Kwikset locks without SmartKey?

[Innovate1]

Have Kwikset locks that are about 20 years old and wanting to replace some. Looking for lever type in flat black. Issue is Kwikset has the Smartkey construction (allows them to be rekeyed without taking them apart) on all their locks now and I don't really like the system - I don't have any direct experience with it but have read it is easy to defeat (although the standard locks have limitations too) and lots of little parts to fail. I have the parts to rekey the old locks and it isn't hard. I know at least one companymakes Kwikset knockoffs but the ones I have seen are total junk. I don't really want to change all the hardware on all door to Schlage or some other brand. Any suggestions? Probably need to look up a lock forum but figured it was worth a shot here.

 

[Joe Reed]

I've been using the SmartKey locks for several years now and don't have any issues with them. I just installed them in all the exterior doors on my son's house as well. One of his had an older Kwikset Smartcode lockset that wasn't a SmartKey version. I just swapped the cylinder in it for the one in a new deadbolt....no problem.

Actually, I first rekeyed the old cylinder to match the key used for the other locks. It worked fine at first, but then jammed and wouldn't unlock, so I just changed to the new cylinder.

Two of my three exterior doors have a lot of glass in them, and three of my son's five do as well....so the possibility of someone defeating the locks is not a particular worry for me. Quicker and easier to enter using a hammer. As my Dad always said....locks are to keep honest people out....

 

[nadogail]

Kwikset is a popular low budget line for those of us who want something "Good Enough". They are just that, they do meet the requirement to have a working lock on a door; I use them but I don't expect them to be able to protect the gold reserves at Fort Knox.

 

[Zeke]

If it's the ones I'm seeing that are modern looking Kwikset hasn't had that line out far enough back to get an older style w/o the SmartKey feature. I've installed hundreds of locksets. I don't like using a keyed set only on a lockable door. Always gets a deadbolt. When you install a deadbolt, you don't need a keyed lockset. Use an interior passage set instead. NO key on the lower lock.

 

[Spud McGee]

They dont want you to know this but if you put a dab of JBWeld on the hole, you can convert a smartkey lock to dumbkey.

 

[vwpieces]

A lot of Generics use the KW1 key and can be pinned the same to a key you probably already have to match the rest.
I have 14 lock cylinders in my house and shop that I pinned to use same key. Including garage doors.

 

[Innovate1]

They dont want you to know this but if you put a dab of JBWeld on the hole, you can convert a smartkey lock to dumbkey.

So if you glue the hole used for the smartkey feature then that disables it? Seems like no one would guess that... LOL

 

[Norcal]

Kwikset is a popular low budget line for those of us who want something "Good Enough". They are just that, they do meet the requirement to have a working lock on a door; I use them but I don't expect them to be able to protect the gold reserves at Fort Knox.

I use Kwikset for the exterior doors of my rental, & Schlage commercial Orbit knobs that I got a screaming good deal on on the interior doors, NIB for $5 each, can't even buy cheap Chinese knobs for that.

 

[FredWanaker]

ah the days when there were real locks and locksmiths. We go thru modern lockset in 2 or 3 years, while the old ones are still going strong at 30 years. Chinesium doesn't last.

 

[evildky]

Kwikset still makes the traditional style (non Kwik key)lock cylinders. I buy them all the time. I own and manage rentals so I'm constantly rekeying and mastering locks. I like the traditional style as I can rekey and master them. The issue I have with the kwik key is you can't master them.

As for the kwik key locks being easy to defeat. Every lock is easy to defeat. people just kick the door in. seriously. I've been doing this for about 30 years. people don't cut glass, or pick locks, they just kick in the door. I never lock the deadbolt in a vacant house because if they kick the door in the door will be reusable. If the deadbolt is locked they tend to damage the door beyond reuse. Locks keep honest people honest. if they want in, they are getting in.

 

[Metal-Marc]

Every lock is easy to defeat. people just kick the door in. seriously. I've been doing this for about 30 years.

Ah man, stop it. That's illegal.

 

[The Cobbler]

I actually prefer Schlage locks, and most of my stuff is mastered

 

[PoorUB]

ah the days when there were real locks and locksmiths. We go thru modern lockset in 2 or 3 years, while the old ones are still going strong at 30 years. Chinesium doesn't last.

What are you buying to wear them out that quickly?!

I buy nothing but Schlage and the lock on the door we use all the time is well over 20 years old. The lock set out lasted the door!

I won't buy Quickset! Too cheap!

 

[PoorUB]

Kwikset still makes the traditional style (non Kwik key)lock cylinders. I buy them all the time. I own and manage rentals so I'm constantly rekeying and mastering locks. I like the traditional style as I can rekey and master them. The issue I have with the kwik key is you can't master them.

As for the kwik key locks being easy to defeat. Every lock is easy to defeat. people just kick the door in. seriously. I've been doing this for about 30 years. people don't cut glass, or pick locks, they just kick in the door. I never lock the deadbolt in a vacant house because if they kick the door in the door will be reusable. If the deadbolt is locked they tend to damage the door beyond reuse. Locks keep honest people honest. if they want in, they are getting in.

Very true!
Also, I can get through most residential locksets in 10 seconds with little noise. It just takes a large Chanel Lock pliers. You can figure out the rest.

 

[Norcal]

I actually prefer Schlage locks, and most of my stuff is mastered

Same here, have Schlage commercial levers on some doors and plan a few more but my dog has learned to let himself in, used Kwikset for the entries on the rent house because they are cheap & if they fail who really cares, just pop in another.

 

[BrandonV]

If you are concerned about the quality of the deadbolt I'd get a KIK or mortise KW1 cylinder and a good quality deadbolt that can accept it.

 

[FredWanaker]

What are you buying to wear them out that quickly?!

I buy nothing but Schlage and the lock on the door we use all the time is well over 20 years old. The lock set out lasted the door!

I won't buy Quickset! Too cheap!

big orange and blue stores. The locksmiths in my area have all chosen to leave their professions because it is not profitable any more.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I've got all smart key locks on my properties. Ever since they came out. Tenant goes, ten minutes later all rekeyed. Like said above, locks keep honest people honest. They won't stop a determined thief.

 

[PCustoms]

As for the kwik key locks being easy to defeat. Every lock is easy to defeat. people just kick the door in. seriously. I've been doing this for about 30 years. people don't cut glass, or pick locks, they just kick in the door. I never lock the deadbolt in a vacant house because if they kick the door in the door will be reusable. If the deadbolt is locked they tend to damage the door beyond reuse. Locks keep honest people honest. if they want in, they are getting in.

Around here most houses are not visible from the road and are backed by woods. Plenty of rocks and things to put through a window, and no one would hear/see anything. Half the time I just leave the door open, I figure less damage if someone lets themselves in.

Insurance and cameras are more useful after the fact then an expensive lock on a door that can be broken open.

 

[Innovate1]

I agree with all the comments that locks only keep honest people honest and it's easy to just kick a door in or break a window. Have had my front door kicked in (different house many years ago). More concerned with the lock holding up over time. Might just go for the quick key and replace the cylinder if it gives me trouble.

 

[Pate]

You can use almost any lighter duty commercial lock and convert it over to Kwikset keyway. Most cheap locks use the Schlage SC1 keyway, but Ilco makes the 15395/15995 Ks that will convert most levers and deadbolts to the keyway you need. You will need to avoid the Schlage residential F line though. They use a special cyl.