Schlage BE365VPLY505 Plymouth Keypad Deadbolt, Bright Brass
by Schlage
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List Price: Our Price: $99.95 You Save: $116.05 (54%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Schlage BE365VPLY505 Plymouth Keypad Deadbolt, Bright Brass
Customer Review: My kingdom for a screw
Summary: 3 Stars
(No, it's not what you are thinking.)
I wanted to replace my keyed deadbolt lock from my attached garage to house with a keypad model. This would prevent getting accidentally locked out. So, I started reading reviews. This eliminated some of the more commonly available models. But, maybe I have been reading too many reviews. This Schlage was well rated. I decided to go for it.
I bought one at a big box store. I got it home and right away noticed that the bottom finish screw holding the internal cover plate to the lock assembly was missing. I checked the hardware packet for a matching one but no luck. I seemed to remember a recent review mentioning this same experience. I rechecked. Yep, M. Vaupel, November 23, 2010. She ended up having Schlage mail her the missing screw. I returned the lock to the big box store. I checked three more on the shelf--all were missing the screw. I went to a competing big box store and checked three more. All were missing. Since I really wanted this lock I asked if they could find a comparable screw in hardware for the missing one. They did. (It was slotted instead of Phillips. No big deal.) I bought the lock and the two substitute screws and went home.
My assembly of the lock to my door progressed well until I started the first of the two replacement screws to hold the interior cover onto the lock assembly. The screw bottomed out leaving the head about ¼" above the cover. This made it impossible to tighten down the internal cover. I went to the packets of hardware again and found two unused screws that seemed to have possibilities. They were shorter. Yep, they worked. I had originally ignored these screws because I was looking for a screw to match the one holding on the interior cover as packaged.
It turns out that the single screw was just for packaging. Nothing is mentioned about this in the instructions. What an illogical arrangement. I did a lot of running around for nothing.
Anyway, the lock is installed and seems to work well. I am otherwise happy with it. I give it 3 stars because of all the time I wasted with this goofy "missing" screw situation. Their finished packaging either needs to use the two screws that are used in the final assembly or to mention the situation in the instructions.
Customer Review: Well designed, well built
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this unit to replace another electronic deadbolt that had a design flaw: the bolt itself was driven by the battery. This meant that I had to replace the 4xAA batteries about every 6 - 8 months, which isn't so bad since I used rechargeables, but the problem is that I'm in an old house and the door warps in winter and the deadbolt would bind. The battery powered lock didn't have the power to overcome the misalignment caused by warping. In the end I started carrying a key just so I could lock the door, which defeats the whole purpose of keyless entry.
This Schlage uses a superior design: the battery only operates a cam which either does or doesn't allow you turn the lock manually. That way instead of relying on a battery-powered motor to drive the bolt, it uses your wrist power. The result is that in winter I just pull on the door handle a little harder and flip the latch. It works just fine.
Another advantage is that since the battery only has to drive a small cam, it lasts much longer. The manufacturer says the 9-volt battery can last up to 2.5 years and I see no reason to disbelieve it.
Installation was easy enough and would have taken less than half an hour if it wasn't for another advantage: the bolt itself is much longer than the one I was replacing. This makes for a stronger lock, but I had to locate a chisel and deepen the hole behind the striker plate. I felt good about the increased strength of the door lock system.
The lock uses a 6-digit programming code to control a number of 4-digit entry codes so you can easily program a temporary number for short term visitors, but don't lose that code. It comes printed on the installation instructions, and I tucked the sheet away somewhere I can find it easily for reprogramming purposes. If you lose the code you're stuck: there's no way to retrieve it or reprogram the lock without replacing the entire unit. Existing entry codes will continue to work, but you won't be able to add new ones or change them.
The finish is smooth and flawless and looks like it will stand up to heavy use. I fully expect this lock to outlast the 10 years I used the last lock for.
Customer Review: Never get locked out again!
Summary: 4 Stars
This keypad deadbolt is a great replacement for a standard deadbolt. Here's what I like about it:
1. This product is a deadbolt that you can lock and unlock without a key. Instead, you enter a 4 digit password to lock and unlock the door. Using a code to unlock the door is much faster and easier than fumbling for keys. Also, you'll never be locked out unless your forget your code.
2. If you have a deadbolt on your door, you can easily remove it and install this deadbolt using a regular screwdriver.
3. You can set multiple codes (at least 5) to allow friends to access your home. You can easily delete the codes later when access is no longer required. Codes are set up using a 6 digit master password (which can be used to add and delete 4-digit access codes, but not to lock or unlock the door).
