A Complete Guide on Smart Locks & Digital Door Installation

Gone are the days of standing at your front door, juggling keys like you’re in a circus act. Smart locks have arrived, and they’re here to make life simpler: no keys, no lockouts, no “wait, did I lock the door?” moments.

At DK Hardware, we believe home security should be as easy as tapping your phone or saying, “Alexa, lock the door.” But before you buy that shiny new smart lock, let’s talk about something not-so-glamorous but super important: installation and sizing compatibility.

Because the truth is, even the most intelligent lock won’t do much good if it doesn’t fit your door.

What Exactly Is a Smart Lock?

A smart lock is what happens when home security meets everyday convenience. Think of it as your door’s upgrade from “just a lock” to “a little genius.” Instead of fumbling for keys, you can open your door with your phone, fingerprint, or a custom access code.

Most smart locks connect through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a home app, letting you control who enters your home, whether you’re on the couch or halfway across town.
You can even set custom codes for guests, deliveries or that one unexpected friend who shows up without warning. Unlock remotely and relock when it’s safe.

It’s not just about technology, it’s about control and peace of mind. Smart locks bring flexibility to your day-to-day life while making sure your home always feels secure, not complicated.

Common Smart Lock Types

Keypad Smart Locks – Type a PIN and you’re in.
Fingerprint Smart Locks – Your finger, your key.
Wi-Fi Smart Locks – Control your door from anywhere.
Bluetooth Smart Locks – Connects straight to your phone, no internet required.
Retrofit Smart Locks – Keep your old deadbolt, but make it digital.

Smart locks are part of what’s called digital door hardware, which is the umbrella term for all the electronic bits and pieces like keypads, handles, and internal latches. They are sleek, efficient, and surprisingly easy to install… as long as you know your measurements.

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Quick tip: If you want something reliable, easy to install, and solid enough to survive years of daily use, check out Kwikset, one of our recommended brands.

Why Does Door Sizing and Compatibility Matter?

Can you think of buying shoes without checking your size? It sounds risky, right? That’s what it’s like installing a smart lock without measuring your door first.

Your lock won’t fit, won’t align, or worse, it won’t lock at all. So before you hit “add to cart,” take a moment to measure these:

Measurement	Standard Size	What It Means
Door Thickness	1⅜” to 2”	How thick is your door? Whether it is too thin or too thick can definitely cause trouble.
Bore Hole	2⅛”	The big round hole where your lock body goes.
Edge Hole	1”	The smaller hole for the latch.
Backset	2⅜” or 2¾”	The distance from the edge to the center of the borehole.
Material	Wood, Metal, or Fiberglass	Make sure the screws and hardware are right for your door type.

If you’re outfitting multiple doors (say, a small apartment building or a new housing project), take a peek at our Bulk Buying Program. You’ll save time, money, and avoid the “oh no, they don’t fit” moment.

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Pro tip: Most smart locks come with an adjustable latch. Still, it’s better to measure twice than to force it once.

How to Install a Smart Lock?

Don’t panic. You don’t need to be an engineer or have ten different tools to install a smart lock. If you can handle a screwdriver, you can definitely handle this.

What You’ll Need?

A Phillips screwdriver
A measuring tape
A smartphone (you already have one)
And maybe a little patience

Steps to Install a Smart Lock at Home

These are simple steps to install the smart lock on your own.

Remove your old lock. Take off the handle, deadbolt, and latch.
Install the new latch. Make sure it slides smoothly — no sticky movement.
Mount the exterior keypad or reader. This is the part everyone sees, so line it up nicely.
Attach the interior plate and mechanism. Don’t overtighten, or it’ll strain the motor.
Insert batteries and snap the cover back on. Most use AA batteries.
Connect the app or hub. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, depending on your model.
Test it. Try locking, unlocking, and auto-lock features before celebrating.

If your door doesn’t close properly afterward, the strike plate might be off. Adjust it a bit, and you’ll be golden.

Top Smart Lock Features to Look For Before Buying

Smart locks are about upgrading how you keep your home secure. Here are the best smart lock features that make your life easier, safer, and a whole lot smarter.

Auto-lock and unlock: It knows when you leave and when you come home.
Guest access codes: Great for babysitters, cleaners, or weekend visitors.
App notifications: Get a ping when someone unlocks the door.
Voice control: “Alexa, lock the door.” Enough said.
Battery alerts: Because nobody likes being locked out.

Most smart locks last 6–12 months on one set of batteries. Still, keep spares handy because, well, life happens.

How to Choose the Right Smart Lock for Your Door?

Every home is a little different. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Type	Ideal For	Why It Works
Keypad Locks	Families and rentals	Simple, reliable, easy to manage.
Fingerprint Locks	Busy households	Quick access, no more keys.
Wi-Fi Locks	Frequent travelers	Complete control from anywhere.
Bluetooth Locks	Single users	Simple setup, no internet needed.
Retrofit Locks	Renters or old doors	Upgrade without drilling new holes.

At DK Hardware, we carry a range of smart locks from trusted brands like McGarth, Yale, Schlage and more such brands; all tested, durable, and surprisingly stylish.

FAQs About Smart Locks

Will a smart lock fit my existing door?

Probably! Most smart locks fit standard doors that are 1⅜” to 2” thick with a 2⅛” bore hole. If your door’s thicker or thinner, check the specs. You will get extension kits from some brands (like Kwikset) at DK Hardware.

Can I install it myself, or do I need a pro?

You got this. Seriously. Most smart locks take about 20–30 minutes to install. If you’re doing it for 20 doors in an apartment complex, then yeah, call a pro.

What if the battery dies and I’m locked out?

Most locks give you plenty of warning before the battery dies. But just in case, most also have a backup keyhole or an external power port.

Are smart locks safe from hackers?

Good question. Usually, brands use encrypted communication and two-factor authentication. Translation: no one’s hacking your front door with a Wi-Fi password guess.

How long do smart lock batteries really last?

On average, 6–12 months. Heavy use or Wi-Fi activity drains them faster, so always keep extras with you.

Can I buy smart locks in bulk for a multi-unit project?

Absolutely. DK Hardware’s Bulk Buying helps contractors and developers save big on volume orders. You can get locks, handles, and matching digital door hardware for all your units at once.

Get The Right Smart Lock For a Secured Home Today!

A smart lock is definitely the modern upgrade in an innovative way to feel secure every day. Choosing the right fit means balancing design, compatibility, and function, ensuring your door works seamlessly with your lifestyle.

At DK Hardware, we make that easy. From intuitive digital door hardware to expert installation guides, every detail is built to help you lock in convenience and peace of mind, one door at a time!