You’ve just unboxed your brand-new smart lock, peeled off the protective film, and marveled at the glossy finish. Then you spot it—nestled between the batteries and the strike plate—a short, shiny “little steel rod.” No mention of it in the quick-start guide. No obvious place to plug it in.
Customers ask us daily: “Do I need this part? Is my lock defective if I don’t use it?” Let’s solve the mystery once and for all.
- What the Rod Actually Is
Industry nickname: “Emergency jump-start pin” or “9 V jump pin.”
Material: Nickel-plated brass or stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
Dimensions: 45–55 mm long, 3 mm diameter, with a rounded tip. - Why It Exists—Battery Failure Scenarios
Smart locks run on AA or lithium batteries. When those batteries die completely, the motor and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi modules stop responding. Without a mechanical key override, you would be locked out. The jump-start pin solves this by giving you a one-time power “boost” from an external 9 V alkaline battery. - How You Use It (Step-by-Step)
- Keep a standard 9 V battery in your car or hallway drawer.
- If the lock won’t wake up, touch the 9 V battery’s two terminals to the metal contact points on the underside of your lock.
- Insert the steel rod into the small hole marked “⚡” or “9 V” next to the contacts. This bridges the circuit and tells the lock, “Accept temporary external power.”
- Enter your PIN or use the app within 10 seconds; the lock will open.
- Once inside, replace the internal batteries immediately.
- Compatibility Check
Not every model needs the rod. Quick rule of thumb:
- Deadbolt with hidden 9 V contact pads → rod included.
- Lever-handle models with front-facing micro-USB port → rod not needed; use a power bank.
Check your manual for the icon shown below.
- Common Misconceptions
“It’s a spare screwdriver.”
No, the rod is not hardened enough for screws and could round off heads.
“It’s an antenna extender.”
The lock’s RF antenna is already optimized inside the chassis; inserting metal can actually reduce range.
“It’s a leftover tool from the factory.”
Every rod is machine-pressed and polished specifically for emergency use. We intentionally pack one per lock. - Storing the Rod
Option A: Attach the included 3 M pad and mount it inside the battery compartment lid—out of sight, always there.
Option B: Place it in the same drawer as your spare 9 V battery so the two are never separated. - Pro Tips from Our Support Team
- Test the jump-start once after installation (with good batteries still inside) so you know the exact contact points.
- If you live in a cold climate, swap batteries every 6 months instead of waiting for the low-battery alarm; lithium AAs last longer than alkaline in sub-zero temps.
- Photograph your door’s handing (left/right) and store it with the 9 V battery—makes troubleshooting faster when you call us.
Bottom Line
That “little steel rod” is your insurance policy against dead batteries and a $150 locksmith visit. Keep it, label it, and forget about it—until the day it saves your afternoon.
