Smartkey Rekey

[Flaviana Bresee]

Igot a Kwikset deadbolt lock (has key hole on both sides instead of key hole externally with latch internally). This lock uses SmartKey technology so you can rekey the lock to use a new key rather than having to replace the lock itself.

After I installed it, I wanted to rekey the lock to use my hold house key until my roommate got home so I could then give her the new key, after which I would rekey the lock to use the new key. While rekeying with the SmarkKey in the hole, I found that my old house key was too big for the Kwikset lock and would only go in half way, so I pulled it out. I then tried using the key that originally came with the lock and now it doesn't work on the inside where I was attempting the rekey, but it does work on the outside.

In order to rekey these locks, you have to insert a working key, give it a quarter turn so the key is horizontal, insert the SmarkKey, take out the current key, then insert the new key. Since no key will work with the inside lock, I can't get it to turn at all.

I've done it and you don't need the original key or a SmartKey. Disassemble it right down to the core. There will be two slip rings that can be pushed off with a flat blade screwdriver to allow you to get the core apart. Gently slide the outer cylinder off the inner core, remove the little bar in the center of the inner core and then lift off the slider-semi-cylinder that would normally be pushed by the SmartKey, being careful not to drop out any of the little levers (best to have that piece on the bottom at that time so that gravity holds them in). Put in the new key to line up the latches with it, straighten out the levers, put the slider back on and reassemble.

One of the "smart Levers" inside the core kept misaligning rendering my key useless to turn the core. I took everything apart, removed one of the 5 smart levers and it now works fine. Thanks for the encouragement to tackle this. 15 minute fix

I called Kwikset at the number on the directions (800-327-5625), said I purchased it about 1 year ago and that it suddenly stopped working. As I could not turn the key, I could not reset the lock. Without any issue, they said they will immediately send me a new cylinder and keys which I can then reset.

If you reinsert the key that caused the problem, hold it tightly with two fingers while turning the key with your other hand and ever so slowly retract the key, eventually you will find the spot that the key was in. Once this happens, you should be back in the rekey mode. Be very careful that the key that you wish to use is completely inserted and don't pull back on it when turning. I have had this problem a couple of times, and the above method allows me to correct the mistake that I made.

First of all, the instructions for the SmartKey that come with the deadbolt are nothing like this instruction that you mention, "In order to rekey these locks, you have to insert a working key, give it a quarter turn so the key is horizontal, insert the SmartKey, take out the current key, then insert the new key." This instruction worked for me. The ones sujpplied by Kwickset did not. Thanks for the information.

I read the guys answer on how to do and I did it and it did work but it isn't totally how he said and it can be explained better. When you take it apart you don't need to take out the smart key gears. The object is to separate the inner lock core with the lock core shell, turn it clockwise to the spot you would normally put it at to redo your key (3 o'clock) then reassemble with a key in it and turn it back to program it. To do this, separate it then use your smart key tool to press the smart key slider in. This allows you to press down on the smart key bar that sticks out and it can be reinserted at the correct position. After that it will program any key like normal as per the smart key instructions.

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If you want to save $100 or more you should try doing it yourself. Assuming the lock is in good working condition all you need is a smartkey tool or even a sim card tool and a new kwikset (or Baldwin Smartkey) key and you can follow the instructions in the following video:

This precision-made set has everything you need to rekey your Smart key lock in just seconds. Great set for landlords and property managers who are providing better security for themselves and their tenants by rekeying locks on their units.

Since its introduction to the home improvement market in 2007, Kwiksets' Smartkey technology has greatly simplified the door lock rekeying process for builders, homeowners, and property managers around the world. No longer were you required to hire a locksmith or have a specialized set of pins and tools to change keys. All that was needed was the original key, a Smartkey Learn Tool, and the new key you were trying to change to. Its a very effective solution to a common problem and has paid Kwikset massive dividends.

If you have any questions or would like to order from eBuilderDirect.com please do not hesitate to give us a call or email us. Your inquiries will be responded to by a REAL person in our company who will be willing and able to help!

