Kwikset
Kwikset is a lock and lockset manufacturer owned by Spectrum Brands Hardware and Home Improvement Group (HHI), a Division of Spectrum Brands. Kwikset was founded in 1946 by Adolf Schoepe and Karl Rhinehart. The name was derived from the company's first locks, which pioneered the then-revolutionary tubular lock design, which were relatively fast to install. Kwikset key blanks (KW1 or Axxess #66) are available at almost every location where keys can be made.
Kwikset currently has manufacturing facilities in Denison, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Mexicali, Mexico. Kwikset also has a facility in China. Kwikset previously had manufacturing facilities in Anaheim, California; Bristow, Oklahoma, and Waynesboro, Georgia, but starting in 1996, these facilities were closed in a consolidation of operations to the Mexicali facility. Kwikset's Corporate headquarters is in Lake Forest, California.
In 1992 Kwikset introduced its higher-quality, high-security Titan product line. About 2005 the line was rebranded as the "Signature Series".
In 1957 the American Hardware Corporation (AHC) purchased Kwikset. AHC in 1964 merged with Emhart Manufacturing Corporation, which was purchased by Black & Decker in 1989. In 2010 Black & Decker was purchased by Stanley Tools. Kwikset is part of the Hardware and Home Improvement Group of Stanley Black & Decker, which also owns lockset manufacturers Weiser and Baldwin. Kwikset locks have now evolved to include many Weiser features, and Weiser locks now use Kwikset's "SmartKey" self-rekeyable lock technology and Kwikset keyways.
On October 9, 2012, the Wall Street Journal reported that Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. had agreed to acquire from Stanley Black & Decker the Hardware and Home Improvement Group, including Kwikset, with the transaction likely to close by December 31, 2012.
Recent products
Kevo: A Bluetooth®-enabled smart lock, Kevo has an interface design and does not require a traditional key to open a door. Compatible with iPhone 4s and higher, the Kevo mobile app permits the Bluetooth deadbolt to open at the touch of a finger.
To install, a user needs a Phillips head screwdriver and four AA batteries (included with Kevo). Users can log in to the Apple App store via a compatible device, and download the free Kevo app, once Kevo has been installed. The Kevo app will supply users with a history of lock activity, and can send, transfer, and disable electronic keys (eKeys). If a user is without a smartphone, they can use the Kevo Fob (supplied with the purchase of Kevo).
SmartKey: Made with optimal drill resistance, certified ANSI grading, BumpGuard™ protection, and superior pick-resistance, SmartKey re-key technology is a home security option for individuals, families, residences, and commercial properties.