this post was submitted on 24 Sep 2026
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Eneloops would only last about 3 weeks. And disposable last 2 months. This door is used a lot and since it has Zwave and a door open sensor it sends info on every open.

Bonus, since it can handle the lipo AA batteries that put out 1.8v and it gives the motor more oomph I made the battery pack give 7.2v and it never sticks anymore.

This is a garage-door so its not critical access but is used a lot.

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[–] the_riviera_kid@lemmy.world 43 points 1 day ago (4 children)

Wait until you hear about this neat invention called a "key". They are quite wonderful, they can securely lock and unlock your door in any conditions and don't need those pesky batteries.

[–] sexual_tomato@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 22 hours ago (2 children)

Now grant access to someone you've never met but then revoke that access after a some time without involving another person or machinery in the process. You also have to do it while you're on vacation in another country and not physically present.

[–] MagicDonkey@lemmy.dbzer0.com 15 points 1 day ago

Wait until you hear about this neat invention called a "smart lock". It uses this marvelous key invention you kindly detailed but it also uses magic powered rocks that can send small vibrations in the air to communicate with other magic rocks at home. If their magic energy source is depleted the object you refer to as a "key" may also be operated on this mystical lock to which the lock then whispers: "just let people enjoy things".

[–] mrgoosmoos@lemmy.ca 11 points 1 day ago (2 children)

the batteries in mine last a year and I don't have to carry around any keys but my car keys (when I take the car).

definitely worth it. I can leave the house with nothing but my phone or bank card and run errands etc. people can access my house when I want them to without issue. it's a huge QoL improvement for me

that said, I'd still prefer an electronic lock that had a key as well, and wasn't a touchscreen

[–] Erusset@slrpnk.net 5 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Agreed. The kids can open the door now quickly, and it's easier. When we were looking for electronic locks, it had to have no wifi and a key. It was harder to find then you might think. 

[–] BigPotato@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Any recs then? That's basically my criteria as well. I'm already paranoid enough to carry keys any way but it would make things more convenient.

[–] Erusset@slrpnk.net 5 points 1 day ago

It's not a deadbolt (they have some), but we found a Schlage we liked. I can't find it on the site, but search for electronic not smart. It might have been Home Depot.

It was easy to install and the battery hasn't run out after over a year. I've used the key maybe once.

[–] mrgoosmoos@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I want to replace mine with one like this. what'd you end up going with?

[–] Erusset@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 day ago

It's not a deadbolt (they have some), but we found a Schlage we liked. I can't find it on the site, but search for electronic not smart. It might have been Home Depot.

It was easy to install and the battery hasn't run out after over a year. I've used the key maybe once.

[–] the_riviera_kid@lemmy.world -4 points 1 day ago (3 children)

It's one fucking key, it's not exactly difficult to carry or keep track of.

[–] mrgoosmoos@lemmy.ca 10 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

it is non-zero

also yes, one small key is exactly the kind of thing that can be difficult to keep track of. did it fall out of my pocket? which backpack pocket was it in? did it clip in properly? do I need to carry a lanyard now too to keep track of it?

or like just don't worry about that at all. clear improvement.

[–] hereiamagain@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Not op. I hear what you're saying, and it's a valid point.

But once you go digital lock, it's hard to go back. So convenient.

Heck, mine was just a standalone lock with a keypad, I've had one on every rental in some form or another for the last 15 years. Until this year...

We just moved into our first house, and the main door we want to use is seemingly incapable of fitting a keypad onto it. The handle is so close to the window frame, that it won't fit. It's very annoying. So for the last few months we've been using a regular key, and it's annoying.

First, my in laws needed to watch our cat while we were gone, so I left out a spare key, which they then kept 😖

It's rude to ask for it back, while simultaneously hoping to ask them for help again in the future. But, they are also the type to just come over whenever, without calling ahead or asking, whether we're home or not. They are kind, but oblivious, so it's hard to be firm.

Anywho this was never a problem FOR US in the past, because we'd just make up a random access code for them that was only valid on the days we were away.

I might have to replace the door.

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Oh thanks I'll never forget my keys again, awesome, I hadn't thought of it like that.

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 6 points 1 day ago (3 children)

Damn, didn't know they made keys that automatically lock the doors when I leave the house so I can't forgetfully leave the doors unlocked.

[–] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 10 points 1 day ago (1 children)

There are bolts with a clutch, so they are always locked from the outside and unlocked from the inside. Pretty handy.

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (2 children)

I'm not sure I understand how that'd work. How would they know when the door was closed so they could automatically lock the deadbolt? Or would you need to use a key to close the door from the outside?

[–] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 day ago

The one I've seen was mechanical, not electric. The interior handle can open the door irrespective of the door being locked or not.

[–] ContriteErudite@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

They are expensive, but they do exist, it's called a mechanical keyless deadbolt. A local makerspace put one on their back entrance so that members/employees can come and go after hours without having to give everyone a key or use a smart app.

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago

Ohhh, there is a keypad but it's mechanical. Neat!

[–] Evotech@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Wait till you hear about memory

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day ago

Pretty sure I can't afford that these days