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- Verified Buyer
I already use this style of Kwikset hardware on all the other entries on my home, so it's an instant match for me. I wanted Z-wave automation, which ties in nicely with my alarm system. The mechanism IS a bit noisy for my liking, and it does seem very particular about clearance and timing. Make sure the alignment and depth of the latch is perfect, and make sure you don't try to open the door before it's completely cycled open. (For some reason this waiting game seems difficult for younger users to grasp.) This isn't the only entry door we use, so I wouldn't classify it as heavy use, although it probably averages out to around 2 or 3 entries per day. So far, we've been using it for 8 months, and the battery life is still reporting at 70%. That's impressive, and way better than anticipated.The finish does have the same weathering issues I find typical on all Kwikset's hardware -- so it's a complaint, but a known one which is not unique to this particular item.So this review is based on my initial impressions of the lock and the installation process. I've only had the lock a few days so I may need to return and update it after I get a Z-Wave hub and can play with those features.The lock design is very nice. The components are mostly metal and seem well built. I like the 10 button keypad vs the 5 button pad. 10,000 possible codes seems more secure than 625, though I really don't expect anyone to brute force the the lock to try and find the correct code.My first complaint is that Amazon sent me a lock that was obviously opened and returned. My guess is someone could not get the latch to fit their door and returned the lock to Amazon. The latch was out of the opened parts bag and the plastic covering the internal face to protect it from scratches was obviously removed and replaced. Other than that, everything was in the bag and the small screw bags were all still sealed.The parts fit my door well, though I did need to chisel a bit more out of the side of my door, though that is no fault of the lock's. I did have two issues with the installation process though:1) The internal component with the motor and electronics has a triangular shaft inside it that needs to be in a certain position to align with the bar coming through the latch. For me, this was upside down and could not be turned by hand. I fiddled with it quite a bit, even trying to install the interior portions upside down to see if they would work. They did not. However, when I did the Door Handing process I noticed the shaft turned a bit, so I was able to stop the handing process at a point where the shaft was in the proper orientation. This solved that issue and I was able to turn the interior components back the right way and continue2) During the Door Handing process, the bolt does NOT move all the way into the door, it only went in about half way. This didn't seem right to me so I thought I had an issue. Not until I found the Kwikset installation video on YouTube did I realize this was normal.After that, everything went smoothly. Created a Master Code and added User Codes. The lock works exactly as expected. Hopefully once I get a Z-Wave hub I'll be able to pair it easily and have automated control over the lock with no issues.This lock was bought to replace an identical product installed 3 years ago by the security company. The old one broke when one person opened it with the code from one side and another one did the same with the handle on the other side. It should not happen and the cost of $300 (with taxes) makes it an expensive lock at a cost of $100/year!The web page states "Easily installs in minutes with just a screwdriver". It is literally true, but, 3 years ago, the professional installer needed more than two hours to get it working right. For the replacement, I am not a professional and I did not know the product (probably like all Amazon customers) but everything was mostly ready, I needed more than an hour: 80 minutes. So yes, it installs in minutes, it is always true :-) (and the manual seems incorrect for the programming part, I did not get the green flashing announced).The box states "lifetime warranty for the mechanical part", so next time I might be able to use it but there is probably some small prints which will apply.Now this is a very convenient product, I would find difficult to go back to a traditional lock, this is why I replaced it!Had it long enough to go through batteries twice.I originally had it locking (via Smartthings) after anyone opened it and such, but wound up just using the feature to unlock when I come home.So far I really like it, much more than the previous one I had that wasnt SmartThings compatible.I find this one locks/unlocks much smoother and overall seems strong.The numbers are not yet wearing out and so far seem like new.I wish it was easier to access the battery drawer instead of undoing screws, but that is a small complaint.Turns out that as I tried to install I discovered that my door required the drive-in latch (A2). Apparently this part is considered optional and not included in the box. How do I get this part? Given I can't use it I've put 2 stars for the time being.Update: They manufacturer sent me the part I needed. This has been a very reliable and useful smart lock to own. Very happy with this purchase.Excellent.....easy to install....the setup of right and left side door opening is weird in my mind but necessary sine this is the first lock I've run across that requires it.....one downfall is the standard AA batteries drain REAL quick....using the higher capacity camera AA batteris now....hopefully they will last longer than 30-60 days.Obviously returned by someone else, parts came in a ziploc sandwich bag and box was missing adapter ring, 1 of 2 latches, 1 of 3 set screws. Sloppy.Update: contacted Kwikset support on Friday, missing adapter ring arrived over the weekend, missing screws arrived yesterday from California (next business day). No hassle friendly ultra fast support makes up for Amazon or Kwikset's mistake. Would buy it againOn the plus side it seems to work better than the Weiser SmartCode lock it is replacing that was always a bit clicky and then started to bind up. Fingers crossed it keeps working better.
