Weiser Smartlock
Smartkey is a relatively new lock technology and the brand is owned by Weiser and Kwikset. From the standpoint of saving money, the ability to rekey your own lock is certainly appealing to the average consumer.
Rekeying a Smartkey type lock is quite simple. What you need is the tool that came with the lock and a new set of keys to set the lock to. Locate the small rectangular hole to the left of the keyhole. This is the hole that accepts the tool which enables you to rekey.
Rekeying a Smartkey lock is accomplished by inserting the working key into the keyhole and turning the key to the 3 o’clock position (referred to by the manufacturer as the “Learn Position”). Insert the tool into the small rectangular hole to the left of the keyway and push it in until you hear a click and then remove the tool. You should now be able to remove the key from the lock. Pull the key straight out. It is imperative that you take care not to turn the key as you remove it. Insert the new key into the keyhole taking care not to turn it as it is inserted. Once fully inserted, turn the key to the 12 o’clock position. You have just rekeyed this lock by yourself. Simple and convenient? Yes! Reliable? Maybe not!
Smartlock Rekey Tool
Every new technology presents issues and hurdles that the manufacturer needs to overcome. The assembly of these locks includes both lock pin and lock wafer technology. The two work in conjunction with each other to allow the key to operate the lock. This also enables you to rekey the lock yourself.
Smartkey Lock Cylinder
This type of lock is “Bump-Proof” but these locks are not resistant to picking.
A major issue that these locks present is the fact that they eventually rekey themselves, locking the homeowner out. In some instances, as we’ve witnessed, one of the wafers drops out of the lock assembly and stops the key from turning the lock open. In other instances,
the lock somehow mysteriously rekeys itself. The end result is the same in that the homeowner is locked out.
the lock somehow mysteriously rekeys itself. The end result is the same in that the homeowner is locked out.
A Professional Locksmith should have a “Smartkey Reset Tool” which will set the lock back to the factory setting. This will enable you to rekey the lock once it has been reset.
Can you implicitly trust this lock to continue functioning properly for a long time period? The answer is no. Eventually something happens with this type of lock that will lock you out. In our professional opinion, the reliability factor is just not there right now. Perhaps,
if the manufacturer makes some design changes it could become much more reliable in the future.
if the manufacturer makes some design changes it could become much more reliable in the future.
OUR CONSUMER ADVICE: If you need a new lock, we recommend that you purchase a standard pin tumbler type lock and wait for this technology to mature and become more reliable.
Manufacturer Smartkey Product Specifications:
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 Certified High Residential Security
- Fits all standard door preperations
- Adjustable latch fits 2-3/8″ (60 mm) or 2-3/4″ (70 mm) backsets
- Fits 1-3/8″ (35 mm) to 1-3/4″ (44 mm) doors
- LOCK CANNOT BE RE-KEYED WITHOUT YOUR FUNCTIONING KEY
Security Article Written by: John Farquharson – O/O Locksmith Toronto
http://www.locksmithtoronto.com/
416-429-0075 or 905-616-2565
http://www.locksmithtoronto.com/
416-429-0075 or 905-616-2565
This Article is Copyright and may be re-published provided that link and credit remain attached – February 28, 2011 – Locksmith Toronto