Korean Job Discussion Forums

agoodmouse · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Location: Anyang

I'm considering buying one and having it installed. Anyone know how much these things run and how well they work? Are they more susceptible to break-ins? Lots of people have them, so I'm sure they're okay.

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

I've got one, and it works fine, but sometimes the batteries start to run down. I immediately go to the store to get more because I fear being locked out of my apartment when the landlord is on vacation or something.

And you have to be sure you close the door all the way when you leave so that it locks properly. I woke up to go to work today and I found the door not locked because my wife didn't close it all the way and the bolt didn't catch.

2nd time she's done that. I'd feel very disappointed if I was murdered in my sleep or had by house burgled as a result of her negligence.

I told her again to be more careful. She agreed, then left to go to the store and did it again. Oh, the joys of married life.

samd · Joined: 03 Jan 2007

Disadvantages: None

agoodmouse · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Location: Anyang

How long does the battery last? Is the battery easy to find?

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

Just regular AA batteries. Mine takes 4. They last for a couple/few months, at least, but I suppose it depends on how often you're going in and out.

spyro25 · Joined: 23 Nov 2004

my batteries ran out before, but the gyongbi ajossi mcguyvered a small cable with an attachment that fit into a small hole located under the lock, taped some batteries together, taped that to the end of the cable, and it powered the door!

pretty scary actually, anyone could use that trick to open your door!

keseki · Joined: 22 Mar 2007

does it reset the passcode if you take the batteries out??

samd · Joined: 03 Jan 2007

crescent · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: yes.

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

JAWINSEOUL · Joined: 19 Nov 2005

f you mess up the code a few times it may lock you out. Iv'e done it before while listening to my MP3.

The code is stored in a central system that does not rely on the batteries.

They last for well over 6 months and should still have power in reserve to work in your portable clocks.

ChopChaeJoe · Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Location: Seoul

I always wondered about hose things in a fire.Fire wrecks the electrical system..how are you gonna get out your door?

Regular lock workd fine for me, thanks.

bondjimbond · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Location: Seoul

Forgot to lock mine during my first month here.

Three AM, the automatic light goes off.

I get out of bed to see a Korean man who can barely stand, with his pants around his ankles, trying to stumble inside.

I asked him to leave, but he was very insistent. Wasn't happy when I turned him out... tried to fight back and ended up unconscious on the floor.

So I went inside and locked the door.

At about 9:00 AM, I heard angry banging from the hallway. I resolved to ignore it.

It stopped at about 11.

I've never failed to lock it again.

(That's my story. Also, my lock gets very uppity sometimes and I have to do all sorts of tricks with the handle and pressing various buttons to get it to activate the understanding-of-the-passcode. Other than that, it's convenient.)

crescent · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: yes.

darkcity · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: SF, CA

one thing i dislike about the electronic door locks is that if ANYONE happens to see you punching in your code, they can get in.

I was in the elevator once when one kid got out before me and rushed to his door and punched in his code. Before the elevator doors closed, I could see what the code was, so if I ever wanted to sneak in his house and molest his dog, it would be quite easy.

so i guess if you're bringing someone over, make sure you trust them or somehow block them from seeing.