The guide provides a detailed guide on how to pick a Kwikset lock, which is a popular brand among lockpickers due to its simplicity and ease of use. The process involves determining the type of lock, determining the position of the lock’s cam, using a tension wrench and pick to push up pins, using a flat head screwdriver to push up spacer tubes, and using a hammer to tap out the plug.
Kwikset locks are cylinder-based, meaning they can be opened by twisting a pin. To install a Kwikset doorknob, choose an object that fits into the hole and is sturdy enough to put pressure on the locking. The lock-picking process requires a few simple tools and little practice.
The central core or “plug” needs to rotate to open the lock, which is prevented from turning by a series of pins. The top pin is used for a Kwikset Smartkey, which can be tensioned, found a binder, released tension, or counter-rotated until the pin is lifted. A bump device or lock pick, similar to a toothbrush-like lock pick, can also be used to jiggle the tumblers until it hits the right positioning.
A narrow flat bladed screwdriver can also be used to turn the mechanism inside the lock. Stick a paper clip wire into the doorknob hole and push it, then line up the straightened wire with the hole.
📹 Lock Picking: Kwikset K1 Interior Doorknob
Here’s a quick demo on picking an interior Kwikset (K1) doorknob. Kwikset has a reputation amongst lockpickers of being a good …
📹 How to Open a Kwikset Smart Key Lock in 10 seconds | Mr. Locksmith™
How to Open a Kwikset Smart Key Lock in 10 seconds | Mr. Locksmith™ FOR LOCKSMITH TRAINING go to: …
I strongly believe Professional locksmiths have a duty to warn their customers and the public that Weiser or Kwikset Smart Keys locks are extremely vulnerable to very simple bypass method(s) to open the lock. If you fail to do so, you may be held liable if they (your customers) suffer a loss based upon the bypass of these locks. Terry Whin-Yates (1-604-773-5625)
After spending $1750 to put the most secure locks on all exterior doors, I learned that 75% of break-ins in my area are accomplished using a rock or other object laying around the yard to break a window and come on in. From there, they simply open the door and leave with the goods. Do you have any tips that make my locksmith investment as smart as a SmartKey?
Hi, I just picked up a new Kwikset Smart Key deadbolt and the lock can still be defeated in seconds. No major redesign in my sample Smart Key lock. If Kwikset can send me a new version or tell me where I can buy I will re-evaluate it. Note: Kwikset reps have stated to me “no problem with smart key lock.” So why the rumour of a redesign?
To stay one step ahead of the burglars you have to upgrade your security. Thirty-five years ago you left your doors unlocked, years later you locked your door locks which had a key in the handle, then had to install 1/2 deadbolts, better doors, 1″ deadbolts, door reinforcers, alarm systems, High Security Pick resistant locks, the list goes on.
Lots of TROLLS crapping all over a guy trying to Educate the Public. I am shopping for a new front door latch set, and saw the “Smart Key” feature advertised. I wanted to know what it was. NOW I KNOW, NOT to buy one of these types of locks. So THANK YOU Mr. Locksmith for the Information. By the way, I know Firefighters who are trained to Pick Locks so they don’t have to Break Down Doors. LOTS of Professions need to know this technique in their line of work. It’s not like this information is NEW, or hard to get. Mr. Locksmith isn’t exactly giving away State Secrets. AND…No one who is a already a Criminal is going to learn anything NEW from this article. What do You think, some Law Abiding Citizen suddenly decides to become a Burglar because He saw some article telling him how? Jesus! Get a Grip! Again, Thanks!
