LAS VEGAS, NV (January 19, 2010) – Kwikset®, an innovation leader in the residential door hardware industry, today introduced the Key Control™ Deadbolt featuring SmartKey® re-key technology, a smart and secure alternative to master keying. Kwikset Key Control deadbolts differ from traditional pin and tumbler master key deadbolts because they contain two cylinders: one concealed, patented cylinder that is a new and proprietary keyway for added security beyond current master key options, to be used by the property manager, allowing for one key control to all units; and a second cylinder to be used by the tenant, or individual user.

Kwikset’s new Key Control Deadbolts provide significant time and cost-savings to property managers over the traditional pin and tumbler master key system. With the pin and tumbler master key system, a lost or stolen master key creates a significant security risk for potentially hundreds of tenants, and the only solutions for property managers are time consuming and expensive. In this situation, a property manager has to either hire an outside contractor who charges a fee plus a cost per lock, or use an internal maintenance employee, who earns an hourly wage to undergo the time consuming process of removing every lock from every unit, disassembling, re-keying, reassembling, and then re-installing each one. Because this must be done as quickly as possible for tenant security, property managers can also expect to incur additional fees or charges for the extended hours required.

“With Key Control Deadbolts, property managers can re-key every lock, quickly and easily, in three simple steps, without removal from the door,” said Margo Fevergeon, product manager, Kwikset. “This provides not only a tremendous time and cost-savings to management, since each lock can be re-keyed in seconds, but it also dramatically increases the security of the entire complex because property managers can take immediate action and all locks can be re-keyed very quickly.”

Security is also significantly improved over traditional pin and tumbler master key systems, because the Key Control (Property Manager) cylinder is completely concealed from view, and it is a unique, patented keyway which ensures that no other key in the market today will ever fit into the Key Control cylinder. 

“Kwikset’s SmartKey re-key technology was the first of its kind in the industry, and has been the only re-keyable solution available to the builder and general consumer for the last three years,” said Brent Flaharty, vice president of Marketing, Kwikset. “We’re now building off of this industry-leading innovation by introducing the revolutionary Key Control Deadbolt as the first and only double cylinder master key alternative for multifamily housing, with simple, fast, and secure re-keyability for improved security.”

About SmartKey

SmartKey deadbolts and locks feature a patented side-locking bar technology, central to the locks ability to be rapidly and easily re-keyed. This stainless steel side-locking bar also replaces the traditional pin and tumbler design that is particularly vulnerable to increasingly popular lock-bumping attacks. Additionally, the cylinder uses two steel balls inserted into the front of the key face to provide improved drill resistance. Delivering outstanding strength and protection, SmartKey deadbolts and locks have passed the most stringent lock picking standard, UL 437, par. 11.6 and are available in all ANSI Grades.

Since SmartKey re-key technology was introduced three years ago, demand has exceeded expectations and driven the technology into additional Kwikset product lines. Recently, Kwikset added SmartKey re-key technology to their entire box pack product line-up to meet builder demand for improved security, cost savings and convenience. 

“Peace of mind shouldn’t be reserved for the few. By expanding SmartKey to all price points and product lines, Kwikset aims to make improved home security accessible to all,” concluded Flaharty. For more information on these and other products, visit www.kwikset.com/keycontrol

About Kwikset

For more than 60 years, Kwikset, manufacturer of America’s most trusted name in security has provided beauty, security and peace of mind for millions of families. For additional information on Kwikset products, visit www.kwikset.com, or call 1-800-327-LOCK. 

Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement (BDHHI) Group is a division of Black & Decker, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of power tools, power tool accessories and security hardware. Today, the BDHHI Group includes some of the most recognizable hardware and home improvement brands in the world including Baldwin®, Kwikset, Weiser®, Price Pfister® and K2™ Commercial Hardware by Black & Decker.