How SmartKey Rekeying Can Simplify KW1 Locks for Real Estate Investors

If you’ve ever been locked out of your own home or had to change the locks for security reasons, you know just how important a good deadbolt is. Today, I’m diving into one of Kwikset’s most popular residential deadbolts—the Kwikset 660—and exploring two ways to rekey it: the traditional method and Kwikset’s innovative SmartKey feature. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just curious about how to keep your home secure, this guide will give you all the insights you need.

The Kwikset 660: A Reliable Residential Favorite

The Kwikset 660 deadbolt is a trusted choice for homeowners. Its straightforward design makes it a staple in rental properties and residential homes alike. What makes this lock stand out is its KW1 keyway—a widely used key type—and the fact that it can be rekeyed either traditionally or with the SmartKey feature.

But why rekey? Rekeying lets you change the key that operates your lock without replacing the entire lock itself. It’s a smart move if you’ve lost a key, moved into a new home, or just want extra peace of mind.

Traditional Rekeying: Tried and True

Let’s start with the traditional rekeying method. This process involves disassembling the lock, replacing the pins inside the cylinder, and then reassembling it to match a new key.

Here’s what you need for this method:

• A pin kit (specific to your lock brand)
• A key decoder tool
• A bit of patience and precision

Pros of Traditional Rekeying:

• Works across multiple lock brands, not just Kwikset.
• Offers more customization if you’re rekeying several locks to work with a single key.

Cons:

• Time-intensive and requires some technical know-how.
• Mistakes can lead to a malfunctioning lock, so it’s not ideal for beginners.

SmartKey Rekeying: Quick and Convenient

Now, let’s talk about Kwikset’s SmartKey technology. If you’ve ever wished for an easy way to rekey your lock without any disassembly, this is it. With the Kwikset SmartKey tool, you can reprogram the lock to accept a new key in just a few minutes.

How It Works:

1. Insert your current key and turn it 90 degrees clockwise.
2. Insert the SmartKey tool into the slot and remove the old key.
3. Insert your new key, turn it back, and voilà—the lock is rekeyed!

Pros of SmartKey:

• Super fast—rekeying takes under a minute.
• No special skills or tools needed.
• Perfect for landlords or anyone who needs to rekey frequently.

Cons:

• Limited to Kwikset locks with the SmartKey feature.
• Some concerns have been raised about the security of SmartKey locks, but Kwikset has improved their design over the years.

My Final Thoughts

Both methods have their place, and neither is better than the other—it all depends on your needs. As someone who works with locks daily, I love the convenience of the SmartKey feature, but I also appreciate the versatility of traditional rekeying when tackling complex projects.

If you’re not comfortable rekeying on your own or just don’t have the time, reach out to professionals like us at QuickTurn Maintenance. We specialize in lock and door maintenance, and we’d be happy to help secure your home or rental property.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more maintenance tips and tricks! Have questions about rekeying or other lock-related tasks? Drop them in the comments below or contact us directly—I’d love to hear from you.