Are there any smart locks for doors without handles?

Amber Chen | Apr 11, 2024

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Exchanging traditional locks with Handle-Free Smart Locks offers a wide range of benefits to homeowners, from keyless convenience to peace of mind. But despite their growing popularity, people don’t have a lot of smart lock options for doors without exterior handles, which are common in European homes. In this article, we’re going to talk about the best Smart lock for doors without handles.

Overview

What is a “Handleless Traditional Lock”?

Many homes in Europe have a front door that has a handle only on its interior. Some call this type of door lock a “handleless traditional lock.”

What is it exactly?

Just like what the name hints at, a handleless traditional lock lacks a handle on the outside of the door. To open or close it, you can turn or pull it open from the inside. If you’re trying to get into your home, you insert your key into the keyhole. Twist your key, and then hold it in that position while pushing your door open.

These handleless door locks have several advantages. One of these advantages is enhanced security by making it difficult for burglars to break into your home through your door. Most of these locks feature a sleek and modern appearance without compromising your safety.

Don’t mistake handleless door locks with deadbolt locks. They’re not exactly the same.

The key difference between the two lies in their design and functionality. Deadbolt locks are mainly for security purposes. They use a solid metal bolt that goes into the door frame, usually requiring a thumbturn or a key to open. Handleless door locks, on the other hand, focus on aesthetics and simplicity (due to the lack of exterior handles on the door).

Do you need more security? Exchanging your handleless door lock with a night latch is a great plan. Let’s see how night latches and a Smart lock for doors without handles help make your home safer and more convenient.

What Does a Night Latch Do?

In the past, people used a night latch during the night, which explains its name. Today, you might’ve heard it being called a rim lock or a Yale lock.

A night latch is a type of spring lock that unlocks from the outside with a key and a short handle (or a knob) on the inside. With this type of lock, you don’t need to use a key to lock it because it automatically engages the latch into the strike plate when you pull the door close.

They’re available in two types: non-deadlocking and deadlocking. (Deadlocking means the lock immediately latches the door shut and can only be unlocked using a key.)

Not all types of doors are compatible with night latches. In general, you’ll find night latches on the inner surface of front doors that open inward.

If you’re planning to purchase a Smart lock for doors without handles, it’s always a good idea to ensure compatibility first. You can check the manufacturer’s guidelines or contact their customer service.

It can be challenging to find a smart lock that works with a traditional handleless lock. This is partly due to the unique design considerations. However, there are smart lock manufacturers that are trying to develop locks that can fit all kinds of doors, even those without handles, in order to meet different home security requirements.

For European homeowners, one Smart lock for doors without handles that you can consider is the SwitchBot Lock Pro. The Lock Pro can lock the latch inside temporarily to allow you to move in and out effortlessly.

How SwitchBot Lock Pro transforms "Handleless Traditional Locks"

The beauty of the SwitchBot Lock Pro is that it’s relatively easy to install. Unless your door has a unique design and locking mechanism, you don’t need to hire a professional to do it.

Here’s a general guideline on how to install Lock Pro on a Euro cylinder (key):

Things to Prepare

3M adhesion promoter.
Wet wipe (included).
Small and large hex keys.
8 pieces of hex screw.
Magnet.
Mounting Bracket A.
Mounting Bracket B.
Lock Pro device (batteries included).
Temporary support tape.

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Steps

1. Choose the appropriate mounting bracket.

If the height of the key fob is more than or equal to 3mm, choose Mounting Bracket A.
If the height of the key fob is less than 3mm, choose Mounting Bracket B.

2. Steps for installing Mounting Bracket A.

Position the keyhole on the mounting bracket so that it perfectly lines up with the cylinder. Then, secure the mounting bracket to your door lock.
Use the small hex key to tighten the three hex screws on the mounting bracket.

3. Steps for installing Mounting Bracket B.

Clean the surface of the area where you plan to install the mounting bracket. Use the wet wipe provided.
Remove the 3M adhesive tape backing on the mounting bracket.
Put the adhesion promoter in place to promote better and faster adhesion.
Line up the mounting bracket hole with your lock cylinder, and then secure it to your door.

4. If the area where you plan to put the lock panel isn’t large enough, it’s a good idea to install Mounting Bracket B using screws.

5. Install Lock Pro. Here’s how:

Insert the key into the door’s keyhole.
Fit the key into the groove on Lock Pro’s control box.
Rotate the knob to check if it works properly.
Screw the four hex screws on both sides of Lock Pro.

6. Install the magnet.

Carefully position the magnet so its marked side faces your Lock Pro thumbturn. If you don’t do this properly, the device will be unable to detect door closing and opening.
If the adhesive on the back of the magnet isn’t sticking well, use the additional double-sided tape on the marked side.
Next, stick the magnet to your door frame.

7. If you’re using Mounting Bracket B, use the temporary support tape to secure your Lock Pro in place. You can gently remove the tape after 48 hours (2 days) and start using the device normally.

SwitchBot Lock Pro: the smart lock for doors without handles

While it can take a bit of research, there are smart locks that are specifically for traditional handleless locks. SwitchBot’s Lock Pro stands out as an excellent Smart lock for doors without handles. It’s convenient, reliable, easy to install, and works seamlessly with other smart home devices. If you want to enhance your home security with Handle-Free Smart Locks, this is a great option.