Kwikset®, a Black & Decker® company, has been a leader in the lockset industry for 60 years. Kwikset manufactures and markets several full lines of door hardware, including handlesets, knobs, levers, deadbolts, and pocket door accessories, for residential and light commercial markets.

Kwikset is part of The Black & Decker Corporation Hardware and Home Improvement Group, headquartered in Lake Forest, California.

Founded in 1946, Kwikset markets products under the Kwikset UltraMax® Signatures, Kwikset Maximum Security® and Kwikset Security® brand names. The Kwikset Powerbolt® 1000, introduced in 2004, is the only keyless electronic touchpad deadbolt on the market. In 2005, the first reversible lever from Kwikset, the Tustin Lever was introduced and the Kwikset K-Keyway became available with prestigious Baldwin handlesets. The Kwikset K-Keyway allows for single key entry and matching design throughout the home when using a Baldwin handleset on the front door and Kwikset in the rest of the home. 

In early 2006, Kwikset, along with Price Pfister, will launch the new Architecturally Inspired Collections™. The Avalon and Ashfield families are first two lines that will consist of coordinating newly designed faucets, shower heads, bathroom accessories, and door hardware with complimentary styles and distinctive matching finishes.

Grade 1 Security. In 2001, Kwikset introduced Grade 1 security deadbolts under the Kwikset UltraMax Signatures brand. ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Security is the highest level of residential security. Designed for the residential lockset market, the Grade 1 offering provides superior resistance against forcible entry. Extensive testing for strength and durability for this product line includes sledge hammer attacks, yank testing, and ten-minute lock-pick assaults.

Easy Installation. Kwikset developed a tubular lock design in the 1940s, which made installation quicker and easier. The company owes its name to this innovative design. Kwik-Install® was introduced in 2002 and speeds installation time and eliminates dings and scratches.

The K-Key Design. Kwikset introduced its distinctive “K-Key” design in 1958. The K-Keyway cylinder has recently been offered with Baldwin handlesets as well.

Finishes. Kwikset developed a revolutionary new polymer coating for the brass and bronze finishes on its locksets. Kwikset offers a wide array of finishes including: Lifetime Brass, Polished Brass, Antique Brass, Venetian Bronze™, Satin Nickel, Antique Nickel, Polished Chrome and Satin Chrome.

The Kwikset business was founded in 1946 by Adolf Schoepe and Karl Reinhard, who revolutionized the residential lock industry by designing a tubular lock. By 1957, Kwikset was the leading manufacturer of residential locksets, and, in 1958, became a subsidiary of The American Hardware Corporation of New Britain, CT, a leader in the commercial and industrial lockset industry.

In 1964, The American Hardware Corporation merged with Emhart Manufacturing Company, and Kwikset began to expand its manufacturing facilities. Black & Decker purchased Emhart Corporation in 1989. Since that time, Kwikset has added new brands to its portfolio and has become the market leader in opening price-point locksets for residential construction.