thanks for the info. When you replace a deadbolt, do you usually leave the old strike plate (with the long screws into the frame) in place or do you remove that as well and put the new one in. My thinking is you leave the old since you dont want to be removing the 3 inch wood screws that are in there for security. Same question with handle as well.

Hi, If the key turns but the latch dosn't move I think the mechanical connection came loose. There is a piece of metal that goes from the key side of the lock through the latch and into the thumb handle on the inside side of the door. There is only one mechanical connection and that is on the key side, the rest of the metal slide into the rest of the parts. Gently take the lock off the door and look for the clip that came loose and put it back on. Good Luck Woodbtcher

We chose the Kwikset Kevo w/ the Kevo Plus (an extra $99). After you approach the door, you have to touch the deadbolt, which then pings your phone (or a fob, if you prefer). It sounds like technology that constantly pings for a phone and unlocks it without any touch at all isn't quite there yet, since it would burn down the lock's battery very quickly. I have an open breezeway between my house and garage, so I have to unlock at least one door every time I arrive OR leave my house -- which I do several times a day, always while carrying at least one child, groceries, gear for the day, etc. So I wanted something as hands-free as possible, and the Kevo is as close as it gets. I decided to put keypad access pads on the back doors (both house and garage), so if my phone battery dies while I'm out (or if I want to go for a run without carrying my phone with me) I have another way to get inside.

We use Schlage keypad locks, love them. You will stop noticing it after awhile. The functionality to me, cancels out the appearance. We got one for our detached garage, then we switched out our main door too, and immediately put them in the new house when we moved.