WELOCK Touch41 - I Was Wrong About Smart Locks...

[@Mu-podcast]

We have the Aqara lock on our house, and it has worked very well for us. My wife and I both mainly use our fingerprints with it without issue. But it also comes with a key as a backup option. The only thing I wish the Aqara lock had was the ability to set a timer where it auto-locks after being untouched.

[@BadgerBob]

Nice review. This definitely isn’t the lock for me, I would only buy from a trusted, known and established brand. But I do like this style of Smart Lock. The Euro profile and multipoint locking system that’s prevalent in the UK doesn’t lend itself well to smart locks and nobody so far has really created one that allows a completely automated system anyway, so I like the way that it basically just becomes a smart key other than the smart lock. This is good because if you accidentally activated the lock to unlock it then forgot it would lock itself again when it timed out. Whereas most smart locks will remain unlocked, if that makes sense. I hope the likes of Yale develop something along these lines although their track record was software hasn’t been great. As for backup options when the batteries are flat, I guess this isn’t a massive concern unless you only have one door, as you could carry a key for a back, but it should also be noted that the iPhone 15 does reverse charging now so you could just leave a cheap USB to USB micro cable stashed somewhere - if you have an iPhone 15 of course (I don’t know what android phones have this feature but maybe some do?). Also, I have been trained in making entry to properties (legally), And the euro profile barrels have been prone to Lock snapping attacks due to an inherent design flaw (which I’m not going to explain for obvious reasons). This actually prevents that type of attack almost impossible however the one thing does concern me is the way it works I saw in this video. The Lock handle spins freely which means there must be some kind of grip mechanism inside those kind of mechanisms are quite easy to overcome and it might just involve putting a large amount of pressure on the Lock, so I would like to see some more before I ever trusted in that respect.

[@pietrolicata3528]

Lack of a failsafe would worry me, perhaps review the new Nuki 4 Pro, fits on the inside and can be set to automatically unlock when it connects to your Bluetooth when you approach, and can still use your key in an emergency, from the outside it's a normal lock so no-one knows its smart

[@StusReviewsUK]

I'll take a look. 👀

[@stuartrider9065]

+1 for the Nuki, I have one and it's miles better than this

[@MrBigNuts09]

+2 for Nuki, had mine for over 3 years now and works faultless

[@Killswitch85]

was looking at buying the pro 3 but now pro 4 is out. if you were quick i think you'd get quite a few views as not many on YT atm.

[@BadgerBob]

It’s only really a problem if you only have one door because you can just carry a key for a back door. Even then many phones now have reverse charging so you could just leave a small USB cable, like a cheap one you get with many devices as usually throw in the bin because you’ve got 700 of, under a mat or something. so the chances of you running out of battery power, only having one door, forgetting your phone i’m not being able to find anyone with a phone nearby that has reverse charging, is so low that it doesn’t really worry me. However, there are a number of other things that worry about this which I’ve gone into in my other comment.

[@lawman1965]

Genuine question - I wonder how insurance companies view locks such as this? I wonder if they'd pay out if the house was burgled and these were fitted!

[@StusReviewsUK]

Interesting thought! I think I’ll look into that! Next smart lock episode I’ll address this!

[@BadgerBob]

They tend to prefer trusted brands and not cheap Chinese brands that have appeared from nowhere. They also often want BSi approved ones ones Either way I would certainly be making my insurance company aware and having it on recorders that they are happy with the Lock. Make sure it’s done via email as you’ve specified the exact lock you have so that you have a trail in case they ever get funny about paying out. Edit - I can’t see any mention of BSi approval/certification or kite mark on their website or Amazon listing. Absolute hard no to this lock on that basis alone, it could invalidate your insurance, unless anyone can clarify otherwise. If anyone plans to use this YOU MUST check your insurance first.

[@BadgerBob]

@@StusReviewsUKHi Stu, you need to address this one mate. I’ve checked their website and Amazon listing and I can’t find any mention of BSi approval or kite mark. Using the lock could potentially invalidate insurance. Maybe edit the description if you don’t want to republish the video.

[@TheMJC2011]

I wondered this as well. "Was the house fully secured when you left?" "Sort of; the door wasn't technically locked, but the handle wouldn't open the door." "Oh dear Sir, I'm afraid since you left the property unlocked..."

[@alewir]

> "Sort of; the door wasn't technically locked, but the handle wouldn't open the door." This is not how it works ;) Unless, you have a still doorknob on the outside instead of a handle, the lock is not locked until you turn it as if you would turn the regular key. ;) But static doorknob would be just an additional improvement to your security - basically usefull when you're in the house (and kids go out and leave doors not locked while you're on the other floor, etc.) But, when the last person is leaving the house, then one needs to turn the lock to fully secure it as it would be done with a regular key.

