Product Review: Kwikset SmartCode Devices

The deadbolt is thrown and retracted via an internal motor. This raised some questions; while we like the potential for one-hand locking and unlocking, what would happen if the deadbolt failed to lock fully into the strike? As sometimes happens, a door may sag, warp, or otherwise cause the deadbolt not to align properly with the strike plate. This can cause difficulty in fully extending the bolt or retracting the bolt without pushing or pulling on the door. Our fear was if one were to push the locking button and walk away, the door may fail to lock without being noticed. We tested this and were pleasantly surprised at our findings. When the bolt was blocked from being fully extended into the locked position, an internal clutch slipped to prevent damage to the locking mechanism and a second attempt was automatically made. When that failed, the motor turned off and the keypad lit up red and a steady tone was emitted, warning the user that the door was not locked.

When we tested the unlocking of a stuck or bound deadbolt, a similar procedure was automatically implemented. However, instead of the keypad lighting a steady red, it lit a steady green and emitted the same warning tone indicating a bolt stuck in the locked position. We didn’t see these warning indicators clearly explained anywhere in the instructions, which we feel would be important to add in the future. We found the keypad very easy to program by following the included instructions. The lock can hold up to 30 user codes and one master code consisting of four to eight digits. The master code does not unlock the lock (unless the same code is programmed as a user code), but is used as an administrator code to add/change/delete user codes. A warning stating if the keypad is programmed with an optional master code, codes could no longer be added or deleted if the code was forgotten.

A set of four DIP switches in the programming area is used to set preferences such as the different status LED indications, beeping or silent push keys, and turning a auto relock feature on to lock the door 30 seconds after an unlock.

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A nice feature is the indicator light on the interior side of the lock. This status LED indicates whether the lock is locked (blinking amber), unlocked (green), has a low battery (red), and/or was not programmed correctly.

Conclusions

Overall, we found these locks to be excellent choices for anyone looking for a keyless locking option for home or office applications. They are easy to install and program, aesthetically pleasing, and solidly built. While the electronic features are great – we all want our locks to be secure without being inconvenient – at the end of the day, it is all about securing an end user’s premises. To that end, we highly recommend these Kwikset products for people with an eye on both security and technology.

Products are tested and reviewed by R. Grossman and Associates Inc., an independent consulting firm specializing in electronic security products and projects. For more information, visit tech-answers.com.