automatic door locks

[Todd M.]

Hello,

I have a 4 plex with a common door with access to utility room. Tenants are suppose to keep this door locked (deadbolt and regular handle lock) at all times. Well, they don't and I had a "break in".

Thieves came in and busted off the coin boxes from washer and dryer.

I'm looking for ways/ suggestions to keep that common door locked at all times. Is there some kind of automatic door lock?

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
Todd

[Adam Anderson]

You want a lock set remains locked that can be opened without a key on the inside, but requires a key on the outside, and a good door closer. They are called classroom locks, This will prevent tenants from forgetting to lock the door, but won’t help if they prop the door open.

[Corey Demuth]

also, can you go from coin-op to the ones that take smart cards only?

[Chris Stach]

"Janitor Function" or "Classroom" lock is what you want. Call a random local locksmith, locks that do this are pretty common, they'll know exactly what you need.

You could put a timer and a door position switch on the lock to make a sounder go off if it's open more than 20 seconds. This is something you often see on commercial high rises on exit doors to prevent people from propping them open.

[Michael K.]

I'm in the process of replacing all of the main door locks and the basement locks in a four-building apartment complex. Install one of those piston-type automatic door closers and get the self-locking locks as described above. DON'T do deadbolts; the tenants will just throw the bolt while the door is open so the door won't close properly. Deadbolts like this are nothing but automatic door props.

As for the coin laundry issue, be sure to check your state laws about card vs coin laundries. Believe it or not, some states (Wisconsin is one) have an additional tax on non-coin operated laundries!

Mike

[Steve Jonathon]

Originally posted by Michael Kwiatkowski:

I'm in the process of replacing all of the main door locks and the basement locks in a four-building apartment complex. Install one of those piston-type automatic door closers and get the self-locking locks as described above. DON'T do deadbolts; the tenants will just throw the bolt while the door is open so the door won't close properly. Deadbolts like this are nothing but automatic door props.

As for the coin laundry issue, be sure to check your state laws about card vs coin laundries. Believe it or not, some states (Wisconsin is one) have an additional tax on non-coin operated laundries!

Mike

You took a fairly well desicion there.I had some issues with that auto door locking system and one day found my son got to open it without a key.Those are no good products.Cheers...