Kwikset Home Connect - coming soon

October 28th, 2009
Kwikset SmartCode with Home Connect Technology
Kwikset SmartCode with Home Connect Technology

Innovative Wireless Remote Access Product Allows
Homeowners to Control and Monitor Doors from Virtually Anywhere

Kwikset®, an innovation leader in the residential door hardware industry, today at CEDIA 2009, announced the upcoming availability of its highly-anticipated remote access control solution – SmartCode® with Home Connect™ Technology. These one-of-a-kind keyless entry electronic locks, developed for interoperability with home automation and security systems, can communicate wirelessly with other devices in the home and deliver a variety of access control options for the utmost in residential security. The lock will also allow you to check door lock status, automatically arm and disarm your security system, and initiate customized scenes upon entrance and exit. The lock offers true remote locking and unlocking features due to its motorized deadbolt allowing homeowners to monitor and control their locks using either a Web-enabled device or their home automation system.
Lock the Door From Virtually Anywhere
Unlike any other product available today, Kwikset’s SmartCode with Home Connect Technology has a motorized deadbolt, enabling homeowners to lock or unlock doors via remote control, cell phone, security system touch panel and/or a secure Internet connection. This is an advancement over competitive offerings that still require a person to manually turn the bolt to lock or unlock the door.
“Other products can tell you whether or not your door is locked or not, but unless a friend or neighbor is standing on your welcome mat, the deadbolt cannot be locked or
unlocked,” said Dave Albert, vice president of business development, Black and Decker Hardware and Home Improvement. “This extraordinary innovation differentiates SmartCode with Home Connect Technology in the marketplace and gives consumers the convenience they are looking for. Now if you forget to lock your door and you’re already twenty miles away at work, you don’t have to call a neighbor or friend to come lock your door – you can do it yourself just with the push of a button, or the click of a mouse.”

Customized Security and Convenience
Kwikset’s highly-anticipated SmartCode with Home Connect Technology features two- way functionality – the door lock can directly and wirelessly control the home security and automation systems, and vice versa. Homeowners use up to 30 customizable codes that can arm the home security system when the door is locked and disarm the system when the door is unlocked. Likewise, home automation systems can be configured to automatically set home lighting, music and climate controls based on the code used, or the specific resident entering the home.

 

Smart Code Deadbolts with Home Connect

Smart Code Deadbolts with Home Connect

Installation is simple as the Kwikset SmartCode with Home Connect Technology simply replaces any existing deadbolt and operates on four AA batteries, thus eliminating the need for hardwiring. The lock even has the ability to accept automatic software updates, and all wireless communication between devices remains secure by utilizing 128 bit encryption.

Revolutionary SmartKey® Technology is Built-In
Kwikset’s SmartCode with Home Connect features the revolutionary SmartKey
technology with BumpGuard™ protection as the back-up keyway. First introduced in 2007, SmartKey is the first affordable residential lock that allows homeowners to quickly and easily re-key their lock(s) themselves in a matter of seconds and without removal from the door, for improved access control and home security.

“Smart Key” Technology

August 5th, 2009

Kwikset and Weiser locks are now sporting “Smart Key” technology. This innovative new design makes locks more secure and easier to key.

Traditional lock cylinders utilize a variated spring loaded pin design where each pins length corresponds to the “cuts” on a key. Larger cuts on a key accommodate longer internal  pins and shorter ones to shorter pins, with the pins each being spring loaded. This traditional cylinder design is utilized by Baldwin, Schlage, Weslock, Emtek, Nostalgic Warehouse, Omnia and many others.

Burglars have found a way to exploit this design by “bumping” the lock to gain entry. A specially cut key is inserted into the cylinder and the key is systematically “bumped” (lightly struck by a small blunt instrument like a screwdriver) causing the pins to retract against the springs and allowing the key to turn in the lock and open the door. Demonstration videos of this technique populate the web. Kwikset and Wesier Smart Key defeats bumping making their locks safer than others. All Kwikset and soon all Weiser locks offered at www.DoorKnobDiscountCenter.com come with the new safe technology.

Door Hardware for French Doors or Double Doors

August 5th, 2009

French doors or double doors present a unique door hardware predicament. The exact hardware combination depends on the mechanism you intend to employ to keep the doors in the closed position. Closets with light-weight doors are controlled by ball catches installed in the top of the door with a strike inserted into the opening’s header. The ball is spring loaded to release up into the header strike and “wedge” the door in the closed position. For doors like these, use dummy knobsets or leversets. Dummy door knobs and leversets are simply surface mounted much like an oversized Schaub cabinet knob. It has no operational function (no latch), it doesn’t turn, and its purpose is simply a handhold used to move the door  open and closed.

