LAKE FOREST, CA (March 08, 2010) – Kwikset®, an innovation leader in the residential door hardware industry, today announced the expansion of its keyless, touchpad, electronic lock product offering with the introduction of the SmartCode™ Lever. Designed with a sleek style to complement your home’s interior, you can lock your home office, wine cellar, storage room, or any other entryway and never again have to worry about carrying a key.

To gain entry, simply input your personalized code. Locking is even easier, with the simple touch of one button. SmartCode also is easy to install, program and use, and operates on four AA batteries so there is no hard wiring required. It also features SmartKey™ re-key technology with BumpGuard™ protection as the back-up keyed entry system. SmartKey is the first affordable re-keyable lock available to the homeowner. It allows homeowners to re-key their lock anytime in a matter of seconds without removal from the door for improved security and the ultimate in convenience.

“Now homeowners can achieve greater total home security, convenience and design consistency with the high-security SmartCode Deadbolt for the front door, and the SmartCode Lever for the door from the garage to the home, the home office, and other traditional knob or lever internal entryways,” said Krista Weigand, product manager, Residential Access Solutions, Black & Decker Security Hardware Division. 

Just like Kwikset’s SmartCode Deadbolt, SmartCode Levers allow homeowners to create unique codes for each individual requiring access to the room or home. “They can create temporary codes for the housekeeper or other visitors in the morning before leaving for work, and then disable those codes in the evening, making unauthorized access by temporary users virtually impossible. 

SmartCode Levers fit all standard door preps without requiring new screw holes. Available in three finishes, Satin Nickel, Venetian Bronze and Polished Brass, the SmartCode’s brightly-lit keypad also provides convenient access in low-light. The SmartCode Lever provides additional convenience and security via an automatic door locking feature with 30-second delay that can be activated or deactivated at the homeowner’s discretion. Kwikset provides a lifetime warranty on the mechanics and finish of the lock and there is a one year electronic warranty. 

About Home Connect™ Technology
The SmartCode Lever introduction comes just two months after CES 2010, where the Kwikset SmartCode Lever with Home Connect Technology was previewed for the first time to the public. The Home Connect Technology product differs in that it is a wireless, ZigBee or Z-Wave enabled lock that can be locked or unlocked remotely via cell phone or the Internet from virtually anywhere, without any human interaction.

About SmartKey 
All SmartCode products come with SmartKey re-key technology built-in as the back-up keyway. SmartKey re-key technology features a patented side-locking bar, central to the locks’ ability to be rapidly and easily re-keyed. This stainless steel sidelocking bar also replaces the traditional pin and tumbler design that is particularly vulnerable to increasingly popular lock-bumping attacks. Additionally, the cylinder uses two steel balls inserted into the front of the key face to provide improved drill resistance. Delivering outstanding strength and protection, SmartKey deadbolts have passed the most stringent lock picking standard, UL 437, par. 11.6 and offer ANSI/BHMA certified Grade 1 security. Grade 1 security is the highest level of tested residential security available in the industry.

Based on performance and features, SmartKey deadbolts earned the prestigious Best Buy rating from Consumers Digest Magazine in the residential deadbolt lock category in February 2010. 

About Kwikset
For more than 60 years, Kwikset, manufacturer of America’s most trusted name in security has provided peace of mind for millions of families. For additional information on Kwikset products, visit www.kwikset.com, or call 1-800-327-LOCK.

Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement (BDHHI) Group is a division of Black & Decker, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of power tools, power tool accessories and security hardware. Today, the BDHHI Group includes some of the most recognizable hardware and home improvement brands in the world including Baldwin®, Kwikset, Weiser®, Price Pfister® and K2™ Commercial Hardware by Black & Decker.