Kwikset Smartcode 913 Electronic Deadbolt Review
Kwikset is one of the oldest and best known lock manufacturer in the world. They have some smart lock models for deadbolts and anyone who wants to purchase one of them might be not sure to choose the correct one. We will try to explain all models of Kwikset in the following days but today we will talk about one of the most popular electronic deadbolt named Kwikset Smartcode 913 Electronic Deadbolt.
This model does not have any smart capabilities such as connecting to smart hubs, mobile phones or any other smart things so we can not say that this model is a 100% smart lock. It has a simple keypad lock/unlock approach but it has definetely a place on our blog.
Keypad Of Kwikset 913 Smartcode Electronic Deadbolt
Keypad is always a great equipment to use at smart locks. Brands are focusing on keypad models more than fingerprint readers because of it’s better functionality options. Kwikset Smartcode 913 Electronic Deadbolt has a beautiful and soft keypad which makes usage easier enough.
Keypad has Backlit so that you will never have difficulty to enter your password even at the night. To activate Backlit you have to press the lock button at the top of the keypad before you enter your password.You will have to be sure if this lock will fit to your door. So before you buy please check if your door has 1 3/8 inches to 2 inches thickness.
Using the keypad does not require anything special. To unlock your door all you have to do is to enter your password. Your code must be 4 to 8 digits. Locking the door is even more simple as just pressing the lock button on the top of the keypad. This keypad can save up to 16 different user codes so you can define a code special to anyone you want.
If you want to add a code or delete an existing code you have to remove the 3 allen screws and open the cover of interior unit which is definetely boring and not practical. This part of the product is already inside the house so we can not understand why they are making things difficult for adding or deleting code process.
If you don’t change or add/delete codes too often then this will not be a problem for you but if you change your passwords too often because of security issues then soon you will get frustrated. Please don’t forget the change your default master code.
Bump Key and Fire Protection of Kwikset 913 Smartcode Electronic Deadbolt
As you may already know Bump Key is very widely used method to open the doors. Keypad Of Kwikset Smartcode 913 Electronic Deadbolt has bump guard protection lock part which makes your door even more secure. This means you don’t need to worry about Bump Key technique on your door. Since it has a cool protection it will not be opened by any bump keys. Product also BHMA Grade 2 certified and UL certified with 20 minute fire rating which is pretty enough performance in fire situations.
Smartkey Rekey
Kwikset has SmartKey Rekey technology installed on this lock. If you have some other keys which you want to use at your door you can apply a simple procedure by using your master key and SmarKey tool. This feature is very helpful especially if you have some other locks which are using asingle key. You can simply add this key to your lock and use it. It has many usage areas which will save your life.
Please note that this technology is compatible with Kwikset (KW1) keyway so make sure you have correct type of key to rekey. Here is the step by step guide for you to rekey. You can also jump below to watch video.
1) First you have to remove the battery and set deadbolt to locked position
If you have a knob or lever, make sure it is in the lock position
— Make sure that your door can not be closed by wind or other factors while you are at the outside
2) Insert Currently Used Key :
— FULLY insert your currently used key then rotate 90 degrees clockwise (note that instructions are the same regardless of cylinder orientation)
3) Insert SmartKey tool fully and firmly into the SmartKey hole :
— You may feel the tool click inside the lock which is normal — Remove SmartKey tool
— Remove current key
4) Insert New Key
— Insert Kwikset (KW1) keyway compatible key you wish to use with lock
— Make sure that the key is FULLY inserted
— The edge of the key touched the indent on the cylinder surface
— Rotate the key 180 degrees clockwise but please don’t pull or push the key
— Finally, pull the key without too much force to make sure it will NOT come out in this position
Auto Lock Feature of Kwikset 913 Smartcode Electronic Deadbolt
Auto lock feature is a life saver for most of the lock users. We all can forget to lock our doors and if you enable this feature your lock will lock the door after 30 seconds passes over unlocking. This feature is disabled by Kwikset as default. If you want to activate it you have to open the cover of interior unit (not keypad) by removing 2 screws. When you remove the cover you will see 4 switches. Just change position of switch 2 from left to up and you are ready to go.
Make sure that you closed the door completely so that auto lock can do it’s job. Otherwise it will not be able to lock the door and try to lock 2 times and give up. In some strange positions there are some reports stating that lock never gives up and tries to lock continuously. So this is up to you if you want to try or it or not.
Battery Life of Kwikset 913 Smartcode Electronic Deadbolt
Kwikset Smartcode 913 Electronic Deadbolt has a poor performance for battery life. System is powered by 4 x AA batteries which are not included in the package. We suggest you to buy Duracell batteries for the best performance. Kwikset predicts battery life between 6 – 12 months. However in reality this is different.You can expect to change your batteries once in 1 – 1,5 months so maybe you would like prefer rechargable batteries.
There is no low battery notification which is horrible in our opinion. One day when you come to your house you can see your lock dead because of battery drain and you will need a locksmith. Even if you forget to change your batteries you can still unlock your door by using your key.
Installation Process of Kwikset 913 Smartcode Electronic Deadbolt
Kwikset Smartcode 913 Electronic Deadbolt has nothing special needed to install. Depending on your experiences you can expect to install this product between 10 – 30 minutes. In some positions it can take a little longer but this is still in the acceptable range. You will need a ruler and Phillips Head Screwdriver for the whole process but in some situations depending on your door you may need a hummer and wood block. In the user manual all the instructions are clear and easy to apply step by step so you don’t have to worry about this process.
Technical Details Chart of Kwikset 913 Smartcode Electronic Deadbolt
| Item Weight | 1.5 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 3.5 x 5.4 x 9.9 inches |
| Voltage | 1.5 volts |
| Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. ( not included) |
| Style | Deadbolt |
| Installation Method | Retrofit deadbolt lock |
| Included Components | Exterior keypad, interior assembly, latch, mounting plate, allen wrench, adapter ring, strike, keys, smartkey tool, fasteners |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Warranty Description | 1 year manufacturer |
Cons and Pros of Kwikset 913 Smartcode Electronic Deadbolt
Kwikset Smartcode 913 Electronic Deadbolt is a great product for its design purpose. It does not work with any smart hubs or smart devices or not even with a mobile phone so if you want something smart this is not your device but if you want something that works just by entering your password to get inside then this is your product.
Pros:
Easy to use keypad
Easy installation
Backlight on keypad
16 pass code ability
Auto lock
Smart Key Rekey
Key usage if battery drains
Fire protection
Bump Key protection
Ideal size for home usage
Cons:
Short battery life
No warnings for battery level
No Bluetooth or smart hub connections
Difficult to to add or remove codes