For doors that require functioning hardware, choose first which side of the door you plan to designate as the “active door”; then choose the required function for your use (passage/privacy/keyed entry). The other door is considered the “inactive door” which is the one that remains closed (at least most of the time) and is locked in place by flush or surface bolts. The inactive door is supplied with dummy hardware installed on both sides of the door. Some brands like Baldwin, Omnia, Emtek Nostalgic Warehouse and Grandeur offer dummy pairs while Schlage, Kwikset, Weiser, Weslock and Dexter offer single dummies so two are purchased, one for each side of the door.

Stainless Steel Door Knobs & Door Levers

May 11th, 2009

Stainless Steel is becoming more popular each year in the door hardware industry. Omnia, Baldwin, and Emtek each have exquisite models for your review. Most Stainless Steel products are sleek door levers but do check out the door knob designs as well.

 

Stainless Steel is an alloy of steel and chromium. There is a wide range of stainless steel alloys, some have a low quantity of chromium and will rust because of the higher steel content. A magnet will not adhere to the higher grades which do not rust. Some companies will plate stainless steel on top of the base material and imply that it is a solid stainless product. This product is only as good as the plating process. A magnet test will not work if the base material is brass or zinc. An unusually low price would be an indication of this type of product. Another copy-cat stainless steel product uses a brushed nickel plate on a base material. The color of the finish will be different and, because nickel needs a protective lacquer coat to prevent tarnishing, this would also be an indication that it is not stainless.

Kwikset now has Designer Roses for Door Levers.

January 28th, 2009

DoorKnobDiscountCenter.com now carries Kwikset’s new Designer Rose Backplates.

Kwikset Oval Rose w/ Lever
Kwikset Oval Rose w/Lever
Kwikset Arch Rose w/Lever
Kwikset Arch Rose w/Lever

The Designer Roses easily install on any Kwikset Signature Series reversible door lever chassis.

Designer Roses are sold separately as an accessory or configured and packed with a door lever. Please visit our web site today to purchase these Designer Roses.

What is the difference between a double cylinder and a single cylinder deadbolt?

January 13th, 2009
Single Cylinder Deadbolt

Single Cylinder Deadbolt

This is a common question that has some significant issues you will want to consider before purchasing a Dead Bolt. The most common dead bolt in use is the single cylinder dead bolt where a key is required to unlock the door from outside but a simple thumb-turn is used to unlock the door from inside.

 

Double Cylinder Deadbolt

Double Cylinder Deadbolt

 

A double cylinder dead bolt requires a key to unlock from outside or inside the house. Double cylinder dead bolts are considered more secure in doors with glass or doors with glass sidelights. It is meant to deter a burglar who might break the glass and reach inside to unlock the door. However, you will want to check your state building codes because double cylinder locks are a violation in some states due to the possible hindrance to escape in a hurry. During a fire, a person may become disoriented and blinded by smoke, becoming trapped behind their own door when they can not find the key to unlock it. Certainly an important issue to consider when choosing your deadbolt. Schlage’s newer handlesets don’t offer double cylinder as a choice, while many brands like Baldwin, Nostalgic Warehouse, Kwikset and Weslock offer fewer models or stock less of them. Safety Tip: If you have a Double Cylinder Dead Bolt, hang a key next to or above the door out of reach of the glass opening. Be sure everyone in the house knows where it is in case of emergency. Having a copy made with a red colored blank or red paint the top of the key, will make it more visible. Removing it when you have strangers or service people in the house is also a safe practice.

What is Door Lever or Knob Handing?

January 10th, 2009

Many people find door handing to be confusing. The key is to forget about which hand you use to open the door. Handing is determined by the Hinges. Follow these simple handing instructions and you won’t go wrong.

Many door lever sets require you to determine whether the door is a Right-Hand or Left-Hand door (most knobs do not require handing)

   
  Inside(room or house)
   
 

Inside

  HandTop
       
 

Left Hand Door

 
  Outside(room or house)  
  HandBot
       
  Right Hand Door  
 

Outside

  1. Simply stand Outside the Room or House facing the door. (it does not matter if the door swings in or out)
  2. If the Hinges are on the Right, it is a Right-Hand Door and you would choose the Right Hand option when ordering door levers.
  3. If the Hinges are on the Left, it is a Left-Hand Door and you would choose the Left Hand option when ordering door levers.
  • Handlesets Note - Even though the lever is on the inside of the house, you still stand Outside the house to determine proper handing.
  • Inside Garage Door Note - For the door that connects from your garage to your living space, you would stand in the Garage facing the house to determine proper handing.

Rose vs. Backplate?

December 31st, 2008

The rose is the decorative metal plate that covers the “bore” or hole in the face of a door that accommodates the door knob or door lever latch.

Rosette Style Examples

Rosette Style Examples

Roses, or Rosettes, are typically 2-5/8″ round and are the shape of door hardware due to the round hole in the door it is meant to conceal.