[@kevinhenryviii]

I’ve had the Yale Conexis L1 for 3 years. Never missed a beat. Fully Home assistant compatible with the zigbee module installed. Lock opens automatically when I drive up to the house. Nice review though Stu👍🏻

[@StusReviewsUK]

Now that is cool! It’s like auto locking cars though… I’d be constantly afraid that they don’t lock when I walk away 😂😂

[@kevinhenryviii]

@@StusReviewsUK Yes I see when you’re coming from. But this has to be physically locked on the way out. No auto locking.

[@stevenhoward3358]

Looking at the thumbnail for this vid, I was thinking what does a French onion seller have to do with locks?

[@StusReviewsUK]

All French onion sellers have a dark past. 🧅

[@stevenhoward3358]

@@StusReviewsUK *gallic shrug*

[@Teleport73]

It's just too noticeable. I'd be concerned that it attracts far too much attention and would more likely be subject to attack. Noone needs yet another gateway connected to their network. Maybe it could be integrated to Home Assistant via Bluetooth.

[@alewir]

The thing that it's visibility is rather something that should work as a repellent for burglers (as explained also on the video) - because, theoretically it's a lot more hard to break it than a classic cillinder lock. And also, a lot less people have necessary skills. And you don't need to pair it with anything - you can just take it out of the box, put in the batteries, insert it to your doors and use it as is. Any kind of remote control for it is optional and up to you.

[@GaelyneGasson]

I have an Aqara U100 lock. it comes with 2 keys, 2 NFC tags that are beautiful. I can use NFC on my phone to unlock it, or my finger. My favourite way to unlock it is using the HomeKit key that's stored on my phone and watch. So I use my watch to unlock the door most of the time. It feels so futuristic.

[@David-bl1bt]

Are you in the UK? I just looked at that lock, it doesn't appear to be compatible with UK locks?

[@silv-janelkerbout5762]

So, correct me if I'm wrong but. You take the allen keys and take the cover of. You take the second allen key to pull the lockntowards you. then it exposes the steel bar that needs to be turned, so you turn that with a plier and the door is open...

[@StusReviewsUK]

Correcting because you’re wrong - you’d have to undo the bolt on the interior handle to be able pull the front towards you to expose the bar… so if the door is locked, that’s a no-go.

[@silv-janelkerbout5762]

​@@StusReviewsUK AH! That is useful information! Thank you! I was looking at it and thought: " it can't be THAT simple!" But it lookes like a mayor design flaw. Now i understand 👍

[@garethjones5068]

This looks like a great option for my side door

[@StusReviewsUK]

Not your back door? 👀

[@garethjones5068]

@@StusReviewsUK not big enough for that 😏

[@TheFlatulentCow]

I use the SwitchBot lock and it has a few more features than this one plus it integrates with Home Assistant. It also allows you to use the normal key if anything should go wrong with the smart lock.

[@alewir]

Whenever you go out, you still need some kind of key to open your door - it's not the same class of automation. But you can combine these locks to have the best of both worlds... :P

[@TheFlatulentCow]

@@alewir Not quite sure what you mean. I don't need a key to unlock my door as the fingerprint sensor takes care of that. I can use NFC, phone or code as well if I wanted.

[@paulhanson1830]

Smartbot, whose products you have reviewed in the past, do a much better looking smart lock. Review that one Stu.

[@StusReviewsUK]

Hold that thought 👀

[@milesbuckhurst504]

Interesting video as usual. I have a Yale smart lock on my garage back door. It uses AA batteries. Problem is I live in Norway and the month of -25 C was not good for those batteries. They are inside but my garage is not insulated- so on the house it would be fine. Just haven’t added to the house yet - which is stupid because I have a Tesla and don’t have any other keys or wallet - only the house key and my phone! Hmmm you remind me to do something this summer.

[@JasGawera]

Do any motorised smart locks work with the upvc doors where you have to lift the handle to engage the locking mechanism? Guess this one is fine as it just enables the "key"

[@B0tinh0]

Hows it been working for you ....its been a few months now

[@MadMatt13]

Wonder if the scanner still functions as well when it's wet? Rains a fair bit here so I have images of me getting more and more frustrated trying to get in my house as it rains lol. Also would the mini usb port for charging also allow for a laptop or something to be plugged in to hack the lock? Maybe I've just been watching too many movies lol. We must keep our basements secure...

[@stuhudson9989]

Great review … Take it the company hasn’t given you any insight on whether the lock will ever be matter or HomeKit compatible?

[@StusReviewsUK]

Unfortunately not - i only know it works for sure with alexa, and 'coming soon' to google home! Limited by the information available unfortunately! Fingers crossed they see this in the comments and add those to the wishlist 😉!

[@leogodreau9505]

Not keen on the top thumb scanner. Rain, ice, snow possible issues? Having to remember to turn it down is the resolution to this, I guess. I'd keep my Aqara U100

[@StusReviewsUK]

All good points! I'm not sure on the impact long term... but mines under cover, so doesn't matter so much!

