Looking for Smart Lock Recommendations – Front Gate & House Door Upgrade

knobbs on 21/07/2025 - 00:02
Last edited 21/07/2025 - 12:36

I recently moved into a new place and I’m looking to upgrade both the front gate lock and the main house door lock. Ideally, I want a solution where everyone in the household can access both doors without needing physical keys — we often go for walks, and it would be great to leave the keys behind.

Current Setup:

Front Gate: picture

There's a powered intercom system mounted high on the wall (not one unit with the lock or handle). It has one button to ring and connects to two handsets inside the house. However, it only rings about 50% of the time, the unlock button has never worked, and we can’t hear anyone talking through it. You are supposed to be able to press the unlock button to let them in.
Manually unlocking it with a key is a nightmare — it’s incredibly stiff and feels like the key could snap off at any moment. It requires a lot of jiggling to get it just right.

Front Door:

Very basic — no deadlock, just a standard keyhole with no handle.

What I'm Looking For:

Front Gate:

Smart lock (preferably hardwired since there's already power at the gate).

Should support keyless entry (e.g., Fingerprint/palm, PIN, app, or RFID).

Locked from the inside as well, as the front gate is jumpable.

Auto-lock functionality would be great.

Some form of doorbell/intercom

Video/notifications aren't needed but would be a bonus

Front Door:

Battery-powered smart lock (since there’s no wiring).

Similar features to the gate lock, though it doesn’t need to be as weather-resistant (it’s under cover).

No need for an interior lock or handle.

Bonus: I already have a number of Tuya-compatible devices, so integration with that ecosystem would be nice — but it's not a dealbreaker.

Open to all ideas and product recommendations. Appreciate any help!

Electrical & Electronics Lock Smart Lock

Comments

  • geekcohen on 21/07/2025 - 05:44

    First Question - Does your Front Gate and Front Door have strong WiFi outside?

    Ensure that you cover all of this at the same time. I installed a Ring Doorbell and only had 1 AP inside the house. It constantly dropped out, so I had to put in another AP. Had one at the front of the house which covered the front door (and the Ring Doorbell) and then another one for the back of the house.

    • knobbs on 21/07/2025 - 06:46

      Yes wifi coverage is ample, my router is in the front room so will be no problem.
      Ring are known for being subscription based aren't they? I would like to stay away from anything like that if possible

      • geekcohen on 21/07/2025 - 07:49

        Yes wifi coverage is ample, my router is in the front room so will be no problem.

        Okay, very good.

        Ring are known for being subscription based aren't they? I would like to stay away from anything like that if possible

        There is a free option, but if you want extras then yes, Subscription is required. I don't use my Ring anymore, I have a wired Reolink Solution which integrates into my Reolink Security System, all one environment and no subscription required.

        • knobbs on 21/07/2025 - 08:16

          Will have to take a look at what extras you get with the sub to see if free will suit my needs thanks

  • geekcohen on 21/07/2025 - 07:59

    You might find the eufy Security Wi-Fi Smart Lock Touch suitable. I have one for my Garage Door and its great. It's WiFi but has a rechargeable battery, I've had mine a few months and no need to charge yet.

    They can integrate with a Doorbell (eufy) or you can get a Waterproof ones.

    Might cost a little bit to setup with some of the extras, but could be a good solution. The only thing eufy I have is the Smart Door Lock and been happy with it so far.

    • knobbs on 21/07/2025 - 08:17

      Yeah I think I've almost settled on that for my front door. Just can't find many options or any really for the front gate.
      I think the only thing stopping me from putting it into the front gate is no hardwire and can't be locked from the inside too (stops kids getting out and people jumping the fence to remove things

      • geekcohen on 21/07/2025 - 08:32

        I think the only thing stopping me from putting it into the front gate is no hardwire and can't be locked from the inside too (stops kids getting out and people jumping the fence to remove things

        I think you will find its hard to find something that can be hard wired off the shelf and doesn't integrate in with some sort of other system.

        and can't be locked from the inside too (stops kids getting out and people jumping the fence to remove things

        It can be locked from the inside, are you referring to that it can be locked? If you are worried about people unlocking it, then build a small enclosure to protect it. Something like this - https://www.jaycar.com.au/ip65-sealed-polycarbonate-enclosur… - might need to be modified, but would work and you can access it when required.

        • knobbs on 21/07/2025 - 08:48
          +1

          I think you will find its hard to find

          Don't worry I'm already there haha

          It can be locked from the inside, are you referring to that it can be locked?

          Terrible wording on my behalf. I should of said can't be unlocked from the inside without some security measure. I don't want my kids being able to unlock it by themselves and get out onto the road. Nor someone jump the fence and wheel things out the front gate because it's just a handle or switch to rotate to unlock it

  • jjjaar on 21/07/2025 - 08:07

    Username checks out

    Do you currently only have the Tuya ecosystem, or do you use anything else (home assistant, google home, etc?)

    • knobbs on 21/07/2025 - 08:19

      Have tuya but using Google home integration to access tuya devices. Ordering my aoostar wtr pro to replace my broken HP microgen to setup home assistant in the near future.

      I have an old Xiaomi hub gateway + security stuff operating on its own (want to eventually depreciate to get everything on the same system though). Have ZigBee dongles to bring everything into my tuya platform

  • Ryanek on 21/07/2025 - 10:59

    No need for an interior lock or handle.

    If you have home insurance, you'd better check your PDS. A double deadlock is sometimes a requirement.

    • knobbs on 21/07/2025 - 11:30

      Will do, thanks

  • sumyungguy on 21/07/2025 - 11:50

    For a DIY retrofit it's a more a hardware issue than a tech project. Seems like your gate needs work, and there are few waterproof locks available. Is your front door a mortice lock, rim lock or something else? How much door and jamb modification are you up for? I have keyless entry but don't need smart because I have self latching deadlocks.

  • knobbs on 21/07/2025 - 12:38

    Added picture of the front gate if it helps anyone

  • kmwa on 21/07/2025 - 12:40
    +1

    For the existing lock, squirt in some PTFE spray (WD40 do one).
    This will lubricate it without leaving oil on the key.
    This stuff is very useful elsewhere (curtain tracks etc.)

  • apple2016 on 21/07/2025 - 14:50

    I have used Yale for front door. can recommend.

  • Smartlockinstall on 10/08/2025 - 02:32

    For the gate: A Locksmith can have you inspect the telecom system and access control and fix it with new smart keypad/electric strike. He can disable the internal knob but you will need one more keypad inside to unlock

    For the door: Aqara U200 can help
    Else add an Eufy Touch Wifi deadbolt under current lock. You will need to cut new holes on door and frame but it works better and more stably.

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