#HTE

A Padlock with No Combination or Key?

Bluetooth entry locks are common enough to be found in any hardware or big box store. Bluetooth padlocks—not so much. They’re out there but are harder to find, because with the exception of the ones from MasterLock, most are made by small companies that lack the means to promote them in a big way.

Dog and Bone is one such company. Based in Australia, they’re best known for their smartphone cases, some of which offer wireless charging. But their Bluetooth padlocks are cooler. I encountered them this May at the National Hardware Show and was taken with the sleek simplicity of their LockSmart model—which has been out since last year.

Designed to be used indoors or out, it has the look and feel of an old school lock. But the red rubber cap on the bottom gives it away. The cap covers the micro USB port used to charge the lock’s internal battery and the button used to rouse the unit from “sleep mode”.

The lock can be paired with any Bluetooth enabled smart device that has the LockSmart app on it. Once paired, it can be opened by keying in a pass code, using Touch ID or Fingerprint, or by pushing the shackle into the lock when it’s set to proximity mode. In all instances the smart device must be within 15 meters of lock for Bluetooth to connect.

It’s great that there is no key to carry or combination to remember but if this was all the lock could do it would not be that interesting. The best thing about it is that you can share access by providing others with a “digital key.” This can be done by opening the app and texting an invitation to a recipient who has the app on their phone—if they don’t have it they can get it via a link in the text. 

The owner of the lock can grant that person unlimited access, one-time access, or access on a fixed schedule—with or without an expiration date. Access can be revoked at any time. Keys can be shared with multiple recipients, each with their own level of access.

The app can control multiple locks, which can be identified by the name of your choice or an uploaded photo of where they are located. The owner can receive text notifications or use an activity log to track who has accessed the lock and when.

According to Dog and Bone, a fully charged battery is good for 2 years or 3,000 opens. The app will alert you to the lock’s state of charge. A depleted battery can be recharged from any device that can supply 2 amps of power to a mini USB cord. It takes two hours to fully charge a battery but a few minutes of charging should be enough to get the lock open.