[@leogodreau9505]

@@StusReviewsUK For sure, but us poor Canadians have to think of that type of thing for every gadget we want to have outside.

[@Darklon77]

Came here to address this, glad to see someone brought it up.

[@RicksTechReviews]

“the front one can’t just be pulled off” had me laughing probably more than it should have. Great review, I agree about the physical key.

[@StusReviewsUK]

The episode was full of accidental double entendres! 😂

[@DocSquiffy]

You had me at insert mechanism lol

[@StusReviewsUK]

Insert the long mechanism 😂

[@FinnsLab]

But can it unlock the lock if the lock is already locked or unlocked by someone els that locked or unlocked the door ?

[@XtremeKremaTor]

It should automatically turn the key when door closed. Faulty design IMHO. I had a burglar taking advantage of it in the past. If I shut the door, I want to have it locked at the same time. Period.

[@omgitsjulian]

As long as rocks and windows exist, someone hacking your door shouldn't be something you worry about. :)

[@cbcdesign001]

I disagree, the former is a noisy intrusion and likely to draw attention, the other can be done quietly and possibly unobserved.

[@HAKIMEOVER9000]

​@@cbcdesign001Not every criminal cares about noise. There's something called smash & grab.

[@omgitsjulian]

@@cbcdesign001 Ok... then - "As long as bump keys and lock picks exist. someone hacking your for shouldn't be something you worry about :)" Seriously, anyone can learn to use a bump key in 2 min. where as hacking an bank encrypted algorithm takes years of dedication... and why in the world would someone waste that kind of talent to burgle your house...

[@psjamesful]

Love the video. We have had the Kwikset Halo Fingerprint WiFi Smart. Setup up was almost as easy. The nice thing about this is that it does have the ability to use your normal key and unlock remotely. We also have the feature turned on to autolock. The kids don't have to carry a key. I came to the same conclussion that if they really wanted to get into the house they could bust out a window.

[@moniquem783]

It’s as ugly as sin. I think it’s overpriced. It needs to work with all ecosystems. It only suits one particular type of cylinder which is not what I have. However… it’s insanely exciting that somebody has figured out that smart barrel locks are needed, as well as smart deadlocks. This is the first smart lock I’ve seen that could work on my glass sliding doors (the handle is possibly a bit bulky) and that is awesome! Hopefully some other manufacturers see this and realise there’s a market for barrel locks, and refine it and improve it so it can work with Matter. If someone gets it right I’ll be snapping up 2 in a heartbeat. This is a very good start, just not quite there yet.

[@J4miethompson]

A USB-C port would’ve been better so that you can power it from your phone.

[@David-bl1bt]

yep, definitely a missed opportunity

[@gefthetalkingmongoose]

Tech seems fine but looks poorly designed as far as ergonomics and weather-resistance, not to mention aesthetics

[@edwardgreenjr167]

I'd go one more level on the analogue requirement - EVERY smart lock that has a key, SHOULD have the ability to either re-key or replace the lock cylinder. Some smart locks do NOT have the ability to order multiples with the same key profile, and even have a custom cylinder that is not easily replaceable with an industry-standard unit. This is a major security concern on what is supposed to be the first line of defense for most homes.

[@Killswitch85]

who is this Arthur Ritus bloke?

[@StusReviewsUK]

Mates with Mr Oldage.

[@Badonicus]

In like flynn

[@StusReviewsUK]

Winner Winner - Chicken Dinner! 🍗👑!! First one for a while? 👀

[@Badonicus]

​@@StusReviewsUK Been on a diet😂

[@StusReviewsUK]

@Badonicus I think I need to do one of those… my waistcoat button popped off the other day 👁👄👁

[@troyboy4345]

Never truly trusted a smart lock, it's just something i can't quite put my finger on why ? ....................................

[@StusReviewsUK]

👀😂

[@eugenes9751]

WOW that's an ugly lock.

[@garyhenderson9303]

Still dont trust smart locks. After about two years I activated my fingerprint to allow me to unlock my Smart Phone, several weeks later the fingerprint system stopped working, and it has been showing an error message stating the finger print mode is broken. Lucky I still had the PIN activated. As I have most of the Aqara products their lock might be good choice, just that two of the curtain units and six of the radiator valves I have from Aqara, have failed. All of these are mechanical devices rather than electronic which all work fine. So trusting another mechanical product which might stop me getting inside is off putting.

[@Av-vd3wk]

You’ve exposed your lock QR code me thinks…

[@BadgerBob]

Oops, I’d be taking this video down Stu. Re-upload with an additional section clarifying the BSi certification situation. Because your insurance could be invalidated, and I can’t see mention of the BSi or Kite mark on their site.