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.
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.
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.
Leave it open, then close it later
Sounds like a you problem, you should work on that.
They did. With an electronic lock. And now many of us with similar needs are in an forum talking about how to make that experience better.
Meanwhile, you’re spending effort being a dick to people over a topic you clearly don’t have any stake in. You need to find a healthier hobby. It will make everyone happier.
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”.
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
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. 
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.
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.
I want to replace mine with one like this. what’d you end up going with?
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.
It’s one fucking key, it’s not exactly difficult to carry or keep track of.
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.
Enjoy your self imposed helplessness, I’ll keep using a fucking keychain.
you’re on a weird mission here
I’ll keep enjoying my freedom and not being chained to paying attention to carrying around a tiny object
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.
Oh thanks I’ll never forget my keys again, awesome, I hadn’t thought of it like that.
glad to help
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.
There are bolts with a clutch, so they are always locked from the outside and unlocked from the inside. Pretty handy.
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?
The one I’ve seen was mechanical, not electric. The interior handle can open the door irrespective of the door being locked or not.
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.
Ohhh, there is a keypad but it’s mechanical. Neat!
Wait till you hear about memory
Pretty sure I can’t afford that these days
You can’t figure out how to lock your door? Damn I don’t think I’d admit that.
You can’t read? Damn I don’t think I’d admit that.
In case it still isn’t clear, I said I am forgetful.
Oh perfect it’s lunch time, I needed some salt for my fries.