A revolutionary tubular lockset named Kwikset was invented 70 years ago. A majority of locks then in existence required lengthy procedures to mortise a large square cutout into the edge of the door. Kwikset locks received their name because installation was much faster since only a few cylindrical holes were required to be drilled into the door.
During most of the 20th century Kwikset concentrated on improvements to their standard product line of key-in-knob and deadbolt products. Kwikset entered the 21st century with a burst of new security products. In 1998 Kwikset introduced a remote keyless entry deadbolt and entry handleset. In 2004 Kwikset introduced their Powerbolt Touchpad keyless entry electronic deadbolt and in 2007 a SmartScan biometric-based security technology was introduced.
For 150 years most pin tumbler locks have used a series of spring-loaded bottom pins and top pins to secure the cylinder plug in a locked position. A correctly cut operating key can align the split between the top and bottom pins at the shearline and the plug can be turned. Security can often be breached when lock picks or bump keys are used to align tumblers at the shearline instead of using the proper key.
Another new Kwikset lock system called SmartKey was introduced by Kwikset in 2007 which solved security drawbacks inherent in the century-old bottom pin/top pin design. A sidebar locking system is used. Top pins and the top pin chamber are no longer required and have been eliminated.
Sidebar locking construction accomplished two purposes. First, the Kwikset SmartKey lock protects against lock picking. Second, the SmartKey system also protects against the possibility using key bumping.
A third feature of Kwikset SmartKey locks is the rekey feature which allows the key combination to be changed without cylinder disassembly. An owner’s operating key and a replacement Kwikset key must be present. The operating key is inserted and turned 90 degrees clockwise. A special tool is used to release the tumblers to a neutral position. The operating key is removed and the replacement Kwikset key is inserted. The replacement key is then turned 90 degrees counterclockwise to the vertical position. The replacement key will now operate the lock and the former operating key will no longer function.
Locksmith Ledger was recently invited to Kwikset headquarters in California and received a firsthand introduction to improvements in the SmartKey design. Tumblers in the SmartKey lock interact with parts called racks. When an operating key is inserted into the lock, notches in the racks are aligned in a row, forming an opening for the sidebar.
The original 2007 SmartKey design used a 'V' shaped sidebar which fit into a corresponding 'V' shaped cutout in the housing. As the Kwikset key is turned, the 'V' shaped sidebar is moved inward into the rack opening and the plug can be turned.
Inventors in the locksmith community found that the 'V' shaped sidebar was sometimes vulnerable to uncommon forced entry methods. A special hardened steel tool could possibly be used to force the "V" shaped sidebar inward enough to turn the cylinder plug.
Kwikset has now completely redesigned SmartKey sidebar construction. Changes include reshaping both the locking cutout in the housing and the sidebar itself. The former 'V' shaped surfaces have been replaced by rectangular-shaped surfaces. With this new design, excessive turning force exerted on a SmartKey plug no longer causes the locked sidebar to move inward and the sidebar will remain firmly locked in position. Deadbolt locks presently being shipped from the factory now contain this new sidebar locking system.
Cylindrical Remake
Cylindrical deadbolts have one thing in common. There is always a cylinder housing mounted on the face of the door, which may often be the size of a coffee cup. This is both an eyesore and invites a greater possibility for forced entry. Until now this projection of cylindrical hardware on residential doors has been accepted as a necessity dictated by the size and shape of standard lock cylinders.
New Kwikset Signature Series deadbolts have antiquated every existing coffee cup projection deadbolt. Signature Series deadbolts are based on SmartKey technology. Since SmartKey cylinders do not require a top pin chamber, Kwikset cylinders can fit into a smaller space. In addition, SmartKey cylinders are mounted off center on the outer escutcheon plate. The cylinder and tailpiece extend under the deadbolt latch unit. Gears located on the inner thumb turn escutcheon transfer rotating action back to a centralized shaft which operates the deadbolt unit. The result is a deadbolt which has modern styling, exceptional security, SmartKey technology and which fits into the same door cutout dimensions as existing old fashioned deadbolt counterparts. Home owners can now have contemporary style, innovative design and Grade 1 security all in one package.
Signature series deadbolts are available in an Uptown design 258RDT (round faceplate) and a Downtown design 258SQT (square faceplate). A standard door prep crossbore of 2 1/8" and edge bore of 1" is required. Backset is adjustable for 2 3/8" or 2 3/4" . Deadbolts are available as drive-in or specify faceplates with round or square corners. Strike plates are also available with either round or square corners. Deadbolts have tapered bolts for easier locking engagement with strikeplates.
Coordinating Kwikset lever passage sets with matching round or square escutcheons provide the final touch of class to any entrance door. Levers are available in Halifax, Milan, Lisbon, Montreal and Sydney designs. Finishes include Venetian Bronze (11P), Satin Nickel(15), Polished Chrome(26), Brushed Chrome(26D) and Iron Black(514).
For more information contact your local locksmith distributor or: www.kwikset.com