As a locksmith I have used and repaired Kwikset SmartKey locks. Occasionally folks ask me which type of lock I recommend, SmartKey locks or "regular" locks. My honest answer is that it depends. However, before I tout my own personal opinion I believe it is prudent to list several of the PROs and CONs first;

The biggest PRO is that you can literally rekey the lock yourself in less than 30 seconds. Probably 10 seconds to be honest with you. It's that simple. If you have high turnover rates these locks can save you tremendous amounts of time and money. They are also simple to use and easily install like regular house locks.

The biggest CONs are their durability and dependability. Kwikset's states on their website that they are drill resistant and pick resistant, but I've drilled them and I've picked them. You will need to purchase their ANSI grade 1 version (not sold in stores) if you want these added protections. But be advised, commercial locks almost triple in price compared to residential locks. Also, you cannot add a master key to this system. You will need to buy the more expensive key control version if you want this option. Lastly, I must add that in order to replace a lost key you will need to purchase a "cradle" that is sold separately.

My own personal preference is that I do not recommend these locks for large complexes with multiple units. Inevitably it is cheaper in the long run to invest in a more universal and guaranteed lock design. Case in point...Schlage, another leading lock brand, used to boast a similar rekey system several years ago called SecureKey. It has since been discontinued and is impossible to find parts for. You probably haven't heard of it because it was a momentous flop. But if you have one of their locks good luck.

In closing I will add that if you manage only one home, or a few units, this lock may be the perfect solution for you. They do provide routine and ample protection, and they do meet or exceed ANSI grade 3 standards for residential use.

The pick resistant nature of these locks poses a problem when the owners have either locked themselves out or lost the keys. The system is designed to be quickly rekeyed, by the user if necessary, BUT rekeying the lock requires a working key. If there is no working key available and no other point of entry, most locksmiths are forced to destroy the lock. Lockmasters, Inc. has recently introduced a precision tool (Lockmasters P/N LKMKSD) designed to solve this problem by allowing the locksmith to decode the lock and make a new key without removing the lock from the door or having to pick the lock.

In order to understand how the decoding tool works, you must first understand how the Kwikset / Weiser SmartKey system works. The SmartKey system was designed so that a user could quickly and easy rekey the lock without hiring a professional locksmith. I suspect that this feature was designed more to allow the homeowner, or a hardware store, to key a new lock to an existing key than for the homeowner to change his own locks in the event of a lost or stolen key. The system was designed around the existing Kwikset depth and space system.

In order to be compatible with the existing systems, each of the five tumblers inside the lock had to be able to accept any of the depths in the system. To satisfy that requirement, Kwikset came up with a sidebar lock system that uses five pin-tumblers that are connected to five individual sliders that interact with a sidebar. During the rekeying procedure, the sliders can be disconnected from the pin-tumblers so that the old key can be removed and a new key inserted. Once the sliders are re-connected to the pin-tumblers, the new key cuts will be the only ones that will operate the lock.

Photo 4 shows an extreme close-up view of an individual pin-tumbler. Notice that the pin itself is hollow to accept the spring and keep it captive during the rekeying procedure. Also notice the chisel-pointed projection from the side of the pin-tumbler. This projection rides up and down in the slot in the plug and is the connecting point between the tumbler and the slider. When the lock is rekeyed, this projection is disengaged from the slider, which allows the pin to move freely as the old key is removed and the new key inserted.

Photo 5 shows a single slider removed from the lock. This tiny part is the heart of the system and like the pin-tumblers, there are four more of these in the lock and they are all identical. As shown, there are six notches that the projection on the matching pin-tumbler can lock into ,depending on the depth of the key cut. On the opposite side of the slider, there is a sidebar notch that engages the sidebar. When all of the sliders are lined up properly by the key, the sidebar drops into this notch. If the sliders are not properly aligned, the sidebar cannot drop in, and the lock cannot turn. The false notches help to prevent picking, and the rekeying notch engages the Rekeying lugs in the lock plug to hold the sliders in position during the rekeying procedure.

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