this post was submitted on 24 Sep 2026
365 points (97.4% liked)

3DPrinting

24271 readers
74 users here now

3DPrinting is a place where makers of all skill levels and walks of life can learn about and discuss 3D printing and development of 3D printed parts and devices.

The r/functionalprint community is now located at: or !functionalprint@fedia.io

There are CAD communities available at: !cad@lemmy.world or !freecad@lemmy.ml

Rules

If you need an easy way to host pictures, https://catbox.moe/ may be an option. Be ethical about what you post and donate if you are able or use this a lot. It is just an individual hosting content, not a company. The image embedding syntax for Lemmy is ![](URL)

Moderation policy: Light, mostly invisible

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Eneloops would only last about 3 weeks. And disposable last 2 months. This door is used a lot and since it has Zwave and a door open sensor it sends info on every open.

Bonus, since it can handle the lipo AA batteries that put out 1.8v and it gives the motor more oomph I made the battery pack give 7.2v and it never sticks anymore.

This is a garage-door so its not critical access but is used a lot.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] the_riviera_kid@lemmy.world 45 points 1 month ago (4 children)

Wait until you hear about this neat invention called a "key". They are quite wonderful, they can securely lock and unlock your door in any conditions and don't need those pesky batteries.

[–] MagicDonkey@lemmy.dbzer0.com 17 points 1 month ago

Wait until you hear about this neat invention called a "smart lock". It uses this marvelous key invention you kindly detailed but it also uses magic powered rocks that can send small vibrations in the air to communicate with other magic rocks at home. If their magic energy source is depleted the object you refer to as a "key" may also be operated on this mystical lock to which the lock then whispers: "just let people enjoy things".

[–] mrgoosmoos@lemmy.ca 11 points 1 month ago (2 children)

the batteries in mine last a year and I don't have to carry around any keys but my car keys (when I take the car).

definitely worth it. I can leave the house with nothing but my phone or bank card and run errands etc. people can access my house when I want them to without issue. it's a huge QoL improvement for me

that said, I'd still prefer an electronic lock that had a key as well, and wasn't a touchscreen

[–] Erusset@slrpnk.net 5 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Agreed. The kids can open the door now quickly, and it's easier. When we were looking for electronic locks, it had to have no wifi and a key. It was harder to find then you might think. 

[–] BigPotato@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Any recs then? That's basically my criteria as well. I'm already paranoid enough to carry keys any way but it would make things more convenient.

[–] Erusset@slrpnk.net 5 points 1 month ago

It's not a deadbolt (they have some), but we found a Schlage we liked. I can't find it on the site, but search for electronic not smart. It might have been Home Depot.

It was easy to install and the battery hasn't run out after over a year. I've used the key maybe once.

[–] mrgoosmoos@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I want to replace mine with one like this. what'd you end up going with?

[–] Erusset@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 month ago

It's not a deadbolt (they have some), but we found a Schlage we liked. I can't find it on the site, but search for electronic not smart. It might have been Home Depot.

It was easy to install and the battery hasn't run out after over a year. I've used the key maybe once.

[–] the_riviera_kid@lemmy.world -4 points 1 month ago (3 children)

It's one fucking key, it's not exactly difficult to carry or keep track of.

[–] mrgoosmoos@lemmy.ca 10 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

it is non-zero

also yes, one small key is exactly the kind of thing that can be difficult to keep track of. did it fall out of my pocket? which backpack pocket was it in? did it clip in properly? do I need to carry a lanyard now too to keep track of it?

or like just don't worry about that at all. clear improvement.

[–] hereiamagain@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Not op. I hear what you're saying, and it's a valid point.

But once you go digital lock, it's hard to go back. So convenient.

Heck, mine was just a standalone lock with a keypad, I've had one on every rental in some form or another for the last 15 years. Until this year...

We just moved into our first house, and the main door we want to use is seemingly incapable of fitting a keypad onto it. The handle is so close to the window frame, that it won't fit. It's very annoying. So for the last few months we've been using a regular key, and it's annoying.

First, my in laws needed to watch our cat while we were gone, so I left out a spare key, which they then kept 😖

It's rude to ask for it back, while simultaneously hoping to ask them for help again in the future. But, they are also the type to just come over whenever, without calling ahead or asking, whether we're home or not. They are kind, but oblivious, so it's hard to be firm.

Anywho this was never a problem FOR US in the past, because we'd just make up a random access code for them that was only valid on the days we were away.

I might have to replace the door.

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Oh thanks I'll never forget my keys again, awesome, I hadn't thought of it like that.

[–] the_riviera_kid@lemmy.world -5 points 1 month ago
[–] sexual_tomato@lemmy.dbzer0.com 10 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Now grant access to someone you've never met but then revoke that access after a some time without involving another person or machinery in the process. You also have to do it while you're on vacation in another country and not physically present.

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 6 points 1 month ago (3 children)

Damn, didn't know they made keys that automatically lock the doors when I leave the house so I can't forgetfully leave the doors unlocked.

[–] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 10 points 1 month ago (1 children)

There are bolts with a clutch, so they are always locked from the outside and unlocked from the inside. Pretty handy.

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

I'm not sure I understand how that'd work. How would they know when the door was closed so they could automatically lock the deadbolt? Or would you need to use a key to close the door from the outside?

[–] ContriteErudite@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

They are expensive, but they do exist, it's called a mechanical keyless deadbolt. A local makerspace put one on their back entrance so that members/employees can come and go after hours without having to give everyone a key or use a smart app.

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

Ohhh, there is a keypad but it's mechanical. Neat!

[–] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 month ago

The one I've seen was mechanical, not electric. The interior handle can open the door irrespective of the door being locked or not.

[–] Evotech@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Wait till you hear about memory

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago

Pretty sure I can't afford that these days