This article is from NINE YEARS AGO. Kwikset has “beefed up” their Smart Key locks (several redesigns) since this article was first posted. I think Major Locksmith Supply had a T-handle force tool for this lock some years back, but had discontinued it, as it could no longer force these locks open… Certainly a flathead screwdriver/baby sledgehammer/vice grips will work on this lock—even now—but you can simply drill thru the face of the lock on both sides (in line with where the retention screws are), to pop it out…and not risk door damage (as you possibly would with the screwdriver/hammer/vice grips method)…
Great article that is telling the truth and showing the weakness of these particular locks, but any lock can be opened without a key by someone. Then there is the fact that most criminals are going to bust the glass out and reach in or kick the door open, so how does the lock being bypassed really matter? The truth is locks are for honest people and criminals are going to be criminals and find a way to break in. I guess to be honest if a locksmith was any good he would actually build a lock that couldn’t be picked or bypassed in some way, right? You can put 20 locks on your door that even Superman couldn’t pick or bypass, but you can’t stop a guy from breaking the glass on the door or going to a window and getting in. The real solution isn’t a better door lock it is a combination of things such as security alarms, good solid door frames, good locks, article security, try to live in a good neighborhood, and don’t just leave your real valuables laying around even in your house. Have a blessed day.
I have informed every homeowner for whom I have done home lockout services, who has one of these locks, that it is indeed prone to be easily defeated. Kwikset should be ashamed of putting out such a piece of crap on the market. You deserve no criticism for bringing this feature to light. Let all the public know what they are dealing with and avoid that lock. Hiding this weakness is a disservice.
I love the haters. Their “ignorance is bliss” attitude is so hilarious. “Security” is a constant battle to stay ahead of the criminals, whether it relates to the internet or a lock on your door. Knowledge is power. When you purchase a new product to replace an older one, you expect the new product to be better than the old one. Back in the day, I’m sure opening a lock by brute force was easier than it is today. The manufacturers have spent a lot of time designing features to prevent brute force attacks, things even a mischievous teenager is capable of doing. Once manufacturers felt like they had achieved a level of brute force prevention, they started focusing on anti-picking features that only a professional criminal or a locksmith would be capable of doing, thus increasing the level of expertise that is required to defeat the security. So if a manufacturer takes 2 steps backward, and you are paying more but getting less, wouldn’t you want to know about it? If you want to be truly secure, you have to educate yourself to at least “know that criminals know how to do something”, even if you don’t know how to actually do it yourself. But when you see how easy it is, warning alarms should be going off in your head because you were not aware of how vulnerable you actually are and have been. And regarding the selling of a rudimentary tool to prove the concept, your professional criminal can fashion a device like this in no time at all, anonymously. Nonetheless, it’s still a bad idea to actually sell such a device without validating credentials, though it’s probably already available on eBay from dozens of sellers.
Holy cow. Someone gained entry fast! And from the looks and functionality of their ‘Smart’ lock, the homeowner would be “None the WISER’ their ‘Weiser lock had easily been ‘lobotomized’ in less than a minute…THAT IS until they go in and find all their valuables have taken a permanent vacation. Makes for a vivid example to the meaning of ‘false security’.
Lots of very good locks but usually only from locksmiths or contract supply. Get real world pick resistant locks with no simple defeats, Abloy, Primus, Mutilock, Medeco. Less money is a Schlage B660 deadbolt with the C123 or C129 keyway (harder to pick). The Abloy deadbolt lock has no known easy defeats except drilling. Primus and Medeco have very specialized defeats that require alot of training and still not 100 percent without signs of entry. Bottom Line: I will make some articles.
Nothing wrong with a smartkey lock. Its vulnerable, just like regular locks. The trick isn’t to thwart criminals, it’s to deter them. Lights on over your front entryways. Motion detector lights over the back ones. A decent home alarm system. And, my personal favourite; Rottweilers. Pretty hard to pick a lock with those two barking their damn heads off. And kick the door in? Yeah. Try it.
safepethaven: “What are we supposed to do instead if the “smart locks” are easily pickable with a tool that can be had for the price online” Lots of very good locks but usually only from locksmiths or contract supply. Get real world pick resistant locks, Abloy, Primus, Mutilock, Medeco. Less money is a Schlage B660 deadbolt with the C123 or C129 keyway (harder to pick)
An amateur can open the Smart Key lock in seconds and Jspahr187 you say you are a licensed professional locksmith from Oklahoma and how long does it take you to open a Smart Key lock? (not drilling). If you have a customer with a Smart Key Lock on the front door of their house do you tell them the lock has flaws and recommend an upgrade or do you think “ignorance is bliss?”
