Customer Reviews

Kwikset 740J 15 SMT CP Juno Entry Knob Featuring SmartKey, Satin Nickel

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I used the lock for the door from the garage to the hallway in a rental townhouse, keyed to match the existing Kwikset keyed-alike knob and deadbolt on the front door. After three months, the tenant complained that it was increasingly hard to get the key to work. In my attempt to reset it to accommodate the key, I ended up with a jammed-up lock from which I cannot remove the key. I would be afraid to rely on a SmartKey lock in future. To satisfy the tenant, I replaced all locks with a new keyed-alike set. My e-mail to Kwikset asking for an adjustment went without response.

I got three of these and had them installed and keyed in no time. The instructions are a little messy but I found the process to be self explanatory.

My only complaint is that one of the locks is upside-down and I am uncertain how to flip it on this model. I will have to exchange the one lock it seems.

This is the ONLY acceptable locking entry knob sold in the USA now. Only Kwikset offers knobs that must be unlocked before you can exit. Thus, if you step out on to pick up the newspaper you won't find yourself locked out by accident. That is not true for any knob made by Schlage or Arrow (who makes knobs for many others, including Medeco and US Lock). Schlage knobs do not lock the inside knob ever, so you can always exit without unlocking the door, the worse case. Arrow knobs are dual function, they will unlock on exit (popping the button) but if someone turns the button instead of pushing it, lockout mode (called "store room" mode) is enabled. I have had long arguments with locksmiths about this. Either they don't recommend locking knobs at all (but they still sell them at high prices), or they say that UL requires that functionality for ease of exit. However any knob could, in principle, be always open on the inside but auto-unlock upon exit. That is one of the functions offered by Arrow, whose knobs might be marginally acceptable if you could permanently disable store room mode, but you can't, and you can also get accidentally locked out by Arrow knobs if something you are carrying pushes the button by accident. To lock the Kwikset you need to turn a thumbturn, which is almost impossible to do by accident. And if UL requires always allowing exit without manual unlocking, what about deadbolts?

And this model, the Kwikset Signature, is Kwikset's best, carrying an ANSI class 2 rating. It could be better, but it is ultimately no worse than any knob made by anyone else. Locksmiths like to point out that the cheap metal used in the Kwikset latch can easily be popped out of its retaining clip. But their favored knobs made by Arrow break just as easily, the latch twists and pulls out from the mechanism. That's what I discovered when I was forced to break into my own home (after being locked out because some guest turned the button). It took only a strong push to break my Arrow-made lock. Of course, no keyed-only system is lockout proof. You can always lose your keys (though I haven't done that in decades, thanks to having pockets). There are now many choices for keypad pushbutton entry locks, the only truly lockout-proof design. However, because they are much bigger and would interfere with an existing deadbolt, actually installing one of those will likely require getting an entirely new door, a big expense. Also, I agree with the locksmiths that the real security comes from a deadbolt, not merely a locking knob. However it is nice to have both, using the locking knob only when you wish to allow access for friends when you are home. You can give them a key for that and not worry about compromising your deadbolt (which should include a high security cylinder).

Frankly I don't care much about Kwikset's hyped smartkey feature, in fact I see more downside than upside to it. Locks are cheap enough that if I needed to re-key, I can just get another lock, probably want one by that time anyway, since none appear to be made to last anymore. With the smartkey system, someone you give the key to could potentially rekey the lock to lock you out! I'm going to try to find some way to deactivate it. Or, over time, the rekey system might degrade, it's one more mechanical feature which could eventually fail. I'd much rather have the ability to replace the mediocre factory cylinder with a true high security cylinder with duplication proof keys by BiLock or Abloy. But unfortunately, locksmiths cannot or will not fit high security cylinders to Kwikset locks.

The finish choices Kwikset offers aren't my favorite. I'd much rather have Satin Chrome, which is an uncoated finish. The Kwikset Satin Nickel looks like Satin Chrome, but is actually a coating which is likely to degrade over time. Schlage knobs look like they have slightly higher quality materials and finishes, including a real satin chrome.

Another stupid feature that OTHER locks have is some kind of hole in the outer knob stem that allows the outside knob to be taken off. In theory, this can only be done if you have the key also, but I have seen locks where the mechanism malfunctions so that the outside knob can be taken off at any time by a prankster with a paper clip. More often than not, however, the hole simply doesn't work even when it's supposed to with a key, ask any custodian. Kwikset doesn't bother with that stupid kind of hole, which I like. Maybe that's why the cylinder can't be replaced, but it seems that a knob release function could be located elsewhere, such as on the inside.

I wish there were other acceptible entry knobsets to give Kwikset a bit of competition. I can imagine a much higher quality entry knob. If there were serious competition, I'd give this knobset, at most, 3 stars, because it basically looks and feels mediocre to me. But at this time, there isn't any competition, since no other locking entry doorknobs are acceptable.

This was an incredibly easy to install product. They really thought about the homeowner install experience. For example, you don't have to put screws the whole way in, you just have to click them in and screw a quarter of an inch or less (you'll see when you install)

The easy rekey is wonderful--just keep in mind that anyone that has a key could potentially rekey, since the rekey tool is not a difficult one.

One gotcha is that the lockset comes keyed for right handed doors. You'll need a tool to fix that--but the only effect is that the cylinder will be upside down, it'll work fine.
Just call the number included in the instructions, and they'll send you the tool to fix that.

Big fan on this one here!!!

I was able to install and re-key the lock and it worked fine a few times. Unfortunately, it became more and more difficult to turn the key until finally I can no longer unlock it.

I am not a Locksmith but I know a fair amount about locks. I do my own lock work and the work for friends. This lock has two major flaws. It looses it programming. No key that has ever worked will open the lock. Kwikset even sells a tool to temporarily fix the problem. The other problem is that a somewhat knowledgeable person can take a key blank file it down some on all pin positions. Put the key in the lock and put that key in vise-grips a wrench or a pair of pliers. Turn the key and break in. With out using much force. No drilling no hammers no kicking. Now after doing this either the lock will no longer function (not unlock or Lock) or in some cases the User has no Idea his lock is broken that a screwdriver will now open it. Biometric locks for residential use don't work well for long either. Combination locks do work and you have the option of opening it with a key if you forgot the combo or the battery died. What is your safety worth. How much do you value your home and property. What good is it to save a penny on a locksmith or a good lock if your not safe. For Peace of Mind do it right. There are a few locks that can be re-keyed by the end user but they are very expensive and in one case you need a PDA type device or a computer connection for the optical key reader. Schlage makes one but I do not as yet know much about it.

After a thorough search, I found that this seller had the most reasonable price. I bought half a dozen to use on new construction. Items shipped fast, were new in the box, and most were coded to use the same key. I was confused at first, because they weren't fitting properly. Later (after reading the instructions) I realized the locking shaft could be extended for differently positioned door holes. They fit and look great! I would buy from this seller again!

Horrible..would not completely install...Wont stay locked because if you shake handle too much, it will come off!! Possible defective item

My new entry door knob works great, was easy to install, and is really strong and locks securely. This is one fine product, I'll order more like this one for my next house.

Excellent price on an innovative "key your own" Smartkey© lock design. Superior quality. Very Sturdy & Solid Entry Knob Set. I already purchased another to key my back door the same. Replacement Deadblots for each may be next.