Products with Kwikset SmartKey feature BumpGuard™ which uses a patented slide-locking bar mechanism inside of the lock to prevent lock bumping and other advanced home break-in techniques.
Bump Proof, Pick Resistant and Re-key Technology
SmartKey Security provides superior protection against break-in techniques because of its patented technology that isn't found in traditional pin-and-tumbler locks.
Can Kwikset locks be picked? Yes. Kwikset locks can be picked as highlighted above. On the other hand, in percentages, Kwikset's Smart Key was picked in less than 2 percent of attempts, while Schlage's Secure Key was picked in over 78 percent of lock-picking attempts.
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.
In order to guarantee a bump and pick proof lock, it must be keyless. There are many options of keyless locks that range from deadbolts to smart locks; however, although they might a perfect solution to bumping they can come with challenges of their own.
When executed correctly, lock bumping is effective in nearly 90 percent of all cylinder-type locks produced today. Perhaps one of the most disconcerting aspects of lock bumping is that it can often go undetected, which means that your home can be broken into without any signs of forced entry.
If you're not sure about your own lock, take a close look at it and see if there's a tiny oval hole next to the keyhole. If so, then it's a SmartKey lock.
Bump keys are specially cut keys that can bypass the security mechanisms built into traditional pin and tumbler locks. Bump keys are also referred to as “999 keys” because all of their ridges are cut to the maximum depth (999) in a key-making machine.
The "bumper" needs to bump the key hard enough to jar the pins, but not so much that the lock or key is damaged. Bumping the key causes the pins to jump slightly. Even this slight amount of motion is enough to allow the bump key to turn the cylinder, unlocking the lock.
The SmartKey deadbolt uses serrated disc tumblers and a unique horizontal slider in place of the classic pin-and-tumbler setup. Without those pins, bumping just won't work. When Kwikset calls the SmartKey deadbolt a bump-proof lock, the company isn't exaggerating.
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.
I was very surprised to see 3 security pins in the Defiant, which is more than the Kwikset. It also performed better than the Kwikset in almost every test. The security pins made it extremely hard for me to pick and even the raking took much longer than I expected.
This is because Schlage and Kwikset locks are not compatible with the same type of key. Their keyways are made differently, therefore you will either want to have all Schlage locks or all Kwikset locks. When you're at home, you don't want to use different keys for each lock you own.
Yes, it is a "unique" key. You don't "cut" a new key, you program the lockset to accept a different key. If you have other "Kwikset" keys laying around, you can use those.
Basically, you cannot re-key the lock from Schlage to Kwikset, but you can change the lock cylinder from Schlage to Kwikset. A locksmith will be able to do it for you. Changing the lock cylinder will still cost less from changing the lock itself.
A bump key can open any lock that it fits into. It's helpful to have in your pocket if you ever lose your keys, because it can open your door lock and your deadbolt, even if they normally require seperate keys.
So what can you do to protect your home against lock bumping? The answer is to get rid of your traditional pin-and-tumbler locks as soon as you can and replace them with bump-proof keyless locks. One of the most effective bump-proof keyless locks on the market is the Lockey M210 keyless deadbolt.
Contrary to popular belief, dimple locks are neither more secure or less secure than other conventional pin tumbler locks. This impression might arise from the fact that dimple keys have dimples cut into the grooves while standard keys do not.
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!
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.
Kwikset locks have roughly 3,000 different possibility's , the chance of someone having the same key in your area is very slim. Regarding the rekey kits, its usually the same thing as the lock, the first couple keys are probably the same as each other. Most locksmiths wouldn't recommend Kwikset smartkey.