Don’t waste your time trying to force one. Kwikset Smartkey has 5 generations of locks that have improved so this cannot be done anymore. I use to use this tool as a locksmith on these locks. it worked a number of times until I ran into one in 2014 that broke the tool. I bought another thinking my old one just wore out, but the tool snapped the first time. I noticed some threads on locksmith forums about other locksmith complaining. The lock suppliers stopped stocking them due to too many returns. So don’t worry about the lock being compromised anymore, (unless you get an earlier generation one). What you should know is these locks are garbage. They fail. Not a matter of if but when. The lock will work fine but when you rekey it a “pin”, but more like a “wafer” gets hung up preventing a key from turning, making the lock garbage.
I heard the same so I picked up a new Smart Key lock from the local Hardware store and defeated the lock with the “force tool” Note: no external signs of entry and the key still worked, however, the Smart Key function to rekey the lock was broken. Also, I a new 20 Floor apartment building has Smart Key deadbolts and I have used the “force tool” to open 3 condos where the customer had lost the keys. I will update if and when I find any changes.
On the CNet website: can-you-really-crack-the-kwikset-kevo/: “the weaknesses of the SmartKey deadbolt are well known throughout his trade (locksmiths), new Kevo (Smart Key deadbolt) installed in our test door, … Chris forced the deadbolt open in about 30 seconds, and did it without causing any visible damage to the front of the lock.”
This is an old article. Kwikset replied to my query about it as follows: “All cylinders have ‘by-pass’ techniques (i.e. lock picking, lock bumping, drilling, etc.) – SmartKey is the most secure residential product on the market. The ‘force’ tool is only sold to licensed locksmiths and is manufactured with high strength heat treated tool grade steel; not typical materials that can be produced at home and even with this material the tool is prone to breaking during use. Kwikset has made improvements to components within the cylinder making it more resistant to this type of attack. We believe that the lock on the article had previously been compromised in some way. Our lengthy testing and experience with trying this tool on our SmartKey locks does not yield the same ease of opening as the article would have you believe. We do not believe it is a proper representation of our products.”
I locked myself outside my apartment once and had a locksmith come over. He “couldn’t” pick it due to its being this type of smart lock, and used a hammer and chisel to crack open the lock and open it from the inside. Said that was the “only way”. Charged me over $200. Thanks to your article, now I know he scammed me (or was just, perhaps, an ignorant locksmith) and will look out for scammers like him in the future.
Keep in mind that most people do not even have a true strike plate on their door jamb. Most home invasions wouldn’t waste time picking a lock when they could kick your door down in one attempt. This is common among all lock brands, especially in new construction. Consumers should be more concerned about adding a strike plate first and then how easy a lock is to pick or bump.
In many homes across this great land the poor guy would of, possibly, wasted the last 10 seconds of his useful life. This is another great reason to put the fear into the would-be criminal and give him the notion that the homeowner may have the best home security tool available and It only takes 1 second of the homeowners time, not 10 seconds of his. No need to mention what this is, I just wanted to be fair and warn the would-be criminal to make sure he studies up before he attempts to commit a petty crime and go somewhere else, maybe a more tolerant City or State.
Don’t buy this lock if you are concerned about protecting your valuables, very simple. Kryptonite bikes locks where super easy to pick and it wasn’t until kids were picking the locks with pic pens and posting to YouTube that Kryptonite recalled all their bike locks and upgraded the lock, now its a great bike lock. Kaba ilco (Unican) has a class action lawsuit because of the easy defeat of their locks made before 2010. (Mr. Locksmith stopped selling the lock in 2007). Upcoming Youtube/Blog
Smart locks are made for convenience. Not for security. You can get the most secure god damn door in the world – but your window will still be a rock throw away from allowing burglars in. And there are quiet ways of breaking windows so as to not attract attention. Point being: if a burglar wants into your house, he’ll find a way. Don’t let this deter you from purchasing a smart lock if the price is worth the convenience for you.
Thank you for alerting the public of how unsafe door locks can be! Lock manufactures apparently don’t know how to improve their products, so they pretend that their products making house owners being safe. Now, we know most if not all door locks aren’t break in proof! Should have additional security systems to deter the break in!
