Keypad lock installation for a front door
Hello BPN!
Our very old and finnicky front door is in need of a new handle and lock. The handle frequently "sticks" making it quite difficult for someone unfamiliar to use the door. I'd like to get a keypad lock with an automatic code for ease of letting babysitters/pet sitters in easily. Any advice on where to get such a lock and have it installed? Thanks!
Aug 31, 2025
Parent Replies
I bit the bullet back in 2018 and had my old wooden front door replaced as we would have to really slam it to make sure it would close. Things had shifted in the house. I ended up buying a Schlage keypad lock from Home Depot and had the contractor install the door and lock for me. He was remodeling a small bathroom at the time. If you are handy, you can probably install it yourself so long as your door and frame are level. The Schlage lock also allows you to use your house key to open the door if the pad doesn't work (ours requires 4 AA batteries.) Home Depot will key the lock to your house key at no cost. The thing is, you have them key it before the purchase. Once you purchase it and walk out the door, they will not key it. You would have to go to a locksmith and have it done then.
I installed such a lock on my back door a few years to eliminate the teenager losing the house key problem. However, I also wanted to be able to have the door locked with a separate lock in addition to the keypad when we traveled, etc. Fortunately, the way my door was originally prepped for hardware allowed for an easy replacement that I was able to do myself.
My advice to you is to take a photo of the current hardware installed in the door. Take it, and any information you have on the hardware itself (brand, etc.), to a good quality hardware showroom, such as Studio Belmont in Berkeley. A salesperson there can help you identify options. Once you know your options, you may be able to do a simple hardware swap yourself, or any handyman should be able to do the install, If changes to the door itself are required (new borings, etc.) make sure the handyman has the required tools and expertise.
Good luck!
We have the August branded lock/handle setup. I manage everything with the app and as long as the AA battery in the device works and my WiFi isn’t down, I can use my smart watch or phone to get in and allow others to get in. It’s pretty easy to install if you’re a little handy. If you’re not, talk to a friend to do it. It’s a such a small job that you would pay a high fee to get it done I think - or not. Maybe somebody will do it for cheap.
I like the August setup because I still have access to use my key in case of a failure. It’s a good safety net. I rarely use it these days though. You should know though that if you start managing others entry, you won’t be able to lock the “bottom” lock. The August setup is for deadbolt only so you’re only ever locking and unlocking the deadbolt.