Why Digital Lock Installation Should Be Left to the Pros

We were recently called out to check a Yale YDM 7220 that had been installed by someone else, but it wasn’t working properly.

After attending the site, we removed the lock assemblies from the door then found the main issue — the mortice cable had been pinched and damaged.

From what we could see, the mortice pocket had not been cut deep enough to leave proper space for the cable. Once the screws were tightened, the cable was squeezed between the mortice lock body and the timber door. Over time, or sometimes straight away, this can cause the lock to stop working properly.

This is a common mistake we see with inexperienced installers. In this case, the lock had been installed by a builder who doesn’t normally install digital locks. While builders are great at what they do, digital locks are a different type of hardware and need to be fitted carefully.

We also found a few other issues during the inspection. The front spindle was installed the wrong way around, the set screws had been overtightened and had slightly bent the backplate, and the tailpiece had been cut too short.

Unfortunately, the client ended up replacing the lock with a brand new one. It was an expensive mistake that could have been avoided with proper installation from the start.

At The Keyless Store, we see this quite often. Over 80% of digital lock issues are caused by improper installation rather than a faulty lock. Some problems show up immediately, while others may only appear months or even years later. Common examples include pinched cables, poor alignment, overtightened screws, or the lock body not sitting properly inside the door.

This type of digital door lock is not designed for DIY installation. The instructions may cover the basic steps, but they do not always cover every small detail or every situation you may come across on site. Experience is essential, especially when working with different door types, door thicknesses, timber, aluminium, existing cut-outs, and frame conditions.

A digital lock is not just a normal door handle. It has cables, sensors, motors, spindles, tailpieces and electronic parts that all need to work together. If one small part is fitted incorrectly, the whole lock can become unreliable.

That’s why professional installation really matters. A properly installed digital lock is safer, smoother, and much more reliable. It helps protect your warranty and avoids unnecessary damage to your new lock or door.

If you are investing in a quality smart lock like the Yale YDM 7220, it’s worth getting it installed by someone who understands digital locks properly. It may cost a little more upfront, but it can save you a lot more in the long run.