Okay, so a few points. First, ANY lock can be defeated. I’m something of a crypto-nerd, and a fundamental rule of encryption is that if there’s a way to decrypt it, there’s a way to get around it. The point of encryption (and locks) is to make the product stronger than what is necessary to brute force the system. This is the core of PGP encryption—it would take far longer to exploit weaknesses than to just brute force it, and brute force would take months to years, even with supercomputers. Anyway, there are ALWAYS tradeoffs. In physical locks, these are security, cost, and ease of use. For their part, all Kwikset locks meet ANSI/BHMA 156.2 Grade 3 or better standards. Most meet Grade 2 or better, and many of their deadbolts meet Grade 1. I should also note that there have been an intervening four years since the publishing of this article; lock manufacturers are always improving their products. It’s probable that these concerns have been addressed to the best of Kwikset’s ability or the limits of physics. Finally, the tool used in this article is a specialized one for locksmithing. It is a violation of federal law to sell one of these to anyone who is not a manufacturer of locks, a bonafide locksmith, a bonafide repossessor, or LE/Military. “Hobbyists” are actually a legal gray area. That said, if making things illegal makes the problem go away, we should just make B&E illegal. If someone REALLY wants in to my place, I don’t live in a bunker; all they have to do is break a window.
You may get past my lock but you won’t get past my 3 pit bulls, 1 rott, a loud parrot, a motion detection system that is set to notify me immediately along with article footage of the home, the drive way, a rooftop camera, and an extremely loud alarm that neighbors from multiple houses down can hear and see. I forgot to tell you about the non-scalable electric fence that get’s activated in such a situation. This lock is purely for convenience and to hinder people that attempt to simply open the door without permission. Also, for those that are wondering.. there ARE smart locks that don’t suffer from this. Check out a Smart lock called Haven. Haven article: youtube.com/watch?v=H4PcIRESL1Y Alternatively; You could get a Smart lock that fits over your existing deadbolt; which can be extremely secure. As another commenter pointed out (although not verified): “I would say go with Medeco. Nearly impossible to pick and they are made with cold forged steel so you cannot drill it. Its pricey but it is one of the only locks that are not pure junk like kwikset or schlage.” One such lock is the Sesame Smart Lock. Happy locking!
Following is Kwikset’s response to this article. Thank you for your recent email. We apologize for the delay in response to your inquiry. Since 1946, millions of families have relied on Kwikset for security and peace of mind. At Kwikset, we take all claims very seriously as the safety and security of our customers has been and always will be our highest priority. As noted, we stand behind the security of our products that are tested and certified by ANSI / BHMA (American National Standards Institute / Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) industry standards. The tool shown in the referenced article that allegedly can be used to defeat the Kwikset locks, is only sold to licensed locksmiths and is manufactured with high strength heat treated tool grade steel; not typical materials that can be produced at home and even with this material the tool is prone to breaking during use. This is not a tool available to the general public. We believe that the lock shown in the article had previously been compromised in some way prior to application of the tool. Our lengthy testing and experience with trying this tool on our SmartKey locks does not yield the same ease of opening as the article would have a viewer believe. Thus, we do not believe it is a proper representation of our products. We remain confident that our patented SmartKey technology provides a significant improvement in security compared to standard pin and tumbler technology. Please note the following… ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Cylinder: The smartkey cylinder passes ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards which is the highest level of tested residential security available.
So now you know the Smart Keys locks have a major flaw and you have not replaced the locks with a more secure deadbolt for you renters? Who is legally culpable? Bigjim10011: FYI I have several of these locks installed on my rental units and if anyone ever breaks in and is caught, and they claim to have learned how by viewing this article, you could be legally culpable.”
Most of the YouTube article break-ins are fake (tennis ball opening cars, etc.). This Smart Key lock is too easy to defeat, it take months of practice to consistently pick locks and 60 seconds to learn how to open the Smart Key Deadbolts in 10 seconds. The Smart Key Key-in-Knob locks (entrance sets) can be opened with a bent wire and no sign of entrance. I attempted to show Weiser the Smart Key defeat with a key blank and all I got was Hot Popcorn tossed into my face.
