Tool Use Tutorial
My Smart Lock Reset Tool Instructions
How to Use My Smart Lock Reset Tool
What is the My SmartKey Reset Tool?
SmartKey® locks are basically residential versions of automotive sidebar locks. In order to reset a SmartKey® lock you have to be able to get the plug to rotate to the 3:00 o’clock position within the shell to slide the Combinating Slider back. Getting the sidebar tumblers to align properly to rotate the plug, is where the My Smart Lock Reset Tool comes into play.
There are many times when Kwikset™ cradles can not properly reset SmartKey® lock cylinders. The My Smart Lock Reset Tool is designed to be an alternative to the Kwikset™ SmartKey® cradles for resetting SmartKey® locks so that they can be rekeyed. This tool will reset all versions of SmartKey® lock cylinders including both the KW1 and SC1 keyways. Keep in mind though, to use the tool carefully to avoid damage (see notes below). If you buy our My Smart Lock Reset Tool kit, it comes with a SmartKey® reset tool and a key ring.
If you have a paid membership to this website, you should start the resetting process by reviewing the Exploring SmartKey® Locks webpage to fully understand how SmartKey® locks function.
SmartKey® Lock Types
There are various configurations of SmartKey® locks including: deadbolts, lever and knob locks. Each lock has its own applications and method of cylinder removal.
Using the My Smart Lock Reset Tool
Process Overview
The basic SmartKey® lock reset procedure starts by removing the lock cylinder from its housing. Then using the My Smart Lock Reset Tool to align all the tumblers so as to create a shearline and drop the sidebar. Rotating the plug to the 3:00 o’clock position. Sliding the Combinating Slider back. Inserting the new key and rotating the plug back to the neutral or 12:00 o’clock position.
This webpage explores resetting a Kwikset™ KW1 keyway SmartKey® lock cylinder often found in many residential and commercial doors. To start the process, we’re going to examine how to remove the SmartKey® lock cylinder from both a deadbolt and knob lock so that it can be reset using My Smart Lock Reset Tool. Next, we’re going to look at how to use the My Smart Lock Reset Tool to reset the lock’s combination. While we’ll be focusing on the KW1 keyway, locks with the SC1 SmartKey® lock cylinders reset in much the same way.
Just remember, that before you can reset a SmartKey® lock you have to be able to access the tumblers.
In the following procedures, it might be helpful for you to use some type of small portable desktop vise. Harbor Freight has an articulated model that would be very handy for this type of procedure.
Removing a Deadbolt SmartKey® Lock Cylinder
The Deadbolt SmartKey® Lock
To reset the SmartKey® cylinder you must remove it from the deadbolt housing. The lock cylinder is held into its housing by a removable “U” shaped black metal clip.
The image to the right depicts a typical SmartKey® deadbolt lock housing and lock cylinder before the cylinder is removed from the housing.
Step 1 – Lift the Lock Retaining Clip
The SmartKey® deadbolt lock cylinder is held into its housing by a “U” shaped black metal Retaining Clip. The clip is held in place by a small metal protrusion molded into the lock housing.
Place a small screwdriver between the Retaining Clip and the metal protrusion. Position the screwdriver so that it lifts the Retaining Clip up allowing it to pass over the metal protrusion.
Step 2 – Slide the Retainer Clip
Once the retaining clip is elevated past the metal protrusion, push the back of one of it’s fingers until a gap is created between the clip and the housing. Push the retainer clip out enough so that you can grab it with your fingers.
Step 3 – Remove the Retaining Clip
Once the retaining clip is elevated past the metal protrusion and slid away from the cylinder, grab the clip with your fingers and set it aside.
Step 4 – Remove the SmartKey® Lock From the Housing
Slide the lock completely out of the housing. Carefully, clamp the housing in your desktop vise so that the tumbler openings on the bottom of the lock are visible, be careful not to tighten the vice so much that it prevents the plug from moving.
Proceed to the Resetting a SmartKey® Lock Cylinder section below.
Removing a Knob Lockset SmartKey® Lock Cylinder
The Knob Lockset SmartKey® Lock
To reset the SmartKey® knob cylinder you must remove it from the lock housing. The lock cylinder is held into its housing by a “U” shaped spring steel metal clip.
The image to the right depicts a typical SmartKey® knob lock housing and lock cylinder before the cylinder is removed from the housing.
Knob Lockset SmartKey® Lock Removal Notes
Cylinder Removal Tool
To remove a Kwikset™ knob lock, you have to compress two small fingers on the back of the housing. This process can be a bit tricky so I recommend that you obtain or make, a Cylinder Removal Tool (pictured to the right).
