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Posted on Dec 13, 2009

Kwikset Smart Key Deadbolt Won't Unlock

I have a Kwikset Smart Key Deadbolt. The key was able to turn the deadbolt for a while, but now my key will no longer unlock the deadbolt. I've also tried using the original key that came with the set and it still will not unlock or move.

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  • Posted on Apr 29, 2010
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Kwikset Smart Key locks are complete junk. I am a locksmith and I am constantly going from house to house replacing these "dumb key" locks with original kwikset pin tumbler locks. What happens is either your key or the wafers inside the lock wear slightly, slightly enough to cause your keys to not turn, and since these locks cannot be picked due to a side bar system, they must be drilled off and thrown away when this happens Unless you have another access point to get in the house. If you do remove lock from the inside, throw it in the trash, buy original kwikset and replace.

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  • Kenan Branam
    Kenan Branam Sep 27, 2010

    Mine will not even turn from the inside. It's very new and hasn't been "worn down". Key turns but bolt doesn't.

  • BigBoy33 Jan 29, 2011

    Hey champ! You need a Kwikset cradle. I am NOT a locksmith and I know this. Here is the link so you can go get one: http://www.doorlocksdirect.com/83260.htm... And a a video link so you can learn how to use ithttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrU1YlLry... Good luck in all your endeavors!

  • Anonymous Jan 29, 2011

    So basically you will have to have a locksmith come out and re set your lock with the cradle tool "if" they have one, every time your lock malfunctions, or you just stay with traditional pin tumbler style that will last for years. These locks should come with the cradle tool to reset them because they lock up so much especially for much they charge you for these lock sets. However even if you have the cradle tool and your lock malfunctions when your on the outside and don't have another point of entry then you are still going to have to drill the lock to get in. So yea to hell with smart key. Also you can not master key smart key locks so if your a landlord and have more than one property and you like having one key to get you into all of your properties don't buy these.

  • Anonymous Jan 29, 2011

    If your key turns but bolt does not the retaining clip possible could have broken that hold the tail piece on. Other wise if the lock works when the door is open but not when its shut then you have an alignment issue with the strike plates on the frame. If it does not work with the door open the latch itself may be broken.

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  • Posted on Jan 14, 2010
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I have the exact same problem! Any solution would be appreciated.

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  • Posted on Mar 16, 2015
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Yeah, well, I just have to pull the door a little tighter closed, to give the sliding mechanism a bit more room and oiala, worked great like that for years and still fine.

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  • Posted on Aug 30, 2013
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Hi guys. Why don't you ask a woman. I had replaced every one of my locks five years ago. I had a dead bolt that did this. I took the lock back to lowes. They have a devise that will allow you to reset it with your key. No charge. It's never done it since. Sorry, no locksmith for me. That's why I put these in. I'm not sorry and love my locks. I change the lock about every two years.....and I don't need to pay anyone money to do it. Oh by the way, lowes also sells new keys for that purpose.

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  • Posted on Jun 02, 2011
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So it's a lose-lose situation with Kwikset. Use the Smart Key variety and these things happen. However, stick with the pin tumbler variety and you're vulnerable to lock bumping and lock picking.
I personally know a lot of people who switched to the Smart Key since it's marketed as a bump proof lock.

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  • Posted on Aug 01, 2012
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Regrettably, you will have to replace your lock. Take a look at this new lock technology. http://localinventor.com

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Related Questions:

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2answers

Key will not come out in unlocked position

I presume you figured it out by now, but if the tailpiece is installed wrong in many deadbolts, the key won't come out in one position or the other. It's called a "timing" problem and the way to fix it is to take it off the door, turn the tailpiece a half circle and put it back on the door. Usually Kwikset locks are designed so you can't put it in the wrong way, but it can happen. (If it's not the timing problem, then the deadbolt unit is defective or broken. They are designed to fail in a way that keeps them locked, so this could be a sign that someone tried to break in, or that someone used the extended bolt as a way to stop the door from closing and it hit the door frame too hard.)

The best way to install a deadbolt lock without the instructions handy is to look at the "lazy" cam and see if there is a way to install it wrong and don't install it that way. Example: If there are 2 ways for the tailpiece to fit in the deadbolt unit when the deadbolt is retracted and only one way for the tailpiece to fit in when the deadbolt is extended, then install the lock with the deadbolt extended and you can't install it wrong.
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I just completed installing a Kwikset Smart Code deadbolt. the key works without issue but if the key is removed, the unit cannot be locked with either the handle or the electronic method. if the key is...

You may wish to go through the installation programming routine again (make sure that the batteries are fresh)
Here's the link:
http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/content/BDHHI/40486-02

Programming instructions are found on Page 6.

If that fails, the lock is covered by warranty and the contact information is on the instruction sheet.
These are PDF files, requiring Adobe Reader to open. There is a link on the same page to download Adobe reader if the file will not display for you.

Good luck--and please provide feedback if this helps!
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I installed this last night and it was working fine. Tested it several times, showed the family, etc...Everything worked great. My son left for 10 minutes and came home and it no longer worked. The keypad...

Kwikset's warranty covers one year electronics defects and lifetime coverage for the mechanical movement and finish.
Here is a link to it:

http://www.kwikset.com/Customer-Support/Warranty-Information.aspx

You can contact them from there for further assistance.

Good luck!
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Exterior key for deadbolt just turns around and around.

It sounds like the exterior tumbler is bad, it is less expensive to just replace the whole deadbolt than to have the tumbler repaired.
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Remove the deadbolt cover by removing the 2 screws. This will get you inside the deadbolt. Try using a screwdriver to pull it back. You may in the end have to break the unit in order to get it out and replace it. I have the same thing happen with a deadbolt. I ended up having to destroy the unit to get it out. You are going to replace it anyway so do whatever it takes to get it to unlock so you can then remove it from the door and install a new one. You do not want a deadbolt that will not unlock.
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Here is the instructions from kwiksets website

http://www.kwikset.com/Files/PDF/SmartSeries/SmartKeyInsEnglishOnly.pdf
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Unfortunatley you need to have the key to remove the cylinder. You can take it to a locksmith that can pick" it to remove the cylinder and make you a key but it may be more cost effective to replace it.

Sorry not to be mre help.
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spray a little bit of oil where you insert the key turn it a couple of time to make sure it is lubricated then turn to correct location to pull out key hold cylinder in with finger key should pull out
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