Jspahr187 states “playing the angle your trying to help yet you yourself say you show people how to pick locks” Again, if you are a licensed locksmith then you should know this article does not show how to pick locks. Smart key locks can be opened in seconds by almost anyone with little to no training. Do you sell this lock to your customers?
I really do understand your motivation, though. People using locks with this Smartkey feature eats into your profit, since you don’t get a chance to charge some hapless consumer $100 to re-key their lock. The consumer can do it themselves, and you’re more than a little butthurt over that. So with a classic “I’ll show ’em!” and “I’m gonna get even!” type of mindset, you make a article to “get back” at Kwikset. But all you’re doing is helping criminals. Both those that are already leading a life of crime and breaking into the homes of innocent folks that you don’t care about, because you’re all butthurt, and also wannabe criminals that watch a few articles and want the thrill and “easy money” of breaking into homes. But you are liable. Probably not legally, but morally and ethically you are liable for these criminals, and the deaths of these criminals that get shot dead committing their crimes. Not to mention the poor guy that had to shoot some idiot that was lured into breaking in by your articles. That guy has to live with having to take a human life to protect himself and his family. All because you’re butthurt. And greedy. Mostly butthurt though. Yeah, that’s it. You’re butthurt.
Since you enjoy showing criminals how to break into another person’s home, under the lame excuse that you are “educating” the consumer, then you should also educate the criminals you are helping with real world information. You should tell them it’s highly likely (in the U.S.) they might forcibly open a door of a gun owner, and be shot dead within moments of breaking in. But the thrill was worth it, amirite?!?! You owe it to your audience to warn them they might break into such a home. Oh, wait, I just did your job for you.
Contact Kwikset and ask them why the continue to make this lock and deny it has a major problem. The Smart Key lock has been vulnerable since 2009. Read “Millions of Kwikset Smartkey Locks Vulnerable to Hacking, Say Researchers” in Wired Magazine (August 2013). Millions of Smart Keys locks are sold every year, the lock has major problems “The Emperor has no Clothes”
Jspahr187 states “I’m a licensed and very successful locksmith in Oklahoma and you disgust me” Is it true Oklahoma requires no finger printing or criminal records check to be a locksmith in your state? Also, no written test to be a locksmith? Also, my Youtube shows my name and phone number (Terry Whin-Yates) you do not state your name?
How long before we read “Class Action Lawsuit?” Smart Key lock, since 2009, has a major security flaw. Kwikset or Black and Decker or Stanley sells millions of these locks per year and they have their heads in the sand, “wilful blindness!” At several trade shows I have walked up to the Kwikset reps and they recognize me immediately. I have offered to demo how I open the lock and they refuse. Read “Millions of Kwikset Smartkey Locks Vulnerable to Hacking” in Wired Magazine (Aug 2013).
Now you know, I hope you tell your friend to replace the lock asap. David Brian “wow your really posted a article of how to get into someones house, delete this or i will call the cops by tomorrow at 6:00Pm eastern time zone so your better delete this because my friend has this lock and it’s not ok to learn how to hack into people’s house are u a murder cmon man delete it listen to bigjim10011 we know what where doing”
So, by your own admission you are putting sub standard locks with a known exploit on your rental properties. Since you have admitted in public that you are now aware of this problem, are you in the process of changing them out? Or are you risking the security of the renters by using such substandard locks? Ones that you are aware of not providing security. If someone is hurt, you are liable, as you are aware of the problem. Mr. Locksmith, good job. Hopefully this leads to a redesign.
I have several of the Major bypass tools and I have not broken one. However, a few locksmith friends have broken the tool. The Major bypass tool in hardened steel and brittle. When opening the Smart Key locks apply steady turning pressure in the unlock direction. If you apply sideways pressure the tool may break.
