We're not completely convinced this is any safer than a traditional lock (especially compared to an unbumpable model), but we're kinda partial to the idea of having one less key on our keychain and replacing at least one of our front door locks with this biometric deadbolt that can read your fingerprint even if they're dirty...
Kwikset Keyless Fingerprint Scan Door Lock
The Kwikset SmartScan is an ANSI Grade-1 deadbolt with a fingerprint scanner, allowing keyless entry for up to 50 of our closest approved users and at specific times (perfect for times when service/help or guests arrive). Worried you'll somehow get locked out if the scanner fails? There's a key backup too, so you can rest those nerves. Available from Home Depot for $199, making this one pricey lock (but one we'd happily like for our own place).
[via Luxist]
Comments (9)
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If it works anything like the fingerprint scanner on my computer, you're going to have a lot of trouble getting in the door, even if your fingerprint is stored in there.
view cali-nys's profile
it's not any safer. opening the keyed cylinder above will override the electric lock circuit, so it can be picked just as easily as anything else with a cylinder of that type. the product is more about the convenice factor of not having to dig your key out of the bottom of your bag, and of being able to add and subtract people from your access list (rather than having the lock re-keyed every time somebody on your domestic staff turns over, for instance).
view sniplet's profile
it's pretty easy to steal a fingerprint. often easier than stealing a key, in fact.
view jeffro's profile
ditto jeffro, i know companies who dont allow the use of the fingerprint scanner on the computer instead of the password because it isnt very safe.
view CaliinFrance's profile
I worked at a place where they replaced the punch-in-your-code time clock with a scan-your-finger time clock, because people were punching each other in and out. We decided to see if a photocopy of a fingerprint would work just as well. Sure did.
(Not surprisingly, this was the only place I've ever worked where they asked professionals to use a time clock instead of just keeping track ourselves, and the only place I would have ever considered fudging my hours. Treat people like they're five years old, and they're gonna act like it!)
view eeka's profile
Yay, so now instead of being mugged and having my wallet stolen I can be mugged and have my finger snipped off.
Ouch.
view Modfan's profile
re: eeka
There was an episode of Mythbusters where they pretty much did the same thing. They went from using a gel imprint of someone's finger (something like that) to a photocopy and they all worked.
view srdo's profile
yes but the bonus about this lock is that it is not obviously a finger print scanning lock when you initially see it and I guess when you used it no-one would see that you did not put a key in it.
view archersam's profile
I'm confused, last year didn't engadget covered this. I would think that the Kwikset SmartKey would be more efficent for security. But that's my 2 cents
view surferartchick's profile