so you would be dropping the security of your door considerably and in fact your deadlock might as well be made from butter if someone scans your remote use!

I suspect that your insurance company may well consider your home made deliberately vulnerable and possible breach any policy making it null and void!

Answer 7

black & decker already sells this with a remote that has several buttons which can be assigned to your
1 remote controlled deadbolt
2 remote controlled porch lights
3 garage door
ect ect ect

Answer 8

here is link to a lot of remote locks
http://www.buyasafe.com/Keyless_Door_Locks_s/18.htm