We are putting a new back door on and would like to change the deadbolt, which matches the one on the front door, since they are old and quite unsightly, but we'd like to have just one key for both front and back doors. Seem like it is the right moment to change the doorknob as well (it sometimes falls off into your hand despite being repaired multiple times), which can just be a latchset since we just use the deadbolt (two keys, since the doors have glass in them.) Is that the right thing to do, or should we get a lock with a a key that works for the deadbolt? Is that even possible?
If we use a lever instead of a knob, do we need an escutcheon or rose?
Will I have to get a locksmith to key the new locks the same? Or, has anyone tried the Kwickset Smart Key system?
We have the smart key thingee - I really like it. If you have a contractor coming over you can make a key just for the day, then change it back when you get home. I also love having one key for every lock.
Also, it can't be "bumped" though apparently you can buy a ring of 250 keys off ebay that will defeat the lock. On the other hand, if someone really wants to get in your house, they'll probably just throw a brick through the window instead of ordering keys off ebay...
We got a front door (to use as a back door for our porch addition) at a yard sale, sans key, and had Ron Harder of Harder Locksmith come over to re-key it to match our front door. Voila! Took him less than 1/2 hour, if I remember right.
How are the smart key locks holding up? It seems like every 6 months or so they stop working. Even with the original key. Wondering if it is the lock or my installation?
We're planning on replacing our knobs and deadbolts, front and back, and switching over to levers. I was all set to use either Schlage's SecureKey or Kwikset's SmartKey, but both have significant and unpredictable failure rates. If you search on-line, you'll find lots of problems cited. In particular, many property managers who hoped to cut down on their locksmithing costs when tenants change, have found them to be unreliable. Apparently, the mechanism that allows the homeowner to do the rekeying really sucks. This links to a forum with lot of responses from unhappy purchasers, and there are plenty of others. Look at comments on Amazon.
To me, the bottom line is reliability. I can't deal with a lock that may be fine for a month or a year, then just crap out on me. I've got a car for that!
