Kwikset 99130-002 SmartCode 913 Deadbolt: Complete Guide

Is your front door actually as secure as you think it is, and could a keypad deadbolt finally solve the daily frustration of misplaced keys once and for all? If those questions have been on your mind, this Kwikset SmartCode 913 deadbolt review answers both directly — the short answer is that this lock offers a solid, code-only upgrade without requiring a hub, an app, or any smart home ecosystem to function. You can also browse our full collection of security product reviews if you want to compare it against other top-rated options before making a decision.

The Kwikset 99130-002 SmartCode 913 is a standalone electronic deadbolt that stores up to 30 user codes and operates entirely from its built-in keypad. It doesn't connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave, which keeps it simpler and more affordable than fully connected alternatives — but it also means remote access and activity logs aren't part of the picture. Whether that trade-off works for your home security goals is exactly what this review will help you sort out.

The lock ships in four finish options — Satin Nickel, Venetian Bronze, Polished Brass, and Iron Black — and fits most standard door preparations without extra hardware. Setup takes most homeowners under 30 minutes using only basic tools, making it one of the more approachable DIY smart lock installations available at this price point.

What the SmartCode 913 Gets Right From Day One

Most people shopping for a keypad deadbolt want something that works reliably, installs without drama, and doesn't require a degree in home automation to manage. The SmartCode 913 checks those boxes in ways that matter on a daily basis, and its core feature set reflects a design philosophy focused on practical usability rather than unnecessary complexity.

Core Features Worth Knowing

• Up to 30 user codes — enough for family members, housekeepers, dog walkers, and trusted guests without recycling codes
• Auto-lock feature that re-secures your door automatically after a preset delay, from 30 seconds up to 4 minutes
• Low battery indicator that alerts you with a flashing light before you're ever locked out unexpectedly
• ANSI Grade 3 deadbolt construction, which meets the minimum residential security standard as defined by ANSI/BHMA grading criteria
• One-touch locking from the exterior keypad — press any key and the bolt engages without entering a code
• Interior thumb-turn for manual locking and unlocking, which keeps the lock usable even if the batteries die completely

The keypad itself is backlit, which makes entering codes at night far more comfortable than you might expect from a lock in this price range. The buttons have a satisfying tactile click, and the overall feel of the exterior hardware is solid without being overly heavy.

SmartKey Re-Key Technology

One of the standout features of the SmartCode 913 is Kwikset's SmartKey re-key technology, which allows you to re-key the physical key cylinder yourself in under two minutes using the included SmartKey tool and a new Kwikset key. This matters in practice — if a roommate moves out, a contractor finishes a job, or you simply move into a previously occupied home, you can change who has physical key access without calling a locksmith and without buying a new lock. The four-step process shown in Kwikset's documentation is genuinely as simple as it looks, and it works reliably once you've done it a time or two.

Who Should Install the SmartCode 913 — and Who Should Look Elsewhere

No lock is the right fit for every situation, and the SmartCode 913 is no exception. Understanding where it performs well — and where its design creates real gaps — will save you from buyer's remorse.

Situations Where It Excels

• Households where multiple family members need their own entry codes and everyone is on-site most of the time
• Rental properties where you want to assign and delete tenant codes without replacing hardware between occupants
• Secondary doors — a garage entry, a basement door, a back patio access — where you want keyless convenience at a lower cost than a premium connected lock
• Homeowners who are uncomfortable with app-dependent security systems and prefer hardware that works independently of your internet connection or phone battery
• Anyone replacing an older mechanical deadbolt who wants a meaningful upgrade without committing to a full smart home platform

When a Different Lock Makes More Sense

If you need to check whether your door is locked from across town, grant temporary access to a delivery driver remotely, or receive a notification every time someone enters, the SmartCode 913 will frustrate you because it simply doesn't have those capabilities. You'd want to look at Z-Wave or Wi-Fi enabled locks instead. Similarly, if your door doesn't have a standard 2-1/8-inch bore hole or your frame isn't reinforced for a deadbolt, you'll need to address those physical factors regardless of which lock you choose. For a broader look at how electronic deadbolts compare at various price and feature levels, the guide to best electronic keyless deadbolts is a useful starting point.

How the SmartCode 913 Compares to Similar Keypad Deadbolts

Side-by-Side Breakdown

Where Kwikset Fits in the Market

Compared to its sibling the Kwikset SmartCode 909, the 913 adds the SmartKey re-key capability and an additional finish option, which explains the slight price difference between the two. Against Schlage's BE365, the 913 trades a higher ANSI grade rating for a lower price point and the convenience of self-re-keying. Neither brand is definitively better — Schlage is generally considered the stronger physical lock, while Kwikset offers more user-friendly flexibility. Your priorities will determine which trade-off sits better with you.