To be honest, I think you are opening yourself up to lawsuits here. While you have good intentions, I think posting a youtube article for anyone to get “ideas” from is exactly what will happen. You have gone ahead and actually shown where to get the tool (duh, through a google search) and the shown how to use that tool. This post is reckless and irresponsible and I have a mind to report you to some authority somewhere. I am guessing you are “showing off” here by pretending to “wise us up” but I take offense at your post. I can’t believe I just saw this.
Don’t be fooled. This technique is not useful any more except for the very oldest smart key locks. If you do try it on a new and improved smart key you will only ruin the lock. It will not open, nor will the key still work. You will twist the cylinder until it breaks about 1/2 inch or so into the lock cylinder. Certified locksmith since 1976
Where can I find the tool used in this article? When bypassing is not an option I have found that a Hammer with a Screwdriver sometimes will cause he cylinder to break inside the lock. For our newer technicians this can put them behind on their schedule and time is money. Thank you for the help! Even a name of the product. Kwikset forced entry tool and the like have left me dry.
Home Depot in western Canada only carries this brand and model for their double-cylinder deadbolt. They offer no options to this model and seem to have severely restricted or dropped other manufacturers. I have seen some positive comments about the rekeying feature but have also seen many complaints that this model does not last, perhaps more so in the colder Canadian climate. A lock with a high failure rate and easy to break into. Guess my decision is clear.
I know it sounds corny, and paranoid. But a point is, it might be they don’t want you to know they broke in. article, 2 days ago, YouTube. Ex- husband breaks into old place to supposedly just grab his things, from his now ex-wifes place. Who now 2 days later wants to know why he ain’t gone yet. He has to explain to a judge why, after breaking in, he didn’t just grab his assorted things and leave. Which he could have done without his ex ever knowing he’d been in. Because she caught him, after day one, and could not figure why he wasn’t gone by day 2. They think it was just to grab things from that woman he now hates. But, things started crossing his mind. If he had kept to plans, she would never have realized ( except maybe a short time later). See? The obvious break ins, ARE something to worry about. But unknown break ins can be even worse. The judge ordered the guy to psychology counseling. PS, this is Mothers Day 2023.
Joe, if you haven’t figured out that the wieser smart lock, is the worst lock on the market by now, then you should give up your future career plan of breaking into homes. Myself I often think everyday to send a thank you letter to Wieser lock and thanking them for making a crappy product, because it guarantee’s a sale for a true lock that works.
If you are a licensed locksmith and the Smart Key lock has been out for 5+ years, do you know how easy this lock is for the amateur to open? Do you sell this Smart Key lock to your customers? Also, how quick can you open this lock without drilling? Do you know the easy defeat shown in this article? Why don’t you contact Kwikset and ask them why they are still selling this product? Furthermore, the article doesn’t “show people how to pick locks”
I for one am glad to see this. I was thinking about getting one due to the convenience of being able to rekey quickly and being able to leverage that as a way of providing temporary keys. Based on what I just saw, I’ll not be going with the SmartKey lines. Schlage stopped making the SecureKey lines, probably for the same reason. So no, he is not showing people how to break and enter. He is showing homeowners how to protect themselves by NOT buying insecure products. Now you know!
Is this considered breaking and entering if damage is done to this lock? With the police it’s a whole different ball game if damage is done to the burglarized place, ie the lock in this case. They won’t do anything if stuff is stolen when it is deduced someone had to have picked the (old style) lock.
What you are missing is that this is information the criminals have had for quite some time. The information he is providing is info the lock manufacturers will not tell you. This is information that will help you keep yourself and your family safe by allowing you to see the flaws in the personal security systems you use. This is the general mindset of the lock picking community at large, we are on a constant quest to challenge the lock manufacturers to stop us, we force them to improve.
Thank you for demonstrating the vulnerabilities of this lock type. Kwikset SmartKey is obviously flawed and dangerous, as someone could break into your house and you wouldn’t even notice how they got in. I am concerned, however, that you are promoting the sale of this “dumb tool” to anyone and everyone. I understand that you are trying to promote this tool to other locksmiths, but I feel that it is your duty as a locksmith to check the credentials of the people you sell it to.
