I have been watching the evolution of remotely operated deadbolts for a year. I chose Level Lock primarily because of its aesthetics. I just don’t like those blobs hanging on the inside/outside of the door.
Biggest drawback is the price. They are a little more expensive than the blobs.
Easy to install, but be aware of a couple of things. Use their website to verify that the lock will work with your existing deadbolt. We have an older deadbolt by Titan, and Level said Level Lock will not work with it. I bought from Amazon anyhow, with a return in mind. It fit and worked beautifully, for the most part.
First problem, the new bolt assembly is slightly larger than the opening in the door for the original bolt. A bit of pressure and I was able to push it in, fit is tight.
Next problem, we have a larger dead bolt strike plate with 3 inch screws into a wall stud. I wanted to keep this instead of replacing it with their smaller, length wise, strike plate. The opening in my stake plate would not accommodate the new slightly larger Level bolt. I used a quarter round file on my strike plate to enlarged the opening for the new bolt. Again, worked well.
Everything lined up perfectly. It needs to, as there cannot be any resistance when the bolt is going into place. If there is, you will get an error on your app that the bolt cannot slide into place.
Installation time, about 40 minutes because I need to file my strike plate. If you use their strike plate, and everything lines up, easy 15 min install.
At this point, I tested the lock with their app. Smooth, smooth with a little musical note to let me know it had obeyed my commend.
Now the real issue for me, range, I wanted more, much more. The Level Lock communicates via Bluetooth, which has a limited range, perhaps 12-15 feet on my door. The blobs use wifi to communicate and have a much greater range. The solution, AppleTV, it will communicate with Level Lock via Bluetooth, and it communicates with the internet with wifi. Sooooo, my smart phone (iPhone) reaches back to AppleTV via wifi, and AppleTV communicates with Level Lock via Bluetooth. Simple, oh no you say, but yes as all of this happens automatically. There is a touch more, as my AppleTV is in another room with a large appliance between it and Level Lock, so no Bluetooth signal to the lock. I purchased a second AppleTV and put it in the same room as the Level Lock. An expensive solution, but I had planned on the second AppleTV purchase for our den anyhow.
This last part was done so I could say, “Hey SIRI, lock/unlock the door” from anywhere in the world, and it will.
If you use the Level Lock app, and don’t mind the 12-15 foot range, you can totally ignore the AppleTV part.
There have been a couple of glitches. This morning SIRI told me the door was locked and it was not. I didn't hear the musical note, so I tried opening it, it opened. Told SIRI again and it did lock. I now have a little trust issue.
| Manufacturer | Level Home Inc. |
|---|---|
| Part Number | C-D11U |
| Item Weight | 1.07 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 3.31 x 1 x 2.25 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | C-D11U |
| Batteries | 1 CR2 batteries required. (included) |
| Size | The smallest smart lock |
| Color | Satin Chrome |
| Finish | Satin Chrome |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Shape | Round |
| Power Source | Battery powered |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Level locks are engineered to meet ANSI standard strike plate dimensions. If your current strike plate cutout height measures 2 ¼", be sure to add a Level Lock Short Strike Plate to your cart. This item is sold separately. |
| Included Components | Level Bolt, Strike plate, CR2 battery, 3 Tailpiece adapters, 4 Screws |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Lithium Manganese Dioxide |
