SmartKey locks are designed with a keyhole, meaning they work using a physical key for locking and unlocking. However, the SmartKey Technology makes them unique as they can be easily rekeyed, resist lock bumping, picking, and drilling.
A special tool known as the "SmartKey tool" is used on the small hole to the left of the keyway. This physically disengages the sidebar and wafers from the guide pins and allows the working key to be removed. A new key can be inserted and the plug rotated back to the default position.
According to many who have successfully bumped open a SmartKey lock , the level of security that the lock brand claims does not seem to be the reality. The lock has a major security flaw . It can be opened quickly and easily in just a matter of seconds and with no special training needed.
Yes. The current version of SmartKey available in the market today is very secure. All SmartKey products, since its introduction in 2008, include patented technology not found in other pin and tumbler locks that help protect against two of the more common and undetectable attack methods, lock picking and lock bumping.
Even one of Kwikset's most vocal critics, Marc Weber Tobias (more on him in just a bit), told us that the SmartKey lock is virtually impossible to pick. Other videos criticizing Kwikset point out that the lock can be easily compromised using a specialized bypass tool used by locksmiths.
Also in the non-forced entry category, there is no doubt Schlage is better. With a better, more precise manufacturing process and 2 additional security pins than the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage locks are significantly harder to pick, bump or compromise in non-destructive ways.
How many times can I re-key my lock? Unlimited amount of times. All you need is the Smarkey Security tool.
One common question is, are smart locks worth the investment? Overall, yes, smart locks have multiple advantages that are worth your investment. Despite having a relatively higher price than traditional deadbolts, smart locks are more convenient and they provide advanced security features that can keep your home safe.
SmartKey is an advanced security breakthrough which allows you to rekey the lock in seconds. To rekey your lock with an entirely new key, simply insert the functioning key, turn a quarter turn clockwise, insert the learning tool, remove the existing key, and insert a new key. That's it!
Like most smart devices, people often forget that a smart lock is actually a small computer, and it can be hacked. It's possible for hackers to access your phone's data and break in, or they can access the lock itself if it's Bluetooth-enabled.
It protects against common break-in methods
Kwikset's SmartKey Security™ is designed to protect against these type of break-ins and keep your family safe. SmartKey Security™ also allows you to re-key the lock yourself in seconds, leaving lost or unreturned keys obsolete. Pick Resistant. Bump Proof. Re-Key Technology.
Bump-proof locks are just more resistant to picking and bumping. Their resistance comes from an extra set of tumblers, which gives the key two jobs to do. It creates a more complicated locking mechanism, making the lock more resistant to these attacks.
Thanks to the two-cylinder Key Control Deadbolt with SmartKey Security, you can have one master key for all your units and unique keys for all of your tenants.
A Kwikset SmartKey tool (One should've came with your lock, but if not, you can buy one on Amazon). The new (or rather, old) key that you want to use instead. This must be a Kwikset key, as Kwikset and Schlage keys are totally different from one another (and won't work in each other's locks).
Kwikset smartkey locks are certified Grade 1 security for residential use by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association and are advertised by Kwikset as being invulnerable to being hacked with wires, screwdrivers, or anything else inserted in the keyway.
All packages with the same key number use the same key.
So if you have 3 knobs and 2 deadbolts you all want keyed alike, buy 3 knob+deadbolt sets of the same number. Generally there are 3-8 lock packages in a carton (all with the same style/color/SKU).
Your Smart Lock will give you low-battery warnings for multiple weeks before it loses power. However, if your Smart Lock dies entirely before you can replace your batteries, your key will still work. This is the same deadbolt key that you've always used - the Smart Lock doesn't change the key needed.
While smart locks offer ease of access and they can be locked from anywhere, if you forget to lock up, they are very similar to traditional locks when it comes to security. Since most smart locks work with a traditional deadbolt, they are just as secure as traditional locks.
Answer: Each SmartKey lock can be re-keyed to any SmartKey key - if you buy two re-keying sets, you can key all of your locks to one set; if you go out of town, you can just re-key one lock in your house to a different set, then give one of those keys to your neighbor/house-sitter.
Keep your door open, and press and hold the Program button until the keypad on your lock is flashing green. Press the lock button and enter a new master code. Press the lock button again, and re-enter the master code. Press the lock button one final time, and you have a new master code for your Kwikset lock.