Need to replace the deadbolt and lock on my front door.
Two most common brands, Kwikset and Schlage, have systems that let you key them how you want. Called Smartkey or Securekey. You put a master key in, do something and it "programs" the lock and the regular key, no more having to get sets keyed alike where you buy them. This is not a digital keypad type lock, just a normal lock, you still need the key. Problem is, I have read nothing good about either system. Most complaints are that they just stop working and the lock gets programmed back to some default setting making your key useless and you end up get locked out of the house. That would suck. Alot of people have had to have the cylinder replaced 2-3 times. This is unacceptable and I won't put one on my house.
I didn't see anything on the websites for Kwikset or Schlage for class I residential locks that didn't have this type of system unless you go for the keypad type entry lock/deadbolt, which look quite ugly. Not too keen on having a keypad on the front of my house anyways.
What other options do I have?

Here is a quote from one of the locksmith websites I visited. Readers commented on the article with nothing but problems. One installed said 7 of the 10 he installed quit working/locked people out.

I could add tons of these types quotes.
~Rob

 

I was one of them. It quit working within a couple of days. Locked out of my house in the middle of winter. I mailed the broken pieces (I removed it with a hammer) back to Schlage and told them where to stick there dangerous lock. They sent me a replacement and I took it to the place I bought the original from and got my money back. NEVER AGAIN! And I warn every one not to get one of these locks, it may cost you your life.

 

If you can get a regular lockset the same brand as your old one you can just change out the tumblers and not have to re key.

 

Any decent locksmith should be able to change the cylinders of all your (same brand) locks to a common key.

 

Whats wrong with one of the combination ones? Been thinking about getting one of them.

 

Uhgg, put us on the Kwikset Quit list. Probably lasted year and a half and now the key doesn't work. Least the deadbolt still works.

We've got a key pad on the garage door which is our main in/out of the house.

 

One thought about reusing your old key is they do wear out. If I have to change the lock I'd rather start with a new and different key. That would also cut down on stray keys winding up in the wrong hands.

 

Called a locksmith today about the Kwikset stuff. You can't buy one of the new Smartkey sets and have them put a traditional cylinder in it.
The existing lock is "builder grade" (i.e. the cheapest thing around) and 12 years old. Looks like crap and is starting to stick (need to see if graphite will help a bit). Time to replace with something new and don't like the looks of a keypad on the front door.
The locksmith said he might be able to locate the Kwikset stuff I want before they added the Smartkey "feature".
We'll see. In the meantime, I am researching other brands (Baldwin and not sure who else) to see what is available.

~Rob

 

Yes, but the problem is finding a new lockset that isn't "Smart", seems as if those can't be retro-fitted with a traditional cylinder.

~Rob