Matching Lock finishes - Medeco to Kwikset

[gasongasoff]

I hope this is the right forum, but I was considering replacing my Kwikset deadbolts with Medeco's...but the problem is matching the finish with the rest of the door hardware (i.e. the knob). Does anyone have any experience with how well the Antique Brass and Satin Nickel Medeco finishes match up to the Kwikset finishes?

Alternatively, I could just swap out the Kwikset cylinders with a Medeco retrofit, but then I'd still be stuck with the Kwikset bolt.

The door jambs and strike plates are going to be reinforced, regardless.

Thanks to anyone who can help answer this question for me.

[Eyes_Only]

You could always upgrade to something like a Baldwin or Emtek hardware, and just use a Medeco cylinder.

[gasongasoff]

You could always upgrade to something like a Baldwin or Emtek hardware, and just use a Medeco cylinder.

True. Tha'll cost even more though. I really just want a Medeco deadbolt, but I don't want it to look funny because the finish is slightly off. Can anyone help answer my question?

[keysman]

If you have a "gold" kwikset the color is called US3 or 605 depending on who is doing the naming.
Just order the Medeco Deadbolt in US3 or 605.
The colors between manufactures are almost identical.
In this case, because you have an “ odd finish” bring one of the pieces with you to the dealer to see how it matches up.

[cledry]

They aren't going to match. I don't think Medeco makes a retrofit for a Kwikset. Even if a finish matched fairly closely when installed they may weather totally differently and not match in a year or two.

[gasongasoff]

If you have a "gold" kwikset the color is called US3 or 605 depending on who is doing the naming.
Just order the Medeco Deadbolt in US3 or 605.
The colors between manufactures are almost identical.
In this case, because you have an “ odd finish” bring one of the pieces with you to the dealer to see how it matches up.

There are two Kwikset finishes I'm trying to match:
Antique Brass to Antique Brass
Medeco Satin Nickel to Kwikset Brushed Nickel

Do you think these would be pretty close? If they're close enough, then I would install an entire Medeco deadbolt assembly. If they're a little off, I think I could get away with using the existing Kwikset deadbolt (which will match the other hardware) and just sneak in a Medeco cylinder.

[gasongasoff]

They aren't going to match. I don't think Medeco makes a retrofit for a Kwikset. Even if a finish matched fairly closely when installed they may weather totally differently and not match in a year or two.

I was able to find a Kwikset cylinder retrofit from Medeco in their catalog and for sale online. You do have a good point about them weathering differently. Problem is, I'm trying to order online, so I won't be able to see them in person to compare.

[sandplum]

At some point, you have to decide if you are buying security or jewelry. Most people do not look closely enough at door hardware to notice the difference between the colors of kwikset and medeco. And those who do will also notice that the hinges don't match, or the strike plate, or threshold plate, or the mailbox, or whatever.

If you want jewelry, you will need to get your wallet out and replace everything. If you want improved security, put a Medeco deadbolt on the door and don't worry about it.

For reasons I won't go into here, putting a Medeco cylinder into a Kwikset housing is a complete waste of money.

Just my opinion

[cledry]

If you have a "gold" kwikset the color is called US3 or 605 depending on who is doing the naming.
Just order the Medeco Deadbolt in US3 or 605.
The colors between manufactures are almost identical.
In this case, because you have an “ odd finish” bring one of the pieces with you to the dealer to see how it matches up.

There are two Kwikset finishes I'm trying to match:
Antique Brass to Antique Brass
Medeco Satin Nickel to Kwikset Brushed Nickel

Do you think these would be pretty close? If they're close enough, then I would install an entire Medeco deadbolt assembly. If they're a little off, I think I could get away with using the existing Kwikset deadbolt (which will match the other hardware) and just sneak in a Medeco cylinder.

OK, I saw the Medeco retrofit cylinder. Frankly I am surprised they bothered to make one. With this retrofit you are replacing the entire face of the lock, so you have the same issues of matching finishes, and the same weathering issues. I would just go to a supplier and compare the two, or ask Medeco for a sample scalp of each finish. I have a ring with all of their finishes on deadbolt scalps. I however do not stock Kwikset.