Go Keyless: Why Your Next Home Lock Should Be an Electronic Keyless Entry System
Most homeowners don’t think about their front door lock until a key goes missing — and by then, the question isn’t just “where is it?” but “who might have it?” A lost or unaccounted-for key is enough to compromise your entire home’s security, since standard locks offer no way to track duplicates or revoke access. Electronic keyless entry systems close that gap entirely. In this guide, you’ll learn how these systems work, which type fits your home, and why the installation process matters just as much as the product you choose.
What Are Keyless Entry Systems?
A keyless entry system is an electronic lock that authenticates the person — not a physical key. Access is granted through a PIN code, fingerprint scan, smartphone app, or RFID fob, depending on the model. Most residential units are designed to fit a standard deadbolt backset, so they integrate with existing doors without structural modifications.
Unlike a traditional lock-and-key setup, these systems let you create and revoke credentials without calling a residential locksmith for a rekey. Change a code in seconds. Add a temporary PIN for a contractor. Delete access when someone moves out. The control stays with you.
Why Standard Deadbolts Leave Gaps in Your Home Safety
A traditional deadbolt provides solid resistance to brute-force entry — but it has vulnerabilities that go unnoticed until they’re exploited:
- Untracked duplication: Any hardware store can copy a house key in minutes. You have no way of knowing how many copies exist or who has them.
- Lock bumping: A specially cut “bump key” can manipulate the standard pin-tumbler mechanism in most residential deadbolts, a technique documented extensively by security researchers at organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- Thumbturn lock exposure: Interior-facing thumbturn locks can be turned from outside if an intruder breaks a glass panel adjacent to the door — a risk that keyless systems with no thumbturn exposure eliminate.
- Zero access history: Standard locks offer no log. You have no record of who entered or when.
Electronic keyless entry systems address every one of these points at the hardware level.
4 Types of Keyless Entry Systems for Homes
1. Keypad Deadbolts
The most accessible entry into keyless security. A numeric keypad replaces the traditional cylinder. Set a personal code for your household, a separate temporary code for guests or service workers, and delete it when it’s no longer needed. These work entirely offline — no Wi-Fi, no app, no dependency on a phone.
2. Smart Locks with App Control
These connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and pair with a smartphone app. Lock or unlock your door from anywhere, receive entry alerts, and manage access codes remotely. Popular brands like Schlage, Yale, and August integrate with Google Home and Amazon Alexa for voice control.
3. Biometric Fingerprint Locks
Fingerprint scanners store individual prints and grant access in under a second. There’s no code to share, no fob to lose — access is literally on your hand. High-end models store up to 100 fingerprints, making them practical for households with multiple family members.
4. RFID / Key Fob Proximity Locks
A programmed card or fob held near the reader unlocks the door. Common in commercial applications, these are gaining traction in residential settings, especially as part of a broader high-security lock setup that combines multiple access layers.
Keyless Entry Systems Comparison
Use this overview to identify which system aligns with your household’s needs before consulting your locksmith:
| Feature | Keypad Deadbolt | Smart Lock | Biometric Lock | RFID / Fob Lock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical key required | No | Optional backup | No | No |
| Remote access | No | Yes (app) | No | No |
| Temporary access codes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (fobs) |
| Access log | Basic | Full history | Some models | Yes |
| Works offline | Yes | Yes (offline mode) | Yes | Yes |
| Thumbturn bypass risk | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Best for | Budget upgrade | Tech-savvy owners | High security | Multi-user homes |
Deadbolt Security Grades: What the ANSI Rating Actually Means
ANSI classifies residential locks into three grades. Grade 1 is the highest — engineered to withstand over 250,000 open/close cycles and kick-in forces exceeding 250 lbs. Most quality smart locks are built on a Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt frame, meaning the electronic component rides on a mechanically sound foundation.
That said, a Grade 1 lock installed on a weak door frame still fails. When a professional locksmith from CallOrange installs your system in Tempe, Mesa, or Chandler, the assessment always includes the door frame and strike plate — not just the lock itself.
Pro Tip: The Strike Plate Is the Most Overlooked Part of Any Lock Installation
After installing keyless systems across Tempe and the East Valley, the most consistent finding is this: most builder-grade homes ship with a 2-inch strike plate held by half-inch screws that bite into the door jamb alone. A well-placed kick bypasses even the strongest deadbolt in that scenario.
The fix is simple: replace it with a 6-inch reinforced strike plate using 3-inch screws that anchor into the structural stud behind the jamb. This single upgrade dramatically increases door-kick resistance — no new lock required. When you pair it with a quality keyless deadbolt, you’ve addressed two of the most common residential entry points at once.
Before You Buy: 5 Home Safety Checks for Keyless Lock Installation
- Door frame integrity — Inspect for rot, previous damage, or gaps around the latch area before installing any lock.
- Door thickness — Most smart locks fit doors 1-3/8″ to 1-3/4″ thick. Confirm your door’s measurement before ordering.
- Wi-Fi signal strength at the door — App-controlled locks require a stable signal. A weak connection causes intermittent failures.
- Existing lock condition — If your current deadbolt is worn or misaligned, start with a lock change before adding electronics on top of a failing mechanism.
- Backup access plan — Every keyless lock should have a secondary entry method: a physical key override slot, a backup code, or a mechanical bypass kept in a secure location.
Do You Still Need a Traditional Deadbolt Alongside a Keyless Lock?
In most cases, no — because keyless entry systems are deadbolts. The locking bolt mechanism is identical; only the access method changes. Some retrofit smart locks slide over your existing deadbolt cylinder, preserving the mechanical bolt while adding electronic control. Others fully replace the cylinder.
If your existing lock is still structurally sound, a lock rekey followed by a smart retrofit may be the most cost-effective path. If the hardware is worn or outdated, a full lock replacement sets a cleaner foundation.
Schedule a Keyless Lock Installation or Home Security Audit in Tempe
Switching to a keyless entry system is one of the most practical home safety upgrades available — but the product is only as good as the installation behind it. Misaligned bolts, incorrect backset sizing, and skipped strike plate reinforcement are all common errors in DIY setups that compromise the security you paid for.
The team at CallOrange Locksmith Tempe has been installing and servicing residential locks across Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Phoenix since 2008. We’ll assess your door, recommend the right system, and complete the installation correctly the first time.
Call (480) 847-2635 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation. You can also find us on Google Maps for directions to our Tempe location.