Why do some people recommend the Kwikset Smartkey?

[lockaholic]

I was just wondering why some people recommend the Kwikset Smartkey over standard Schlage and other locks when does not want to spend a lot on a high-security lock? I don't know if it can be discussed here, but there is a well known and extremely simple way to break them and open the lock. I would think that other locks may be bumped or picked but at least that requires some level of expertise. Bypassing a Smartkey and still having the lock operate normally afterwords can be done by a drunk crack-head.

[TTXIII]

I was just wondering why some people recommend the Kwikset Smartkey over standard Schlage and other locks when does not want to spend a lot on a high-security lock? I don't know if it can be discussed here, but there is a well known and extremely simple way to break them and open the lock. I would think that other locks may be bumped or picked but at least that requires some level of expertise. Bypassing a Smartkey and still having the lock operate normally afterwords can be done by a drunk crack-head.

Well to be honest I don't know. But if I had to guess I would say that the wafers with the sidebar would be considered 'high-security' It also comes with an ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt and while that is the only grade 1 part of the lock it does appear from the package that the lock is entirely grade 1. So ignoring the DE/bypass methods for kwikset, the overall smart key mechanism has components that are seen in other high security locks and it appears to have a grade 1 rating those features are probably why it is being recommended. As an added plus it is easily re-keyable (and has BEAUTIFUL engineering ). Hoped that helped.

Cheers,
-XIII

[Squelchtone]

We recommend it because although it is not made of really tough materials when it comes to things like drilling, it is harder to pick than a Schlage and much harder if not impossible to bump.

If the Kwikset Smartkey cylinder was made out of stainless steel, had a solid collar, and had some hardened steel anti-drill inserts in the face of the lock, It would be right up there with Medeco and Mul-t-Lock.

Squelchtone

[mitch.capper]

I agree with Squelch, I am not quite sure if I would classify it was a high security lock, but it is definately the next best thing. High Security stuff generally is priced in the $100-200 range, vs the smartkey which can be had for $20-30 so when on a budget is a great option.

[lockaholic]

My problem is that the semi-destructive bypass is so ridiculously easy. Can i talk directly about it here? It has nothing to do with drilling or wrenching or tailpiece manipulation. The worst part is the lock seems to operate normally afterwords and whoever did it can return and open the lock in 2 seconds as they please. Someone could literally go house to house looking for smartkey locks and enter all of them in under 5 seconds with no immediately obvious evidence. I'd rather have a commercial grade schlage or arrow that at least requires some skill to open. Bumping and picking do require some level of skill.

[Legion303]

My problem is that the semi-destructive bypass is so ridiculously easy. Can i talk directly about it here?

Nope. Even dead-simple bypasses are restricted to Advanced. Think about this: even some simple bypasses (like the Medeco Biaxial one discovered by Marc Tobias and Toby Blumenthal) can be overlooked for years because they're only obvious in hindsight, after someone takes the time to work with the lock.

-steve

[Eyes_Only]

I think some locksmiths recommend the Smart Key just cos they can't pick it so it'll seem very secure in front of the customer. The smiths that are a little bit smarter will recommend it also because it is so darn easy to bypass and makes for easy money on lockouts.

Funny thing is these are the kind of "security professionals" that actively speak out against and publicly chastise sites like these.