Schlage BE365 V CAM 619 Camelot Keypad Deadbolt, Electronic Keyless Entry Lock, Satin Nickel

Though the instructions are truly horrible, cannot say enough bad things about the instructions, installing the lock is easy and works great. Reprogramming to my own choice is easy and those instructions are actually good. It is good that there is a key back-up. The battery lasts about 2 years and is easily replaced. This is my second time buying this lock.

At the time i bought this i had owned a 'Kwikset featuring SmartKey SmartCode Single Cylinder Electronic Deadbolt, Satin Nickel 909 15 SMT CP' for 1 years time. then decided to change after the mechanism in the kwikset malfunction and Kwiksets replacement unit did not even work on arrival. there is a fundamental flaw in them that is NOT in the Schlage which I will discuss.My first impressions on this deadbolt were the same as my keyed entry lock+ door handle unit that i had bought a year prior. right out of the box, everything was in the box, very detailed instructions for both installation of the deadbolt and operation of the deadbolt and the incredible 'rock solid' feel of the Schlage brand.Installation:Installation is a breeze if you have any experience with door locks or slim to none. even with no experience i would find it strange if someone didn't think that the install process on this deadbolt was easy. If you have no experience, just follow the very detailed instructions that come with it. Took me less than 10 minutes to install. One thing i would note on the installation that i have never seen another deadbolt that i have bought come with was a 'reinforcement' plate for the door frame. it comes with very long screws as well to secure it incredible well into the door frame making it leaps and bounds more difficult for someone to kick in the door. the reinforcement plate i noticed felt like a different type of metal than everything else. Very solid and maybe 2-3 thicker than an average door plate.Operation/Features:Unlike my kwikset unit that i owned that actually operates a small internal motor(the part that is prone to failure on the Kwikset Unit) this Schlage deadbolt has a 'freespinning' lock unless the lock is 'engaged' in which case the 'freespinning' lock actually becomes like a 'handle' that you manually turn. the lock is engaged always from the manual switch from the back(what would be the inside of the home or building) or while it is unlocked and you hit the 'Schlage' button on the front of the unit for 5 seconds while the light is blinking. while the light blinks the lock is engaged and you turn with your hand from the outside to lock. To unlock from the outside is just as easy, enter your 4 digit code, the Schlage light will blink yellow for 5 seconds and your lock will rotate like a handle when you turn it to unlock your door. Really couldn't get easier operation than this without an automatic electric motor. (but again, like in the Kwikset which has this, it is prone to failure) Of course another feature on the lock, keyed backup in case the battery dies before you can replace it.Keypad:The keypad is very bright when you press the Schlage button as it illuminates to a very bright blue. Enter code and presto, access to whatever lies behind the door with a flick of the wrist. I will not go into the operation on how to program the keypad as it is very straightforward and simple if you follow the manufacturers instructions on how to add/remove codes and enter a few different modes.Battery:My lock came with a 9v Duracell (shocking not a Chinese off brand battery?!) and the biggest difference i can note between this Schlage lock and my keypad+door handle Schlage is the battery compartment is WAY easier to get to. on the keypad + door handle unit, you must remove the entire lock from the door in order to access the battery compartment to change and the battery is on the outside of the unit(closer to the elements reduces battery life). On the Deadbolt however, the compartment is accessed by just removing the two back screws of the unit and removing this 'cover' plate. the battery is right there, the rest of the lock stays intact and the compartment is on the INSIDE of the door, away from the elements to help preserve the battery life.Final Thoughts:Just like my other Schlage unit, i am EXTREMELY satisfied with both operation, instructions, ease of use and Quality of this product. I really have no complaints. I will definitely be a repeat customer if i keep getting these fantastically designed and made locks.

I replaced my existing Schlage deadbolt with this lock about two weeks ago and I am very pleased with it. First, the installation was very easy due mainly to the fact that the lock is designed to fit in the same hole as an existing deadbolt, so there were no additional holes to drill. I did not change out the striker plate, so that saved a little time, and it looks like the existing bolt would have worked but I changed it with the new one anyway. 2nd, the instructions are well written and easy to follow. 3rd, and most important, it worked perfectly once it was installed. It is a very clever product. I was concerned that the 9v battery would have to provide the current to a motor to retract the bolt and I'd be replacing the battery all the time, but thats not how it works at all. The battery simply causes the thumb turn to engage and light the keyboard, your hand does the work of retracting the bolt. So the battery should last a long long time. There is a manual lock w/keys in case the battery dies. But best of all, I found it very easy to program my own custom code (and erase the codes it came with for better security) and now my family can come and go without needing a key. I can program it with a temporary code if someone will be watching the house while we are on vacation, then delete the code when we return. This is MUCH better than giving keys out to people over the years, then wondering how many people have a keys to your front door. I even showed my 85 year old mother-in-law how to use it (I know, I know: why would I do THAT?), and she has no problems using it. I used the same code numbers as our garage door, so its easy for everyone to remember. It comes with a pair of keys which you use if the battery goes dead, which is possible but should never be an issue because the lock alerts you when the battery gets low. Still, I plan to rekey the cylinder to match the other door keys so we dont have to worry about yet another key. If you don't want to re-key the lock, you can just put one of the keys in a hide-a-key rock somewhere in the yard. Bottom line: Schlage is known for high quality locks, and this device is no exception. If you already have a Schalge deadbolt and your are looking for more convenience and security, then I recommend this lock.

This is a great lock for your home or for any room that you want to keep locked up and safe. It uses both an electronic keypad and a key to gain access. I would say that it’s relatively easy to install but if you’re not the handyman type you may want to get a locksmith or handyman to help you out. It’s a tough lock and has provided plenty of protection for us. It also has a sleek and attractive look to it.