Pro tip: If you're comparing keypad deadbolts at similar price points, check the ANSI grade first — Grade 2 locks resist forced entry significantly better than Grade 3 and are worth the modest price difference on a primary entry door.

The Real Cost of Owning the SmartCode 913

Upfront Purchase Price

The SmartCode 913 retails between $55 and $75 depending on the finish you choose and where you purchase it, with Venetian Bronze and Iron Black typically running a few dollars more than the Satin Nickel version. You'll find it at most major home improvement retailers as well as online. The package includes the lock itself, the interior assembly, a strike plate, mounting hardware, two physical keys, and the SmartKey re-key tool — everything you need for a complete installation.

Ongoing Costs to Keep in Mind

• Four AA batteries power the lock and typically last 12–18 months under normal use — budget roughly $5–$8 per replacement cycle
• If you ever lose your SmartKey re-key tool, replacement tools are available separately for around $5–$10
• There are no subscription fees, no cloud service costs, and no app purchases associated with this lock
• If your door's strike plate is original builder-grade hardware, upgrading to a reinforced strike plate with 3-inch screws adds perhaps $10–$15 but meaningfully improves your door's resistance to kick-in attacks

Over a three-to-five-year ownership period, the total cost of ownership for the SmartCode 913 remains very low compared to connected smart locks that may require paid cloud storage, app subscriptions, or periodic hub updates. For budget-conscious homeowners, that simplicity is a genuine selling point rather than just a consolation for missing features.

What You Need to Install and Program the SmartCode 913

Installation Requirements

Your door needs a standard 2-1/8-inch bore hole and a door thickness between 1-3/8 and 2 inches — most interior and exterior residential doors fall within that range. You'll also need a properly aligned strike plate pocket in your door frame. The tools required for installation are minimal:

• Phillips head screwdriver (a cordless drill with a screwdriver bit speeds things up)
• Tape measure to verify backset — the SmartCode 913 accommodates both 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets
• Flathead screwdriver for the battery compartment cover

No drilling or cutting is required on a door that already has a deadbolt installed, which is what makes this such an approachable DIY project for most homeowners.

Programming Your Access Codes

Programming begins with setting a master code — a 4-to-8-digit code that grants you access to the lock's programming menu. From there, adding or deleting individual user codes takes only a few keypad presses, and the process is explained clearly in the included instructions. A few practical programming tips worth following from the start:

• Choose a master code that you'll remember but that isn't an obvious sequence like your house number or birthday
• Assign separate codes to each family member rather than sharing one code — this lets you delete individual access when needed without affecting everyone else
• Delete guest or contractor codes immediately after they're no longer needed, rather than waiting and forgetting
• Test each code from outside with the door open before closing and relying on it

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the SmartCode 913 be used without batteries if they die?

Yes — the interior thumb-turn operates mechanically and doesn't depend on battery power, so you can always unlock the door from inside regardless of battery status. From the outside, the keypad requires battery power, but the lock's low-battery warning gives you advance notice before you're ever stranded at your own door.

Does the SmartCode 913 work with Amazon Alexa or Google Home?

No. The 913 is a standalone keypad lock with no wireless connectivity, so it doesn't integrate with any voice assistant, smart home hub, or smartphone app. If you need app control or voice commands, you'd want to look at Kwikset's SmartCode 916 or 888 models, which include Z-Wave capability.

How many digits can a user code be?

User codes can be between 4 and 8 digits long. Longer codes offer better security against someone guessing or observing your combination, and 6-digit codes are generally a practical balance between security and convenience for daily use.

Is the SmartCode 913 weatherproof enough for exterior use?

The lock is rated for exterior residential use and handles typical weather conditions — rain, temperature swings, and normal humidity — without issues. Extremely humid coastal environments or very cold climates may affect battery life somewhat, but the hardware itself holds up well under standard exterior conditions.

Final Thoughts

The Kwikset SmartCode 913 is a straightforward, dependable keypad deadbolt that earns its place on secondary doors and budget-conscious primary entries where offline simplicity is a feature rather than a limitation — and if this review has helped you weigh the trade-offs clearly, the next step is to check current pricing on your preferred finish, then pick up a reinforced strike plate kit while you're at it to make the most of the upgrade. If you're still undecided or want to see how it stacks up against a wider field, browsing our full reviews section will give you the context you need to choose with confidence.