abstract：When consumers choose smart locks in stores, they often hear store staff introducing the function of "free handles". At the same time, most smart lock brands also use free handles in their handle style smart locks. So, how practical is this feature? What are the specific functions?

Firstly, we need to understand what a "free handle" is?

The so-called free handle in smart door locks actually refers to the fact that before using the correct unlocking method to open the door lock, the handle will be in a free state, and the free state means that the handle is not under force at this time. Although the handle can be held down and rotated, it will not affect the starting device of the smart door lock. Only after successfully passing authentication methods such as fingerprint and password can the clutch be driven by the motor and the handle be pressed down to unlock.

This is what people often refer to as a free handle, also known as a safety handle. Meanwhile, the term "free handle" is only relative to handle style smart door locks, and push-pull handles do not have this function.

Secondly, what practical benefits does the free handle function of smart door locks bring?

01. Prevent damage to internal components of fingerprint locks caused by violent unlocking

This is useless for users who use smart door locks normally, as this group of people may not even know that the door is locked and then forcefully press the handle to open it. But for some people with OCD or ulterior motives, it is very useful. The design of the free handle will give them a feeling of brute force hitting cotton. This way, there will be no phenomenon of the handle being forcibly broken, which will affect the normal operation of the smart door lock.

02. Anti lock is more convenient

With this design, users only need to gently lift up to lock the fingerprint lock after going out, which is safe and time-saving.

03. Anti tailgating effect

If the chip in the lock body of the smart door lock responds quickly and has strong processing ability, combined with a free handle, it can achieve anti tailgating effect. If the entire process, from verifying the unlocking method, to pressing the handle to enter the door, and finally lifting the handle to lock it, is short enough, it can leave no opportunity for the following criminals. Corresponding to some smart door locks, after unlocking, it usually takes 5-10 seconds to lock again. During this period, if someone else presses the handle to open the door again, it can be very dangerous if someone follows.

04. Prevent cat eyes from unlocking

For criminals who use special tools to unlock from the cat's eye, even if the door in the user's home is thick, sturdy, and the lock has a high level of security, it is vulnerable in front of the perpetrator's door. When encountering skilled criminals, they can unlock the door through the cat's eye and open it in about ten seconds at the fastest.

But for the free handle, after using the cat's eye to clamp the inner door handle with a "mechanical hand", even if pressed down forcefully, it cannot change the handle's stress free state and cannot open the door. This also avoids some risks for indoor safety.

Finally, the entry door lock is a key point in ensuring indoor safety, but the design of the smart lock's free handle can provide limited security. To borrow the words of a police officer: If a thief wants to enter your house, whether it takes 1 minute to unlock or 10 minutes to break, he will always find a way. Therefore, consumers must be cautious when choosing smart door locks for entry, and they need to have a clear understanding of the quality, installation, after-sales service, and other aspects of the locks.