Note: The following instructions describe the removal process for a cylinder installed in a Kwikset™ knob lockset. If your cylinder is installed in a lever lockset, the process is the same except that you have to unscrew a setscrew located inside the lever. The best option for loosing the set screw is one of our Kwikset™ Allen Wrenches. To get your own Allen Wrench, visit our the Locksmith Tools page in our online store.
Step 1 – Remove the Retaining Clip
Looking at the bottom of the knob lockset SmartKey® housing, insert a small screwdriver, between the housing and the spring steel retaining clip. Slide the clip away from the lock cylinder and set it aside.
Note that once the retaining clip is removed, the lock cylinder could fall out of the housing.
Step 2 – Remove the SmartKey® Lock From the Housing
Once the retainer clip is removed, push the lock cylinder from the back of the housing just far enough so that you can grab it with your fingers.
Slide the lock completely out of the housing. Carefully, clamp the housing in your desktop vise so that the tumbler openings on the bottom of the lock are visible, Be careful not to tighten the vice so much that it prevents the plug from moving.
Proceed to the Resetting a SmartKey® Lock Cylinder section below.
Resetting a SmartKey® Lock Cylinder
The following procedure applies to all SmartKey® lock cylinders. Keep in mind that some lock generations might require that you rotate the lock plug counterclockwise rather than clockwise. When performing the following procedure, do not force things but rather, take your time and be gentle.
Proper Lock Preparation
Because of the SmartKey® lock’s design, it is very susceptible to dirt and contaminates. Kwikset™ uses oil prior to shipping their locks. This oil can attract blowing dirt and cause the lock mechanism to bind.
Proper lock preparation is essential to guarantee resetting success. Thoroughly flush the lock cylinder with CRC QD Electronic Cleaner and spray the lock with CRC Heavy Duty Silicone. I have found that this combination works the best for me.
Step 1 – Insert the My Smart Lock Reset Tool
Looking at the bottom of the SmartKey® lock cylinder, position the My Smart Lock Reset Tool so that its fingers align with the tumblers visible in the openings on the bottom of the cylinder.
Note: I find that by positioning the tool fingers at the back of the tumbler openings (see picture to the right), I can get more travel when I push the tumblers down for proper sidebar alignment.
Step 2 – Resetting the Lock Cylinder
Once the tumblers are all aligned at the same height, you’ll have to turn the plug. I find that the best way to rotate the plug is to use a KW1 key. Using a key keeps the keyway from being deformed by a screwdriver.
Insert a cut or blank KW1 key just slightly into the keyway so that it DOES NOT contact the first tumbler.
Apply turning tension on the key and push the My Smart Lock Reset Tool down so that the tumblers press against their springs. You’ll want to push the tool all the way down until it bottoms out on the lock cylinder. This process should align all the tumbler sidebar gates and allow the sidebar to drop. You may have to reposition the tool a couple of times until the plug finally rotates.
Step 3 – Removing the Tool and Rotating the Plug
Once the tumblers are all aligned, keep turning tension on the key. Slowly, lift the back of the tool as you turn the key. As the tool lifts, the tumblers should bind and eventually the plug will turn.
Again, you may have to repeat the procedure a couple of times after repositioning the tool until the plug rotates.
Step 4 – Rotate the Lock Plug
To allow the Combinating Sleeve to slide back for resetting, you must rotate the plug until the keyway is at the 3:00 o’clock (90°) position. When the plug is in the correct position, a small detent will be felt.
Step 5 – Insert the Kwikset® Reset Tool and Reset the Lock
Insert the Kwikset® Reset Tool (Included in the My Smart Lock Reset Tool kit), into the rectangular opening to the left of the keyway until it stops. Continue to gently push the Combinating Sleeve towards the back of the lock cylinder until it stops.
Note: If the Combinating Sleeve movement seems sticky or gummy, reclean the lock with CRC QD Electronic Cleaner and Heavy Duty Silicone. Failure of the Combinating Sleeve to move smoothly, could affect the final tumbler positions from staying in place.
Step 6 – Rekeying the Lock With a New Key
Insert the new key pattern into the rotated lock plug and rotate it counterclockwise back to the neutral or 12:00 o’clock (0°), position.
Examine the tumbler openings on the bottom of the lock cylinder carefully to make certain that the Combinating Sleeve has fully returned to the forward position. If you see any obstructions to the tumbler openings, re-flush and re-lubricate the lock. Failure of the Combinating Sleeve to return to the forward position will cause problems with the new bitting.
Congratulations!
Your lock is now successfully reset and re-combinated. Reinstall the lock in its housing and return it to the door that it came from.
