How-to

How to Rekey a Kwikset SmartKey Lock (the Right Way)

Updated 2026-05-27. Locksmith School PRO editorial team.

Understanding the Kwikset SmartKey Mechanism

Before you put a tool to the lock, you need to understand what you are working with. The Kwikset SmartKey is a user-rekeyable wafer lock that uses a sidebar and a set of front-facing wafers, rather than the traditional pin-tumbler stack found in most ANSI Grade 1 and Grade 2 hardware. For a locksmith, this system is ubiquitous in residential work because it allows property managers to rekey locks without calling a technician—until they lose the reset tool or jam the mechanism.

The core of the SmartKey system is the "SmartKey" learn function. The cylinder contains a set of wafers that are spring-loaded. When the reset tool is inserted, it retracts the sidebar, allowing the wafers to float freely. When you insert a new key at this stage, the wafers conform to the cuts of that new key. When you rotate the cylinder back to the operating position, the wafers lock into place, and the sidebar engages with the new cuts.

However, this system is not without its failures. In the field, you will often encounter locks where the previous user attempted to rekey the lock while it was still installed in the door, or they forced the key when the mechanism wasn't properly aligned. This can cause the wafers to bind or the sidebar to jam. Understanding the mechanical relationship between the plug, the sidebar, and the wafers is critical for diagnosing these issues without destroying the cylinder. According to the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), understanding the specific geometry of wafer tumbler locks is fundamental for modern residential service (ALOA, aloa.org).

Essential Tools for the Job

Rekeying a SmartKey lock requires minimal tooling compared to a full pin-tumbler rekey, but "minimal" does not mean "none." Showing up to a job site without the correct tools can turn a five-minute service call into a frustrating hour of drilling and replacement. To perform this job professionally, you need the following:

Functioning Current Key: You must have the key that currently operates the lock. Without it, the lock cannot be set to the "learn" position. If the customer has lost all keys, you will likely need to decode the lock or impression a key, which is a different skill set entirely.
New Key(s):strong> The key you wish to switch the lock to. Ensure these keys are cut to the correct Kwikset keyway (KW1). Do not use a key that is worn or bent; it will not set the wafers accurately.

SmartKey Reset Tool: This is the small, rectangular tool (usually cradle-shaped) that comes with the lock. As a professional, you should carry a few of these on your ring, as customers frequently lose them.

Plug Follower (Optional but Recommended):strong> If you need to disassemble the cylinder cap to clear a jam, you will need a plug follower to prevent the springs and wafers from exploding out of the cylinder.

Screwdrivers: A #2 Phillips screwdriver is generally required to remove the cylinder housing from the knob or lever if you are working on the bench.

Step-by-Step: Rekeying a SmartKey Deadbolt

Deadbolts are the most common point of entry for this procedure. They offer easier access to the cylinder than knobs or levers. The process generally takes about 3 to 5 minutes per lock once you have mastered the rhythm.

Prepare the Door: Ensure the door is unlocked and open. You should never attempt to rekey a lock while the door is closed and locked. If you make a mistake and the key no longer works, you do not want to be locked out of the property.

Insert the Functioning Key: Take the key that currently works in the lock. Insert it fully into the keyway.

Rotate to the Learn Position: Turn the key 90 degrees clockwise (to the 3 o'clock position) or counterclockwise, depending on the specific generation of SmartKey. On most standard deadbolts, you rotate it 90 degrees clockwise until it stops. You should feel the plug rotate freely.

Insert the SmartKey Tool: Take the SmartKey reset tool. Insert it fully into the small hole located on the face of the deadbolt cylinder (usually directly above or below the keyway, depending on the orientation). You will feel the tool seat against the learning mechanism.

Remove the Functioning Key: While the SmartKey tool is fully inserted, remove the original key from the lock. The wafers are now floating and the sidebar is retracted. Do not remove the tool yet.

Insert the New Key: Insert your new key into the keyway. Ensure it is pushed in completely until the shoulder of the key sits flush against the face of the lock.

Remove the Tool: Pull the SmartKey tool out of the learning hole. This action allows the sidebar to re-engage and the wafers to capture the cuts of the new key.

Test the Lock: Rotate the new key back to the vertical position (12 o'clock) and remove it. Test the lock by operating the bolt with the new key. Then, test the old key to ensure it no longer operates the lock.

Step-by-Step: Rekeying SmartKey Knobs and Levers

Rekeying a knob or lever follows the same mechanical principles as the deadbolt, but accessing the learning hole can be slightly more constrained due to the Rosette or the handle design. On many Kwikset knobs, the SmartKey hole is located on the shank of the knob, requiring you to look at the side of the knob face rather than the front.

Remove the Cylinder (Optional):strong> If the learning hole is difficult to access due to door trim or tight clearances, it is often faster to remove the cylinder from the knob. This usually involves depressing a small retaining tab on the side of the knob shank and pulling the knob off. Alternatively, you can remove the interior rose plate to access the mounting screws and take the entire lock off the door. Working "on the bench" is always faster and cleaner than working on the door.

