The Haven Mech is one of the strongest door security devices available, and the small company offers personalized customer service. It loses a few points because it can be unlocked only from inside the house, but it’s still a worthy security investment. At a higher price point, you can order the Haven Connect to get smart lock features.
Haven Mech and Haven Connect Smart Lock Review
August 03, 2018
Our rating:
4.5 out of 5.0
4.5
4.0
5.05.0Pros
10 times stronger than a deadbolt- Made in USA
- Easy and permanent to install
- Simple to lock and unlock (but pet- and childproof)
- Includes smart lock capabilities (Haven Connect only)
Cons
Unable to be installed on carpet- Incompatible with doors that swing outward
- Not possible to be unlocked from outside (Haven Mech version)
While recently there have been significant improvements in smart door locks with keypad entry and wireless connection capabilities, little has been done to strengthen the locking mechanism itself. A smart deadbolt can still be broken with three to four kicks, just like a traditional keyed deadbolt, and front door break-ins still account for a large number of home invasions. That’s how the Haven locks are different.
The folks at Haven Lock aim to both physically strengthen your doors against intruders and allow for convenient, smart, keyless entry. The Haven Lock is installed at the base of an inside-swinging door, and when “locked,” a military-grade wedge pops up to prevent the door from opening. While an average deadbolted door requires only three to four kicks to break in, the Haven smart lock withheld 50 full-strength kicks in product testing. It’s 10 times stronger than a regular deadbolt.
Haven Mech is the mechanical version of this lock, and it was released first. Haven recently released the smart lock, Haven Connect, which adds wireless features and remote access to the Haven Mech.
What makes Haven locks different?
Haven Mech certainly isn’t the first internal door security device to hit the market, so how is it different from other similar products, such as bars, swing locks, chains, and other door jammers?
The Haven Mech reinforces the strongest part of the door across 11 inches rather than at a single small point like most similar devices. This wider contact point distributes the pressure evenly across a wider area, making it a lot harder to break the door. Many other door brace devices require some sort of installation process each time you use it. Even if that process is fairly easy, it’s an extra step or two that, frankly, sometimes we’re too lazy to take. The Haven Mech is hands-free and only requires stepping on the device to lock and unlock.
The smart lock version of the product, Haven Connect, allows you to manually unlock and unlock your door, but you can also access it remotely. Through Bluetooth technology, you can lock or unlock your Haven Connect via a mobile app or key fob. You can also control access and view logs from your web portal, and you can integrate with other smart-home technologies.
Where to buy Haven Mech
Currently, Haven Mech is available for purchase on the Haven Lock website. Here’s what comes in the box:
- Haven Mech device
- Installation screws
- Installation template
Where to buy Haven Connect Smart Lock
You can order the Haven Connect on the Haven Lock's website. Haven also makes a few accessories to go along with the Haven Mech:Haven Mech compatibility and installation
Before purchasing, you’ll want to make sure a Haven lock will work on your door. It works only on inward-swinging doors and on hardwood, vinyl, laminate, concrete, or tile. For carpet, you may need to cut out the carpet at the installation point. It also works on double doors—simply place the Haven at the center of the door opening to protect both doors.
The distance between the floor and the bottom of your door should be at least 0.8 inches. If the gap is wider than 1.5 inches, Haven will throw in a free riser to get the device to the optimal height. If the gap is smaller, Haven encourages prospective customers to contact the company for solutions tailored to specific needs.
Installing a Haven Mech lock is fairly straightforward, but Haven provides detailed, step-by-step instructions just in case you need them. All the hardware is included in the box, but you will also need the following tools to complete the process:
- Pencil or marker
- Measuring tape
- Drill
- Phillips head screw bit
- ⅛-inch drill bit
- Phillips head screwdriver
Haven Mech tech specs
- Dimensions: 30 inches wide x 3 inches deep x 0.8 inches tall
- Weight: 4.8 pounds
- Materials: Steel, Delrin, military-grade nylon
- Water-resistant
Upgrade option: Haven Connect Smart Lock
The Haven Connect combines the physical security of Haven Mech with the convenience of a smart-enabled digital system. The mechanical components are the same, but with the addition of the following features:
- Keyless entry via a Bluetooth key fob
- Remote lock/unlock via a mobile app
- Forced entry mobile alerts
- Smart home integration
- Backup batteries
Because the Haven Mech’s greatest downfall is that it can’t be locked or unlocked from outside the house, Haven Connect’s most exciting feature is the keyless entry. You can carry the Bluetooth key fob with you or remotely lock and unlock via the mobile app to let in guests, deliveries, or service professionals.
Haven’s personalized customer service
Haven Lock is still a small startup, and it offers personalized help and customer service such as custom installation recommendations. When we contacted Haven with questions via the online feedback form, we got a friendly, personal email response within an hour. Let’s hope Haven can keep this personal approach as the company grows.
Our recommendation
The Haven Mech is one of the strongest door security products out there. It’s on the expensive side, but it’s worth it for its strength, ease of use, and sleek aesthetic, especially when compared to the bulky inconvenience of competing products.
However, now that the Haven Connect is available, it’s probably worth it to pay more for the smart lock version. All its smart features are neat, but the ability to lock and unlock from outside the house is its greatest improvement from the Haven Mech.
On the other hand, if you just want a simple device to better secure your doors while you’re inside the house, the Haven Mech is a solid investment and a great addition to your overall home security system.
Do you have a Haven Mech or Haven Connect? What do you think of it?
