Is the time over for traditional metal keys
by Mat Jenkins from Lockandkey, 30 October 2014
Interesting news article from the BBC on the future of keyless entry being on the horizon due to the advent of smart phones and the idea of electronics or biometrics replacing traditional metal keys.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29817520
As we sell & fit 1,000's of mechanical and electronic locks every year, we can honestly say we would not use the electronic systems on our own homes - WHY? Because they are far less reliable than mechanical key systems.
Borg have stopped making the 6000 series electronic lock for uPVC doors, ERA have now stopped making the FX1 & DX1 electronic locks for uPVC doors.....Yale's keyless door locks are a nightmare to install and breakdown WHY??? Because electronics hate being slammed shut in the wind, they hate rain, snow, frost and hot sunny days.
The car manufacturers have had to introduce electronics to keep the insurance industry happy, however most of it relates to isolating the ignition system which is already electronic. It's nothing like a traditional front door on a house - and even now some cars with keyless entry and ignition are being stolen using a device available to buy online!!
Imagine coming home late at night - and the front door refuses to unlock as your iPhone is out of battery, or the new OS update 100345 is now incompatible with your doors software....
Sorry but our humble opinion is a metal key can be dropped, kicked or even burnt and you're still ok. We can't say the same for your fragile battery powered smart phone!
It's a shame the BBC didn't ask us for our opinion instead of Timpson's who openly admit 10% of their work force are ex convicts - we think everyone deserves a 2nd chance, but maybe not in the keycutting industry?
Author:
Mat Jenkins from Lockandkey
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