Back Plate Example

Back Plate Example

However, some styles employ a more elaborate design, typically rectangular in shape and measuring 2-5/8″ wide by 7″ or 8″ in height. This style is known as a Backplate, though Emtek, a manufacturer of historical reproductions, calls them “Sideplates”. Due to their size, backplates offer many unique design elements that enhance the door knob or door lever appeal. Nostalgic Warehouse, a Denver manufacturer boasting true reproduction hardware, (right down to the skeleton key!), offers six different designs in the most popular finishes like satin nickel and oil rub bronze. They utilize separate spindle and knob design, just like your grandmother use to have, and will fit any modern door as well as old doors without the large 2-1/8″ face bore. The backplate is becoming so popular that many leading manufacturers are now offering them including Baldwin door knobs and Kwikset door knobs

What is Schlage LiNK? (product available soon)

December 29th, 2008

Access to home. Access to freedom.

In many ways, Schlage LiNK is like our other keypad door locks. It uses proven Schlage construction derived from a rich heritage in commercial security.  But there’s another side to Schlage LiNK — one that brings you a whole new level of freedom.

Schlage LiNK allows you to remotely monitor your doors and grant entry to your home. From any computer or cell phone with an internet connection, you can unlock your door, monitor who’s coming and going, and even receive text message alerts from the system.

What’s more, because Schlage LiNK door locks provides fully encrypted communication between the lock and the user (similar to the security used in on-line banking) your access and online information is safe and secure.

Uses Throughout Your Home

Installation, setup  and everyday usage of the Schlage LiNK system makes home security easy for today’s busy families. In these short videos, the Joneses and the Hills show you how:

Baldwin Brass Door Knobs, Door Levers & Door Harware

December 28th, 2008

Baldwin has built it’s name and reputation through our dedication to detail and craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for Baldwin Door Knobs, Door Levers, Handle Sets, Deadbolts, Hinges or Accessories, when you compare quality and value, you’ll find nothing compares to Baldwin Brass. A wide selection of accessories in matching finishes. Along with our signature polished brass doorknobs, Baldwin offers finishes such as chrome, satin nickel, antique nickel and Venetian bronze. Now, you can echo the finish of your bathroom towel bar or your kitchen cabinet hardware in your locks, switch plates, candlesticks and accent lamps. Architecturally appropriate – It’s easy to find the perfect hardware and accessories for your home. Help is available from leading designers and home industry experts at Baldwin’s Architectural Style Make a splash in your bath. The Estate Bath Collection is an inspired premium assortment of elegant accessories including coordinated towel bars, hooks, vanity items, shelves, holders, switch plates and cabinet hardware. Baldwin Brass is recognized as the premier manufacturer of solid brass lock sets, gift accessories, holiday ornaments, lighting, fine bath products and decorative hardware for the home and office.

Coordinated hardware
Coordinate your bathroom towel bar with your switch plates. Or, your kitchen cabinet hardware with your locksets. Baldwin has everything from outdoor lighting to home accents and hinges. All in coordinated styles and finishes that express your style and taste. Grade 1 ANSI-rated locks – Baldwin has been awarded a Grade 1 Rating from ANSI. This means this national ratings bureau has determined that Baldwin locks provide the maximum level of security for your lock set deadbolt.

Hand finishing
All pieces are polished and finished by hand. This process makes your Baldwin brass hardware a timeless heirloom that will be treasured for generations to come.

Lifetime Finish™
Baldwin developed this proprietary finishing technique in order to guarantee that our unique exterior finishes will, for the life of the product, remain free of pitting, erosion and other tolls that weather can take. Independent tests have proven that the Baldwin finish lasts 8 times longer than leading national brands. We will provide a free replacement in the unlikely event your Lifetime Finish™ should lose its luster or its tone.

Lifetime mechanical guarantee
You can buy with confidence. We guarantee that your Baldwin lock will be free of mechanical defects or we will repair or replace the lock for as long as you own it. 17 décor finishes – Our finishes are researched for historical accuracy and design trends. Baldwin works with America’s leading designers, architects and historians to ensure that each piece is faithful to the style and spirit of your home.

Solid brass core
Baldwin handles and knobs are solid brass. No hollow cores, No fillers and No shortcuts. You can feel the difference, even hear the difference. Baldwin is solid brass. No hollow cores like others. Traditional European forging – For more than 50 years, Baldwin’s hot forging process has been the industry standard. Today, our continuing commitment to the technique endures as Baldwin defines itself with “Timeless Craftsmanship.™”

Now, Baldwin Estate Locksets are UL-Listed for use in high rises. That means, Baldwin front door hardware may now be specified for high rise condos, co-ops and apartments. You’ll never regret you chose Baldwin. Your Baldwin Brass hardware will greet visitors to your home with elegance for many years. Speaking quietly, confidently that you’ve chosen quality.