And I too worked in a correctional facility for over ten years… As the locksmith!!! I learned from the best criminals society had to offer how to manipulate these locks!!! And of course so many more! But a key cut to the 3 cut dept works very well for me to open and never seems to affect the actuall key from opening it again and again… It will, however, not be able to be re-keyed again!
These locks are also very vulnerable to raking with jist about any commercial rake. It takes about 30sec to 1min to open with the raking method. So now this method really is obsolete as the 20sec to 50sec are well worth waiting for if you are the customer. ot wanting a broken lock. Even though they were shown that it should be replaced anyway as it is a shit lock to begin with. Still this way is only 30sec or so better with the need of a new lock immediately.
So do Ford Foucus’s have a security issue, since their ignitions are turned with a steel key (that my buddy originated) when the ignition cylinders freeze? No. You are breaking the Smart Key lock because it is a side bar lock, and much easier to break than pick. You could most likely break other locks to open them too, but it is easier to pick or bump them. I’d like to see someone “Make at home” a steel tool with a KW1 keyway. That tool needs to me purchased from a locksmith supply company. They are supposed to verify that they are selling to a licensed locksmith. I can’t even buy lock blanks without verifying that I am a locksmith. And I have news. I was breaking sidebar locks when I was a kid. With a hammer and a screwdriver. My dad’s old junk cars in the back. I’d start them and drive them around.
I have purchased two of these now, and both of them have broke (Bent) even when using the instructed method and tension applications. The scary part? This was not on a newer model, it is I would say easily several years old based on its condition and the customer who gave it to me after I convinced them to upgrade to something better. It is hard sit there and tell customers how flawed these locks are with their vulnerabilities and watch the tool break, not exactly making me look pro here….
Any lock that opens with a physical key can be picked although some require very advanced skills. Combination locks can also be bypassed, again some requiring advanced knowledge (the lock picker has to have an intimate knowledge of the mechanisms involved). That being said, if the lock picker has no access to the lock because it uses no key or combination, like an electronic lock, he can
Smart key has rated themselves as a Grade 1 lock too. Gross misrepresentation of the so called standards (300 torque lbs of turning resistance, not even close lol). I was at an August 2013 Smart Key demo at the local Home Depot and they had a display of the Smart Key locks and the UL 437 standards, I will post the pic on my Facebook and Twitter account. Also, Smart Key no longer runs their “Professional Lock Picking contest anymore. Its time all Locksmiths declare the Smart Key failure.
So what lock are we suppose to buy? It seems any lock can be picked if you have the knowledge and tools to do it. Also if you cant pick the lock standard door frames are so thin that one swift kick would have you in anyways. I’d also be curious to know how many home burglaries are committed by picking locks. I bet its not many.
That’s extremely worrying that these locks are so flawed and risky from the perspective of burglaries .I’m from England and we don’t use these types of locks . I came on here to do some research as I have accidentally locked one of the bedroom doors and I don’t have the key to get back in . My dad bought these similar door handles from USA in the early 80’s when he visited . So I don’t know how to get back into the room and don’t want to damage an antique pine door .
Ask Kwikset why they are keeping their heads in the sand? Do you not think they have seen this article and others on Youtube? Kryptonite recalled all their “pick proof” bike locks when kids showed how to defeat the locks on Youtube with a pic pen. Locksmiths knew how easy the locks where to open for years thats why I didn’t sell them. bigjim10011: “You are wrong for uploading this article and I am complaining to the Kwikset company and youtube.”
Smart key has rated themselves as a Grade 1 lock too. Gross misrepresentation of the so called standards. I was at an August 2013 Smart Key demo at the local Home Depot and they had a display of the Smart Key locks and the UL 437 standards, I will post the pic on my Facebook and Twitter account. Also, Smart Key no longer runs their “Professional Lock Picking contest anymore. Its time all Locksmiths declare the Smart Key failure.
