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The Ikea Rothult smart lock isn’t actually smart
But it does its job.
When we write “smart lock,” most people probably think of Yale Doorman or a similar front door solution. But there are also other things – like drawers or cabinets – that can have the advantage of being able to lock them without having to fish for the keychain.
This is where Ikea Rothault comes in. This is an electronic lock that uses a key card and can be installed in appropriate cabinets or drawers. It can of course be debated whether the lock is very smart, but Ikea itself calls it a smart lock.
At the same time, it is important to realize that this lock is not connected in any way to any network, so it cannot be controlled remotely. There is no in-picture application and cannot be programmed. So, in our eyes, it’s a bit of an exaggeration to call her smart.
“Rothault may be electronic, but calling it a “smart lock” you should use it.“
benefits
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Comes with two RFID “keys”
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Can be paired with a third RFID tag
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Rechargeable batteries can be used
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Comes with screws and angle lock
The lock comes with almost everything you need in the package. It comes with screws, a locking corner, and an instruction manual showing examples of how to attach the unit to drawers and cabinets. In addition, you get two key cards that use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to lock and unlock the lock.
These two cards are original keys and should be taken good care of. In addition, it is possible to pair the lock with another RFID chip – which can be in a bank or bus card, for example. More on this later.
The only thing required in addition is three AAA batteries, which can of course be the rechargeable alternative from Ikea if desired. According to the instructions for use, three 900 mAh batteries should last about a year and a half if the lock is opened and closed three times each day.
For natural reasons, we could not test this.
In addition, the lock should begin to beep intermittently at a low battery level, and unlock automatically if the battery is not changed within a reasonable time thereafter.
The lock box itself is made of plastic, with strategic dimensions of 7.5 x 8.2 x 3.5 cm. It is not particularly small and elegant. With the batteries, we weigh it at 137 grams on our kitchen scale. The immediate impression of quality is good, but no more – the lock is clearly not intended to prevent targeted burglary.
No, here it is just about having some control over who can access drawers or cupboards in the (home) office or at home. Whether it’s to stop a teen sniffing at the bar or a co-worker from stealing your bag of goodies again, we won’t mind.
But a locked drawer or door will at least send a clear signal, and any burglary of the lock or damaged/broken furniture will be flagged. So it will have a job even if it is not strong enough to stop the targeted thugs.
As mentioned, installation will depend entirely on the type of cabinet or drawer you wish to keep closed. Screws are included for use with wood and to fix the lock on finished steel cabinets (such as IKEA Idasun).
The wood screws that secure the lock box itself protrude by about 7 millimeters, so it would be a good idea to screw them directly into most wood furniture. The screws that are supposed to be used to attach the locking angle are a little deeper, we measured 11 mm. Regardless, it is of course possible to use other screws if desired.
Other than that, the modules can also be taped or taped with masking tape if it is more practical. Again, it wouldn’t be nice to be able to block access to someone who really supports it, but then it usually doesn’t hold in with any obscure wood screws.
Installing the lock otherwise requires no more than half a good eye and that you know it up and down on the star puller. If in doubt, it is still allowed to get help from a friend with a basic course in meters.
In any case, the lock will be attached to the interior of the cabinet or drawer and thus not spoil the external impression of the furniture. Radio signals between the key card and the lock are several centimeters long and usually have no problem getting through wood or thin steel plates.
Since the lock box is quite deep, it is also not sure that you need to use the locking angle as the locking screw can work with a natural edge on the furniture.
Perhaps the motor driving the locking bolt was quieter. At the same time, this has the advantage that there is no problem in hearing that it actually works, even through a piece of furniture. Otherwise, the box makes two clear beeps if it doesn’t sense the signal properly – or if you’re using the wrong card.
The interesting thing about Rothult is that you can pair it with a third card (or something else) that has an RFID tag inside. This is done simply by holding a third party card – such as a bank card – next to the lock when you open it.
There is only one additional card supported, and the new pairing will replace the old one. So if the joker has his RFID card next to your lock when it’s unlocked, only your original cards will work. In addition, the person will now have a card that can open your drawer or cupboard. In terms of safety, this is noteworthy.
The documentation attached to our test copy also states that the device should be able to pair with NFC/RFID-enabled cell phones, which more modern cell phones are available on. But we didn’t make that work, and this feature is also not mentioned in the user guide available on the Ikea website. So we have to assume that this was either missing or that functionality was removed just prior to launch.
The Ikea Rothult smart lock is an electronic lock for drawers and cabinets. It comes with a screw, locking corner, and two RFID cards, and only needs three AAA batteries plus that. The unit can be easily installed on most wood furniture and some drawers or metal cupboards.
The “smart” part of the lock is limited to being able to pair it with an additional RFID tag.
And that’s it really. Rothult has no app or buttons, the only thing it can do is move the locking screw when it detects a compatible RFID tag. But it could be good enough for such an electronic lock, the price of which at the time of writing is 349 kr.
We have chosen not to give this product any grade, as we have nothing to accurately compare it to.
“Rothault may be electronic, but calling it a “smart lock” you should use it.“
benefits
-
Comes with two RFID “keys”
-
Can be paired with a third RFID tag
-
Rechargeable batteries can be used
-
Comes with screws and angle lock
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