Why the Safest Home Setup Combines Smart Locks, Deadbolts, and Passage Knobs

Protecting your home takes more than just “having a lock.” True security comes from using the right lock setup. Many homeowners are more vulnerable than they realize simply because of how many keys to their house are out there — and who might have them.

Over the years, keys have been passed to neighbors, contractors, cleaners, dog walkers, or friends. Copies are sometimes made without your knowledge. And let’s be honest: that “spare key hidden outside”? Intruders already know the common hiding spots — and it’s a security risk in itself.

Rekeying standard locks may seem like the solution, but it only restarts the cycle. You may not know who has the new keys, how many exist, or if copies are being made. Unless you’ve invested in high-security locks with restricted duplication, you never truly have full control.

The smarter solution? Combine a smart lock on your main high-traffic entry with quality deadbolts on all other doors — and pair them with passage knobs or levers that don’t lock at all.

Why a Smart Lock Belongs on Your High-Traffic Door

A smart lock is today’s deadbolt. It secures the door with a solid bolt, just like a traditional deadbolt, but also offers the added advantage of keyless entry. Instead of handing out physical keys, you assign codes. If access needs to change, you delete a code — no rekeying, no locksmith visit, no worrying about spare copies.

That makes a smart lock ideal for your main entry door — the one used most often by family, guests, or service providers. It gives you flexibility and convenience without sacrificing security.

Why Deadbolts Still Matter on Every Other Door

While your high-traffic door is best served by a smart lock, the rest of your exterior doors should be secured with quality mechanical deadbolts. Deadbolts drive a solid steel bolt into the frame, making them the gold standard of mechanical security.

But here’s the key detail: the knob or lever should never be the lock.

• Locking knobs and levers use spring-loaded latches, not bolts. These offer no real security — they can be bypassed in seconds with a credit card or a little force.
• They give a false sense of security while leaving your home vulnerable.
• And they are the number-one cause of lockouts, because many automatically lock behind you.

The smarter choice is to pair your deadbolts with passage knobs or levers (hardware that doesn’t lock at all). This way, you avoid accidental lockouts while leaving the job of security to the deadbolt, where it belongs.

The Best vs. Good Solutions

The Best Solution:

• Install a smart lock with a high-security cylinder on your main high-traffic door.
• Use high-security deadbolts on all other exterior doors.
• Pair all doors with passage knobs or levers to avoid lockouts.
• This gives you the strongest defense, true key control, and the convenience of code-based entry.

A Good Solution:

• Install a smart lock on your main high-traffic door.
• Rekey the remaining exterior locks to ensure you know exactly who has access.\
• Stop handing out keys or hiding spares outdoors — if someone needs access, give them a temporary smart lock code instead.
• This approach keeps things secure and simple, while avoiding the risks that come with spare keys.

The Bottom Line

Standard keys will always leave you guessing — how many exist, who has them, and whether copies have been made. Rekeying alone only resets the cycle. And hiding a spare key outdoors isn’t a backup plan — it’s an open invitation.

The safer approach is to stop handing out keys altogether. Whether you choose the best setup with high-security locks and a smart lock, or the good solution of one smart lock plus rekeyed deadbolts, the goal is the same: real control, fewer risks, and stronger protection for your home.

Collier County Locksmith can help you design the setup that fits your needs — combining the convenience of smart technology with the reliability of professional-grade mechanical security.

Let Collier County Locksmith Make It Easy

We have professional experience in designing and installing low-budget access control systems for homes, offices, and rental properties. If you need a single keypad or a full multi-door system, we will guide you through your options and see that it is properly installed.

Contact us today to arrange a free consultation. Access control is no longer the preserve of the big firms—it's open to anyone who values security and convenience.

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