Bing! Bang! Boom! Be Your Own Locksmith with Kwikset SmartKey Entry Knobs
Written: Jan 07 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: easy to install and requires only seconds to re-key
Cons: Grade 2 security means you'll definitively want an accompanying deadbolt
The Bottom Line: Kwikset's SmartKey system takes the guesswork out of "Who has a key to my house?" And locks are so simple to install and use, anyone can do it!
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| scmrak's Full Review: Kwikset SmartKey Signature Series Doorknob |
It's been said that an average American moves every five years. If so, we're pretty average: this house is our fifth since 1987. The last four times we took the keys from the previous owner and passed them along when we sold the house. Not this time, though - had you seen the previous owner's son-in-law, who was occupying the house when it sold, you'd be nervous too. In other words, I replaced four existing deadbolts and three entry knobs with new locks ASAP.
The big question, of course, was how to get seven new locks keyed the same, so there'd be no fumbling through a Dwayne Snider-like jumble of keys every time we tried to open a door. I could've hired a locksmith to rekey all the locks or paid the local BigBox five bucks apiece; but instead, I bought Kwikset locks and forked over an extra dollar or so per lock to get SmartKey versions.
"SmartKey"? Glad you asked... the SmartKey system lets homeowners rekey locks to any Kwikset key in a matter of seconds. All it takes is the current key, the new key, and a special "learning" tool. Needing the "current key" means that people can't just waltz up to your door and rekey a lock, yet it takes only a few seconds to change any lock to a new key. Want the neighbor kid to feed kitty while you're on vacation? Rekey the back door to a spare key before you leave, then change it back when you return. Want a plumber to have access to the garage while you're at work? Leave a key that will only work one day.
For this project, I installed three new entry locks using Kwikset Signature Series Entry Locks with SmartKey. Kwikset's Signature Series entry locks come in seven different styles, each of which comes in three or more finishes; the system is also available in double- and single-cylinder deadbolts, levers, and handlesets. Selections are available at both BigBox and local hardware stores. Ours are all bright brass finish in the Cameron style, available at Lowe's.
Signature Series knobs, SmartKey or not, are rated ANSI Grade 2 for security - you can install a Grade 1 deadbolt (Kwikset's 980 series) for added security. All SmartKey locks have anti-pick 6-pin cylinders with anti-bumping feature. The interior knob has a turnbutton to lock and unlock the door, while the exterior knob locks and unlocks via a keyway.
Kwikset Signature Series locks have a lifetime warranty against mechanical failure or finish deterioration (only for the original owner, of course).
Installation: Kwikset claims you only need a screwdriver to install a Signature Series entry knob, and they're right. It took less than ten minutes to remove the old knob, pop out the latch, and install the new set. It obviously takes longer (and more tools) to install on a new door (a drilling template is included). The latch adjusts for handles backset either 2-3/8" or 2-3/4", and fits doors from 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thick.
Rekeying: A SmartKey learning tool comes in every package. I kid you not: it takes about fifteen seconds to re-key the lock. The process isn't rocket science, it's not even new math: it's just a three-step cookbook. Bing. Bang. Boom: you're done!
Locksmiths say that you have no idea who has keys to your new house, so invest in new locks now. With Kwikset SmartKey locks you can re-key any or all of your locks to any Kwikset key you have on hand. Heck, I have half a dozen of them around the house, probably to locks I haven't seen in decades. You can change a lock temporarily for MerryMaids; then change it back when the job's done. Think of the possibilities. And while you're at it, think about the sleazebag who has the old key to your house on his keychain....
Recommended:
Yes
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