Key-free Padlock
The programmable Tapplock 1+ electronic padlock opens with the touch of a finger or a smartphone app.
A surprising percentage of my time spent as a carpenter was dedicated to managing keys and locks. I inherited a 3-in. ring of keys from my predecessor and I never did figure out what half were for. By the time my replacement took over for me, there were two 3-in. rings, and once again half were unidentified. I wish I could travel back in time to give myself a few Tapplocks. The Tapplock one+ padlock unlocks with a fingerprint, and you can choose which hand and which digit. You can also unlock it with your phone or a Morse code sequence. After downloading the app, I was locking and unlocking with my thumbprint within 15 minutes. The lock is dust- and waterproof (IP67) and the manufacturer claims its internal battery will last up to one year or 3500 unlocks and blinks red when below 10%. If it does lose power, using a portable battery pack will bring it back to life with an 8 second charge. If you run a tool crib or large commercial site, Tapplock will help you customize their Tapplock enterprise software so you can manage and track a fleet of padlocks, with up to 500 fingerprints per lock. The price is steep at $100, but the functionality is worth the cost.
P.M.
From Fine Homebuilding #288
