Recently, I’ve been asked what I’ve noticed in the locksmithing business. My answer is people are ready to embrace change. We’re not talking about something massive, but the small, meaningful kind. And one upgrade that keeps coming up is swapping out those old deadbolts for something smarter and easier to live with.
That’s what got me thinking it’s time to talk about it properly, and to show it too. I made a short video (you’ll see it below) where I walk through the process of replacing a traditional deadbolt with a modern smart keypad lock. It’s not complicated, but it does make a world of difference once you start using it day to day.
Why People Are Switching from Old Deadbolts
Most of the old deadbolts out there are still functional, solid metal, dependable, nothing fancy. But convaenience has changed what we expect from a lock. These days, we’re used to unlocking cars with our phones and paying for coffee with a tap. It just makes sense that we’d want the same kind of simplicity at our doors.
This is where smart keypad locks come in. They make things easier for us. You can just enter a code or even unlock it from your phone. Some models allow you to use a fingerprint or set up one-time codes for guests or contractors.
But convenience is only half the story. Security has come a long way too. Many older deadbolts, even the heavier ones, aren’t built to resist modern picking tools or bump keys. Some have worn internal pins that make them easier to manipulate over time.
Modern keypad locks, on the other hand, offer better protection and more awareness. You can get alerts when someone tries to tamper with the lock or check who accessed the door last. It’s the kind of upgrade that adds not just safety, but confidence.
Watch the Process: From Old Deadbolt to Smart Keypad
In the video below, I take you through the actual replacement step by step, removing the old deadbolt, aligning the latch, and setting up the new keypad system.
It’s quite the opposite of what most people think. It’s more than screwing a new lock into the same hole. Any misalignment and you’ll start noticing resistance every time you turn the handle. That’s where most DIY installations go wrong.
If you watch closely in the video, you’ll see how I check the bolt alignment and latch depth before tightening anything. That part might seem minor, but it’s what ensures the lock lasts and works smoothly over time.
And of course, if you ever need help, my team and I at Matrix Locksmith can take care of it. We’ve replaced hundreds of these across homes, offices, and retail spaces around Toronto, and every door has its own quirks.
Choosing the Right Keypad Lock for Your Door
Wondering what smart keypad lock would be the most suitable for your door? Don’t let excitement lead to wrong decisions. The first thing you need check is your door’s thickness, backset, and material. A regular wooden door is usually simple to work with, but metal or glass doors, especially in commercial spaces, can be a bit different.
Here are things you need to consider:
- Door compatibility – Always measure your door’s thickness and backset. Smart locks are designed for standard sizes, but commercial or custom doors often need a specific fit.
- Unlocking method – Decide how you want access to work, either Wi-Fi, PIN, etc.
- Security grade – Look for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or 2
- Battery life – Most models use AA batteries that can last several months to a year. I recommend picking one with a backup key slot or USB charging port.
- Multi-user control – For businesses or rental units, go for a system that lets you assign and track individual access codes. It makes management a lot smoother.
I installed a few keypad locks for a small clinic in Markham recently. They used to juggle a handful of keys and a lot of guesswork about who locked up last. After the upgrade, every staff member had their own code, and the owner could see entries right from his phone. No more lost keys and less stress for everyone.
Why Professional Installation Still Matters
Even though the box says “easy installation,” I’ve seen enough to say, installation still matters. Ask the professionals to do it for you so you won’t have to worry about alignment or functionality.
For commercial buildings, it’s a little more complex. You have to consider fire safety codes, electronic access control systems, and door hardware compatibility. Getting it wrong could affect insurance coverage or building compliance.
We do more than just swap parts when we install a new keypad lock. We check the door hinges, test alignment, make sure the locking mechanism fits snugly into the strike plate, and walk customers through how to use the lock properly, including firmware updates.
Smart Locks for Businesses and Property Managers
Smart locks have become a real game changer for commercial properties. They’ve helped people do away with countless keys and allowed businesses to update staff access in seconds.
I recently upgraded a small design studio downtown. They had seven different keys floating around, and no one knew who had the latest copy. We replaced the locks with a system that assigned unique entry codes to each staff member. Now the owner gets know who enters their premises and can restrict it accordingly.
That’s what I love about modern locks, they don’t just keep doors secure, they make daily routines easier. If you manage multiple properties or offices, you can even sync everything into one dashboard.
For anyone looking to go this route, take a look at our Professional Lock Installation Services in Toronto page. It explains how we handle upgrades for commercial sites, including access systems and integration options.
The Real Value of Upgrading Your Lock
Upgrading your lock isn’t just about replacing metal with something newer. It’s about how it changes the way you live or work every single day. A good lock makes things easier, no more fumbling for keys, no guessing if the door actually latched. Knowing your space is secure is priceless.
Thinking of upgrading your lock too? Matrix Locksmith is ready to help anytime. Reach out to us to schedule your smart lock installation or even if you have a few questions. We’ll be more than happy to help.
