Kwikset SmartKey: The Rekey-It-Yourself Deadbolt That Actually Works

SmartKey Security lets you rekey any Kwikset lock in seconds using any KW1 keyway key. The patented BumpGuard side-locking bar technology replaces traditional pin-and-tumbler design to protect against lock bumping. That’s the pitch. After three decades of watching homeowners pay locksmiths for every rekey, this technology delivers genuine value.

SmartKey Technology: More Than Marketing

The 3-step rekey process works exactly as advertised. Insert current key, turn quarter-turn, insert SmartKey tool, remove old key, insert new key, done. No locksmith. No removing the lock. Works with any Kwikset KW1 key — the most common residential keyway in North America.

BumpGuard’s patented side-locking bar technology replaces traditional pin-and-tumbler design, making lock bumping essentially impossible. Stainless steel side-locking bar, racks, and pins provide the strength — not brass like cheaper locks. The mechanism holds up. Customer reviews average 4.3 to 4.4 out of 5 stars, with the rekey feature consistently praised.

For property managers running multiple rentals, SmartKey pays for itself after two tenant changes. For homeowners who’ve lost track of who has keys, it’s peace of mind without the locksmith invoice.

Security Grades: Know What You’re Buying

Model Series	ANSI/BHMA Grade	Application	Security Level
665 Series	Grade 3	Residential	Medium Security
785 Series	Grade 2	Commercial	High Security
994 Series	Grade 2	Commercial	High Security
985 Signature	Grade 2+	Premium Residential	High Security with premium finishes

Grade 3 means residential security — fine for most homes. Grade 2 handles commercial abuse and forced-entry attempts better. The 985 Signature series delivers Grade 2 security with fancier finishes for folks who care about curb appeal.

Double vs Single Cylinder: Safety Matters

The 665 comes in both configurations. Here’s what matters:

Double Cylinder (665): Operated by a key on both the exterior and interior. Ideal for doors with glass panels or windows within 3 feet, preventing an intruder from breaking glass and reaching in to unlock. The downside? Requires a key for exit from the interior — potentially deadly in a fire. Double cylinder locks do not meet ADA requirements and violate most emergency exit codes.

Single Cylinder (660): Uses a thumb turn on the interior. Meets all codes. Unless you’ve got sidelights or door glass within arm’s reach, stick with single cylinder.

Installation: Built for Standard Doors

Fits standard door preparations without modification:

Specification	Measurement
Cross bore	2-1/8 inches
Edge bore	1 inch
Backset	Adjustable to 2-3/8” or 2-3/4”
Door thickness	1-3/8” to 1-3/4” standard (up to 2-1/4” with thick-door pack)
Latch throwbolt	Full 1-inch solid-core

Fully reversible to fit both right-handed and left-handed doors. The adjustable backset means no special ordering for different door configurations. Some specific SKUs lock at 2-3/8” — verify before ordering if you need the longer backset.

Who Should Buy SmartKey

Worth it for anyone who changes locks regularly — landlords, Airbnb operators, property managers. The rekey feature alone saves the first locksmith call. Multi-family housing particularly benefits from the convenience.

Skip SmartKey if you’re installing once and forgetting it. Traditional pin-tumbler locks cost less and work fine when rekeying isn’t needed. The standard pin-and-tumbler 665 exists for those applications.

Montana’s -20°F winters haven’t shown any cold-weather failures in the SmartKey mechanism. The stainless steel components handle temperature swings better than brass pin-tumbler designs that can bind when moisture freezes.

FAQ

Can SmartKey locks be rekeyed to match existing keys? Yes — SmartKey works with any KW1 keyway key. If your existing keys fit the KW1 keyway (most Kwikset keys do), you can rekey the SmartKey lock to match.

What’s included with the 665 SmartKey deadbolt? The kit includes exterior and interior deadbolt assemblies, adjustable latch, 2 keys, strike plate, mounting hardware, SmartKey re-key tool, and installation instructions.

Does SmartKey affect the warranty? Kwikset offers a lifetime mechanical warranty and lifetime finish warranty, valid for the original purchaser while they occupy the home. Rekeying doesn’t void anything.

Are there common problems with SmartKey locks? Customer reviews mention occasional quality control issues like cross-threaded holes or missing bolts, reports of the adjustable latch being difficult to set to 2-3/4 inches, and rare reports of mechanical failure or jamming over time. The 4.3-star average suggests these aren’t widespread.

How secure is SmartKey compared to traditional locks? The BumpGuard side-locking bar design eliminates lock bumping vulnerability that affects pin-tumbler locks. The security grade (3 for residential, 2 for commercial models) matters more than the rekey mechanism for forced-entry resistance.