4. You can lock the door without the code. Just press the rectangular Schlage button (at the top) and turn the knob to the right, and your door is locked. You will still need a valid code to unlock the door. This makes locking up when you leave very convenient.
5. This lock can be made "bump-proof." Bumping is a relatively new, and very easy way to pick most deadbolts. It can be done in about 10 seconds and renders most current locks worthless as security devices. If you want to know more, search the internet for "bump key" and you'll be horrified at what you see. If you take this deadbolt to your locksmith before installing it and tell him to disable the key mechanism, your deadbolt will be completely resistant to bumping (and keys). I haven't used a key to get into my house since I've installed this.
6. The keypad is backlit, but only if you push the schlage key before you enter your code.
7. The unit uses a standard 9-volt battery. I've had mine for more than a year and haven't needed to replace it.
8. The one feature that I wish this deadbolt had was time based entry rules. I'd love to create a password which only works during certain hours, so that a housekeeper could access the house on a certain day or at a certain time. Alas, nothing is perfect...
Customer Review: SERIOUS ISSUE!!! Not Bump Proof And the company does not Care
Summary: 1 Stars
Hi I love my lock Only it is not Bump Proof. Any one can open it and rob my house. About 6 months ago I contacted the company and asked about a bump proof cylinder They seemed to think it was a non issue DO NOT BUY THIS LOCK TILL THE ISSUE IS ADDRESSED!!! Hey otherwise I love being to get in without a key
For those that do not know about LOCK BUMPING Please LEARN Google it!!! You can open any lock with a relatively non specific Bump key. When it is placed in a lock and hit(this is reason for the name bumping) it will pop all the pins. With a quick turn of the key, while the lock pins are displaced, the non-specific bump key will open your lock, Yep it takes a second so nobody will think that anything is out of place. Your expensive lock is useless!!! It will not keep nobody with this technology from robbing your home. This information is widely prevalent on the internet GOOGLE LOCK BUMPING IT IS THAT EASY!!!! Schlage does not seem to care Purchase a BUMP PROOF LOCK NOT THIS ONE THE SCHLAGE COMPANY DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE!!!
This is an addenum SO HOW many want obsolete technology Let me sell you the original Ipod THIS IS OBSOLETE TECHNOLOGY!!!! GET REAL AND UNDERSTAND THAT FOR OVER ONE HUNDRED BUCKS THEY ARE SELLING OBSOLETE TECHNOLOGY Hey call SCHLAGE TELL THEM THEY ARE 2 YEARS BEHIND THE TIMES.. DON'T SPEND YOUR BUCKS HERE!! I LOVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!! UHOOOOOOO UHOOO!!!!!
Also the other review that said a screw was missing I had same problem The screw that was missing for me was the one that goes from the lock into the door. I went to home depot and opened another lock none there either I purchased a screw The lock can probably be installed without it but it keeps the lock in position on the door with less possibility of rotation. Plus I had the hole drilled before I noted it was missing. LOL
Customer Review: Locked Out: Not any more
Summary: 5 Stars
There's no doubt: I'm a geek. I love gadgets. But, they also have to work. The Schlage electronic deadbolt is just such a gadget. It earns it's keep by letting me get into and out of the house without having to fumble for my keys. It earns it's keep by letting family/friends/contractors whom I trust into my house without the extra step of having to deliver a key to them. They just enter a pre-programmed code entered at the factory or one that you specify. The lock feels secure and solid. Other similar locks are available from other manufacturers that seem less so.
Early one morning, as I was debating on whether I should get this lock, my step-son had to go to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning. It occurred to me that if my wife or I were home alone and we got hurt in some way and were not able to make it to the door, precious seconds might be wasted while the ambulance crew tried to gain entry. With this lock, you can give fire crews, etc. an entry code that is preset. This might be an important asset to folks who are caring for an elderly loved one or someone on hospice, etc. who's movement is restricted.
I do wish the installation instructions were a little better. Even so, it only took about 30-45 minutes to install.An email question about installation went unanswered. But, I'm certain that was a glitch.
All-in-all, this is a truly great product. I'm considering putting one on the back entry now. That way, even if the batteries on one deadbolt go out, I can still get in the other door.
Oh, and by the way, you can also use the keys that come with the deadbolt if the battery (premium alkaline 9-volt) does fail.
Now, where's the lock to check my retinal imprint...?