International Builders’ Show Product Preview: Kwikset SmartKey

The Kwikset SmartKey is the first door lock you can rekey in seconds without having to replace the lock. That means you can let contractors or painters into you home with the key you gave them, say when you’re at work or our of town on vacation, then cancel that key when the job is done. The SmartKey comes with two keys and a specially shaped “Learn Tool.”

Rekeying a key takes only three steps:
1. Insert a functioning key and turn it clockwise.

2. Insert the Learn Tool into the slot above the key to reset the lock mechanism, then remove the tool and key.

3. Insert the new key and turn it counterclockwise. (See how the SmartKey works.)

Kwikset claims SmartKey locks also prevents lock bumping—a technique where thieves use filed-down keys to jiggle the pins and turn the cylinder—by replacing the usual pin and tumbler design with side-locking bars. Note that we don’t know how SmartKey locks will perform in a kick-in attempt, the most common variety of forced entry

Finishes include antique bronze and rustic pewter, among others. Dead bolts, lever locks, and knob locks cost about $30 and handleset locks about $120. Additional keys for cost about $1.70; rekey sets from KwikSet include six keys for about $10, saving you the hassle of changing locks for security if someone loses or doesn’t return a key. SmartKey locks are sold at home centers and hardware stores nationwide.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential information: Read our expert advice to make your doors secure and these reports on entry doors and door locks.

Comments

[beachdude]

Public service site about lock bumping.

http://lockbumping.org