You see them everywhere now: on your neighbor’s front door in Torrance, on Airbnb rentals in Venice, and maybe even on your own wish list. Smart locks promise a life without keys, no more fumbling in the dark, and no more hiding a spare key under the doormat.
But for many homeowners in Los Angeles, there is a nagging question: “Is it actually safe?”
We hear it all the time at Macmanuel Lock & Key Services. You worry that a hacker could open your house with a laptop, or that the battery will die and leave you locked out in the rain.
The short answer is: Yes, smart locks are often safer than the old lock you have right now. But that is only true if you choose the right grade of hardware.
In this guide, we will break down the real security risks (and myths) so you can decide if a smart upgrade is right for your home.
The Verdict: Are They Safer Than Traditional Deadbolts?
To understand safety, you have to look at two things: Physical Strength (can someone kick it in?) and Digital Security (can someone hack it?).
The biggest secret in the lock industry is the ANSI Grading System. This is a score given to locks based on how much abuse they can take.
- Grade 1: Heavy-duty commercial security (The Best).
- Grade 2: Standard residential security.
- Grade 3: Basic builder-grade security (The Weakest).
Most standard deadbolts you buy at a big-box store are Grade 3. They are made of cheaper metal and are easy to drill or kick.
Many high-quality smart locks (like the Schlage Encode) are rated ANSI Grade 1. This means they are physically stronger than the “dumb” lock currently on your door. So, physically speaking, a good smart lock is actually an upgrade in armor for your home.
The 3 Biggest Risks of Smart Locks (And How to Fix Them)
Let’s be honest about the things that can go wrong. Here are the three main fears our customers have, and the simple solutions for them.
The “Dead Battery” Lockout
This is the #1 fear. “What if the battery dies while I’m at the grocery store?”
- The Reality: Smart locks will beep and flash red for weeks before the battery actually dies. You have plenty of warning.
- The Fix: Most keyless locks have two backup plans. First, many still have a physical keyhole, so you can use a normal key as a backup. Second, for keyless models (like the Nest x Yale), there are two metal terminals on the bottom of the lock. You can hold a standard 9V battery against them to “jumpstart” the lock just enough to type your code and get in.
Hacking and Digital Intruders
You might worry about a “Mr. Robot” style hacker unlocking your door from a van across the street.
- The Reality: Breaking encryption is incredibly hard. Reputable smart lock brands use AES 128-bit encryption, the same level of security used by banks for online transfers.
- The Fix: Thieves are lazy. They don’t spend hours writing code to hack a door; they just break a window or kick the door in. The digital risk is tiny compared to the physical risk.
Reliance on Wi-Fi and Power Outages
“If the power goes out in Hawthorne, does my door unlock?”
- The Reality: No. Your smart lock is battery-powered, so it works fine even if your house has no electricity.
- The Fix: The only thing you lose during a power/Wi-Fi outage is the ability to unlock the door remotely from your phone. The keypad and physical key will still work perfectly.
Why “Lock Bumping” Is Impossible with Keyless Locks
One of the biggest flaws in traditional locks is a technique called Lock Bumping. This is where a thief uses a specially cut “bump key” and a screwdriver to tap the lock open in seconds. It leaves no sign of forced entry, which can sometimes cause issues with insurance claims.
Smart locks effectively kill this threat.
- Keypad Only Locks: Some smart locks (like the Yale Assure) have no keyhole at all. If there is no keyhole, it cannot be picked or bumped. Period.
- High-Security Cylinders: Even smart locks that do have a key backup often use high-security cylinders that are bump-resistant.
By upgrading, you are not just getting convenience; you are removing the easiest way for burglars to enter your home.
Features We Recommend for Maximum Security
Not all smart locks are created equal. When we recommend locks to our clients in Hawthorne, we look for three specific features:
ANSI Grade 1 Certification (The Gold Standard)
We mentioned this earlier, but it is worth repeating. Always check the box for the ANSI Grade.
- Avoid Grade 3.
- Look for Grade 1. This certification means the deadbolt has survived 250,000 cycles and 10 hammer blows. It is the closest thing to “commercial strength” you can put on a residential door.
Built-in Alarm Sensors
Some advanced locks, like the Schlage Encode, have built-in impact sensors. If someone tries to kick the door or tamper with the lock, the lock itself screams a high-pitched alarm. This usually scares the intruder away before they even get inside.
Auto-Lock Technology
This is a lifesaver for anyone who drives away and thinks, “Did I lock the door?” You can set the lock to automatically throw the bolt 30 seconds after the door closes. It guarantees your house is never left unlocked by accident.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: The “Alignment” Problem
You can buy these locks on Amazon, so why hire a professional locksmith to install them?
The answer comes down to one word: Alignment.
A standard manual deadbolt is forgiving. If your door is slightly sagging, you can just push harder on the key to get the bolt to lock. You are doing the work.
A smart lock is not forgiving. It relies on a small battery-powered motor to extend the deadbolt.
- The Problem: If your door is slightly misaligned (rubbing against the strike plate), the motor has to fight that friction every single time.
- The Result: This friction drains your batteries in weeks instead of months, and eventually burns out the motor entirely.
When Macmanuel Lock & Key Services installs a smart lock, we do not just screw it on. We adjust the strike plate, file the strike hole, and check the hinges to ensure the bolt slides in like butter. This “perfect alignment” is the secret to making your smart lock last for years.
Recommended Brands for Hawthorne Homes
Based on our experience installing hundreds of these units, here are our top picks:
Schlage Encode (Best for Durability)
This is our top recommendation for front doors. It connects directly to Wi-Fi (no hub needed), has a Grade 1 security rating, and sounds a built-in alarm if attacked. It is loud, strong, and reliable.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Best for Renters)
If you rent an apartment in Inglewood or Torrance, you might not be allowed to change the outside lock. The August lock replaces only the inside thumb turn. From the outside, it looks like a normal door. It is the perfect “stealth” smart lock.
Google Nest x Yale (Best for Smart Homes)
If you already use Google Home for your lights and thermostat, this lock integrates perfectly. It is sleek, key-free (no picking!), and very easy to use.
Ready to Upgrade? Get a Security Audit in Hawthorne
Smart locks are safe, convenient, and a massive upgrade for your home security, but only if they are installed correctly. Don’t risk a burned-out motor or a dead battery lockout.
Macmanuel Lock & Key Services can help you choose the right model and install it perfectly. We serve Hawthorne, Gardena, Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.