They could make planes with passenger cabins that could be ejected and parachuted in case of disastrous malfunction. They don’t, because no one would pay the price that the tickets would cost. Likewise, they make really expensive locks that will persuade a determined thief to use other means, because if the locks that good; there must be really valuable stuff inside! The run-of-the-mill door lock will keep the casual opportunist thief from entering your home. The ones that shop Amazon for this tool; or study lock picking articles on you tube-are getting in to your house no matter how good your lock is. Either with brute force or other avenues of entrance. Cameras, guns,safes and insurance are the tools you need, not pick proof locks. I’d rather have the thief damage or defeat my $60 lock than bust up my $500 door or break a $300 window.
So seriously what’s the point? There’s 10 ways into a home. Look under the obvious flowerpot, mat, check the door that’s not locked, pry a window, kick a door, break a window, pry the garage door, break into a car parked and steal the garage door opener, ect ect ect. Lock your damn door! criminals are lazy. These kinda articles are scare tactics to sell “higher quality locks” meh… reinforce your door jamb to take a kick! put a ring door bell or a yard sign from an alarm company (psst you don’t need the alarm) get a dog! hide the flower pot/mat key better or use a lock box. So you go buy a $300 lock and if the bad guy wants in he’ll use his free rock to break a window. 🙄
Not on this article, but I just posted the following on another article as it adds my reason NOT to use this lock.: ……..” Also the Kwikset (he never names it but uses the street language verb “plunge”) small key used in the small hole needs to be unique to only that Kwikset lock, which is crucial, otherwise, any CROOK needs only to buy the same lock and use that pin “plunge” key to change your lock but that is never said and I doubt if that small plunger could not easily be picked.”
Locked out and thinking of using a lil sledge hammer probably 2 Lb one just trying to hammer it off. It’s a steel screen door with that flat piece that makes it hard to use a knife or other flat object to use. The way I’ve done it before is insert something flat steel object like a screwdriver, knife and catch the bolt and force it open. Can’t do that with that flat piece of the screen door extending over it. Knock it off or cut it off looks like the only option. Should’ve had a extra key somewhere outside. Oh well 😔
How do I buy that tool? Do you have a link. I work for a property management company with hundreds of houses and they use nothing but the smart key lock. Unfortunately we have people that abandon the house and evictions constantly and I’m drilling them out which is a pain. Do I need some kind of certain license or any special credentials to buy a tool like this?
So the way to “open it” in 10 seconds is to destroy the lock pins. No kidding. Why not take an additional 10 seconds and rake it open so it does not cost hundreds more to replace that lock? If you can’t bypass/pick a Kwikset then you may b in the wrong business. Why put the customer through that extra unnecessary expense?
He says “it takes several months to learn how to pick locks consistently.” I’ll tell you buddy, I taught myself how to pick locks by trial and error over a two week period on maybe 15 different locks and successfully picked my first one and I only spent about 5 mins on each lock each time. And I have been doing it since. I just wish companies made better lock picking tools. You didn’t pick the lock but drilling out the screws only takes 20 seconds also. Either way still effective on time.
Read my Mr. Locksmith Blog “The Emperor has No Clothes or Weiser / Kwikset Smart Key Lock has a Security Flaw” I am going to the Locksmith Convention in Las Vegas on July 9-12, 2012, lets see what Kwikset has to say. Most likely I will find 10 more ways and products to defeat their locks at the show.
This article is no longer valid. These locks now are much stronger with a hardened sidebar. You can no longer force them. All a thief needs to do is break a window. If you have something to protect, an alarm system with a few signs outside and electronic door locks will turn the thieves away to another lower security house.
You sir appear to be bitter about the fact we can re key ourselves. FYI any door or window can be busted out. Like you said it is a forced entry and your insurance would come into play or use of a weapon would be justified if you were in danger. FYI a lock is only a deterrent. At night the best solution is an alarm system and a charlie bar shoved up against the door.
someone has something against me and may have picked my security door lock and comes into my house every few months and leave marks inside my house. last mark they left looked like round “drops” of ashes on my floor. i pray to God they will repent and use their skill for good and not to hurt others.
Weak. Tried this tool on my friends house for the first time this week and the tool broke as we turned it using the vice grips like shown in the article. This only work on certain types of Kwikset Smartkey locks? We had to drill the key hole to get in. Easier to drill and it didn’t cost nothin. How can I get a replacement?