Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt Review

Kwikset has been established in the home security business for over 6 decades.

The company produces a long list of home security products including door knobs, handles, a wide variety of keyless entry products, with an emphasis on state-of-the-art deadbolts.

One such deadbolt includes the Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt, which is the subject of our review today.

Here's what you get out of the box:

• One strike plate
• Two keys
• One Latch
• Hardware for mounting
• SmartKey learn tool
• User manual
• Step-by-step instructions for installation
• One Kwikset 909SmartCode single-cylinder deadbolt
• **Batteries sold separately

The Best Price Available

When it comes to price, it really depends where you buy it, but this product can range anywhere from $100 - $200.

We feel that due to the quality of the product and what you are getting with the package, regardless of what you pay, you will be getting a quality product, so the goal is to simply find it for the best price possible.

Kwikset Background

A decade ago, Kwikset revolutionized the home security market with its Powerbolt locks, and the SmartCode is the latest innovation of their revolutionary locking technology.

FYI, Kwikset is part of a larger manufacturer of products for the home, called Hardware and Home Improvement (HHI).

Also under this umbrella are Weiser, Baldwin, and Stanley, among others - so they is in excellent company here.

In the U.S. market, Kwikset is rated #1 for residential lock sets, specializing in Smart (AKA remote access) technology. Kwikset is also famous for making great heavy duty deadbolts, some of which we've reviewed in our previous posts.

Installation Instructions

Installation of the Kwikset 909 is fairly uncomplicated, even for the uninitiated.

Out of the box, installation involves just a screwdriver (or power drill if you want to save a few more seconds), 4 AA batteries, a measuring tape, and, of course, the deadbolt itself.

The batteries replace any complicated wiring you may have encountered in the past, and the batteries last for years, so changing them isn't something you have to think about very much.

When batteries do run low, there is a handy indicator light that flashes yellow so that you know you need to change them.

The only other requirement is that you need to have a standard sized door, meaning a width of 1 3/8″ to 1 3/4″ thickness.

The installation process, while its hard to say exactly, may take you anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour.

Here's a video showing the Kwikset SmartCode being installed into a standard door, just to show you how relatively easy this process is and how long it might take:

Aesthetics

For this model of electronic deadbolt, there are 3 colors to choose from, including Satin Nickel, Venetian Bronze, and Polished brass respectively.

These colors are fairly standard in the deadbolt world, but Kwikset pulls them off well.

Each color, while not outrageous, does set off the shape of the deadbolt nicely, which is a cross between something old and something new.

Be sure to give this some thought when it comes to matching it with your home, as a few of the hundreds of reviewers over on Amazon for the Kwikset 909 SmartCode have lamented making the wrong color choice in relation to the look of their home.

In terms of sheer aesthetics, we think this deadbolt definitely gives the impression of security, while still remaining stylish.

For instance, in the unfortunate event that a criminal were to come face to face with this deadbolt, there is a good chance they would assess it correctly as being not to be tampered with.

That's because, behind the style of this deadbolt, is some serious security hardware, so any intruder would be correct in assuming that they won't be able to use brute force to overcome this lock.

At the same time, Kwikset has ensured that it has a welcoming appearance to guests.

Kwikset Keypad

So, buyers of this deadbolt are getting some serious security and convenience. What else do you get?

One of the features of this product that is very useful here with the Kwikset 909 SmartCode deadbolt is the backlit keypad.

The backlit keypad is a great addition for when you arrive home after dark, and you need a bit of extra light to see what you're doing.

In practical terms, when the keypad lights up, you know its in use.

Once you have installed the deadbolt, it assists greatly in the operation of this product, and its really quite simple.

To unlock your door from the outside, you just enter your custom user code into the keypad, and the one-inch protraction throw bolt will slide open. Custom codes can be between 4 and 8 digits depending on your preference.

To lock your door upon leaving, simply hit the lock button and the deadbolt slides into place.

Easy Entry Instructions

To program your first custom user code, follow these instructions:

• Press the program button on the interior unit once
• Enter a four- to eight-digit code into the keypad
• Press the lock button to save it
• Follow the same instructions for programming the second user code, except press the program button twice

If you plan on going away for a few days, and you need a neighbor or friend to come and feed the cat and water the plants, the Kwikset 909 SmartCode has the ability to program a temporary user code for such instances.

When you return home, just delete the code and its gone.

Keyless Advantages

• If you have ever lost or misplaced your key, you no longer need to worry about that as keyless entry eliminates the need for a key
• If you have an active lifestyle, and you are always coming and going, keyless entry allows you to do that quickly and easily
• If you have a big family, you no longer need to cut several keys in order to give one to each member of your family - everyone can use the same user code or have their own personal code if they wish
• Coming home at night, there's no need to fumble with keys or check that hiding spot in the dark - keyless entry solves these issues
• Being locked out of your home for any reason will never happen again

SmartKey Can Be Re-Keyed In Seconds

As an added bonus, there is a keyed entry which you can still use if you prefer with the Kwikset 909 electronic deadbolt.

Some might say its always good to have an extra key just in case, although the need for a key has effectively been eliminated with this locking system.

If you want to re-key the keyed lock with this deadbolt, it can be done in just seconds. If you need to change over to a different key, its as simple as this:

• Insert the old key
• Turn it clockwise
• Insert the SmartKey tool, and then remove both keys
• Put in your new key
• You're done!

Customer Comments

Here are some of the comments that have been made about the Kwikset 909 SmartCode:

"Many reviews have said the motor drive goes out early. I can happily report my unit is still working fine. The batteries wore out just one time. I highly recommend this dead bolt."

Overall Impressions

The Kwikset 909 SmartCode deadbolt is a high quality product with numerous features at a great price.

The majority of people we think, correctly assess this as a superior deadbolt for both home and business security needs.

As we've mentioned above, there is a lot to appreciate with this deadbolt, and very few flaws. Moreover, it has an affordable price.

All in all, you can't go wrong with the Kwikset 909 SmartCode deadbolt. Highly recommended!

Related Videos for Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt

Related posts on Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt

1. We Review 8 Of The Best Door & Window Sensors
   What is a Deadbolt and How Does it Work?
2. Best Pocket Door Locks - Hardware By Schlage, Kwikset, And More