If you’ve been browsing home improvement stores lately, you’ve probably noticed smart locks showing up everywhere. They look sleek, promise convenience, and some even let you unlock your door with your phone. But are they actually better than a traditional deadbolt — and are they the right choice for your home in Gary, Hammond, or anywhere else in Northwest Indiana?
Here’s what you need to know before making the switch.
What Is a Smart Lock?
A smart lock is an electronic locking device that replaces or augments your traditional key cylinder. Instead of — or in addition to — a physical key, you can unlock the door using a PIN code, a smartphone app, a fingerprint, or even a voice command. Many smart locks also connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth so you can control them remotely.
Popular brands include Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, and August. Some models replace the entire lock hardware, while others (like the August Smart Lock) fit over your existing deadbolt so you keep your original key as a backup.
Benefits of Smart Locks for NW Indiana Homes
Smart locks have real advantages, especially for busy households. Keyless access means no more worrying about lost keys or making copies for family members. You can share a temporary PIN with a contractor or house sitter and remove it when they’re done.
Remote locking and unlocking lets you check whether your door is secured from anywhere — handy when you’re halfway to work in Merrillville and can’t remember if you locked up. Many apps also keep an activity log showing exactly when your door was opened and by whom, which can be useful if you have kids coming home from school or service workers stopping by.
Drawbacks to Consider Before Switching
Smart locks aren’t a perfect solution for every home. A few things to keep in mind:
Battery dependence is a real concern. Most smart locks run on standard batteries, and if they die without warning, you could be locked out. (Most models do send low-battery alerts, but it’s worth paying attention to them.) Connectivity issues can also arise — Wi-Fi-dependent locks may fail during internet outages or app glitches.
There’s also a cost difference. Quality smart locks and professional installation cost more than upgrading a standard deadbolt. And while reputable brands use strong encryption, any connected device carries some cybersecurity risk worth considering.
Can a Locksmith Install a Smart Lock?
Yes — and for most homeowners, having a licensed locksmith handle the installation is the better choice. Proper door alignment matters more than people realize. A smart lock that’s slightly off will be unreliable no matter how good the technology is.
A locksmith can also confirm whether your existing door prep (the bore hole size and backset) is compatible with the model you’ve chosen, and whether your door frame is solid enough to make any lock truly effective. Getting the installation right from the start prevents headaches later.
Which Option Is Right for Your Home?
For most Northwest Indiana homeowners, the smartest approach is a smart lock that also supports a traditional key. That way you get the convenience of keyless entry without giving up the reliability of a backup. If you’re not ready to go fully electronic, rekeying your existing deadbolt is an affordable way to improve security right now — especially after a move, a lost key, or a change in household members.
The bottom line: smart locks are a legitimate upgrade, but they work best when installed correctly and paired with a solid door and frame.
Ready to upgrade your home’s security? Jacob’s Lock and Key offers professional lock installation, smart lock setup, and rekeying services throughout Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Crown Point, Griffith, and all of Northwest Indiana. Call us at (219) 342-5595 — we’re available 7 days a week from 7 AM to 11 PM.
Last updated: 07/10/2026