Insert Functioning Key: Insert the current working key into the cylinder.

Rotate to Learn Position: Turn the key 45 degrees or 90 degrees. On many knobs, the learn position is 45 degrees. You will feel the plug stop.

Insert Tool: Locate the SmartKey hole. On knobs, this is often a small hole on the front face of the knob. Insert the tool until it bottoms out.

Swap Keys: Remove the old key and insert the new key fully.

Remove Tool and Test: Remove the tool, rotate the key back to the vertical position, and remove it. Test the functionality.

Troubleshooting: When the Cylinder Won’t Reset

There will be times when you insert the tool, but the mechanism feels stiff, or the new key won't turn after the procedure. This is usually caused by a wafer getting stuck in the "shear line" or debris in the cylinder.

If the lock fails to rekey, do not force it. Forcing the key will likely break the fragile plastic sidebar housing, rendering the lock useless. Instead, try resetting the lock back to its factory default or clearing the mechanism. Insert the functioning key, rotate to the learn position, insert the tool, and then remove the tool *before* removing the key. Sometimes, cycling this process without changing keys can loosen jammed wafers.

If the lock is physically jammed, you may need to disassemble the cylinder cap. This requires removing the lock from the door and using a spanner tool or retainer ring pliers to remove the cap. Once the cap is off, you can inspect the wafers. If a wafer is bent or broken, the cylinder must be replaced. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the ability to troubleshoot malfunctions and repair complex mechanical systems is a distinguishing skill for successful locksmiths (BLS, 2024).

Common Mistakes and Liability

While SmartKey is designed for ease of use, professional locksmiths still see specific errors repeatedly. Avoiding these mistakes protects your reputation and ensures the security of your client's property.

Using the Wrong Keyway: You cannot rekey a SmartKey lock to a Schlage key (C keyway) or a Sargent keyway. The new key must be a KW1 keyway. Attempting to insert a different keyway will damage the wafers.

Rekeying a Locked Door: This is the most common amateur mistake. If the lock fails to reset, and the door is closed, you are locked out. Always verify the door is open.

Over-Torquing: The SmartKey mechanism relies on precise alignment. Applying excessive torque when turning the key to the learn position can twist the sidebar or damage the wafer springs.

Ignoring "Bump Key" Vulnerabilities: While the latest generations of SmartKey (SmartKey Security) claim bump resistance, older generations are notoriously susceptible to bumping. If you encounter an older Gen 1 SmartKey lock, advise the customer on the security risks or suggest an upgrade to a higher-security cylinder. This transparency builds trust.

When to Call Someone Else or Replace

Sometimes, rekeying is not the right solution. If the lock shows signs of physical wear, such as a loose cam or a sticky bolt mechanism, rekeying is a waste of the customer's money. The internal components of the lock housing (the tailpiece or the actuator) may be failing.

Furthermore, if the SmartKey mechanism has been "picked" or manipulated previously, the internal sidebar may be sheared off. In these cases, the cylinder will spin freely without engaging the bolt. This is a non-repairable failure for the cylinder; you must replace the SmartKey unit entirely.

Additionally, if you are working on a commercial property that requires high-security cylinders (such as Medeco or Mul-T-Lock), do not attempt to retrofit a SmartKey into a high-security door prep without understanding the fire rating and security implications. Residential hardware like SmartKey rarely meets the stringent fire code requirements of commercial facilities.

Professional Standards and Licensing

Executing a rekey correctly is a technical skill, but operating as a locksmith is a legal responsibility. Regulations regarding who can perform locksmithing work vary significantly by jurisdiction. For example, if you are operating on the East Coast, the requirements are strict. You should review our guide on Locksmith Licensing in New York City: DCWP Walkthrough to understand the depth of compliance required in major metropolitan areas.

Even in areas without strict licensing, maintaining liability insurance and documenting your work is standard practice. When rekeying a SmartKey lock for a new homeowner, provide them with a written record of the key codes used (if available) and a receipt stating that the locks have been rekeyed. This documentation is often required for insurance purposes and proves that the homeowner has taken due diligence in securing their property.

As you expand your skill set beyond mechanical rekeying into electronic access and automotive work, the complexity increases. Moving from a mechanical wafer lock to a transponder system requires a different mindset and toolset. For those interested in the automotive side of the industry, understanding electronics is just as important as understanding mechanics. You can read more about this transition in our article on How to Program a GM VATS Key (Resistor Chip Basics).

Conclusion

The Kwikset SmartKey system is a staple of the residential locksmithing trade. It is fast, efficient, and cost-effective when handled correctly. By respecting the mechanics of the sidebar and wafer interaction, and by avoiding the common pitfalls of forcing the mechanism, you can provide a valuable service to your clients. Whether you are rekeying a single deadbolt or a whole building, the principles remain the same: patience, the right tools, and a commitment to professional standards.

Mastering these fundamental skills is the first step toward a lucrative career. If you are looking to formalize your training and learn advanced techniques, from impressioning to high-security manipulation, check out our Locksmith School PRO training overview. To get started with your professional education today, start the Locksmith School PRO free signup.