Amazon Key - Now Operable With Multiple Brands Of Hardware

We have previously written articles about the Amazon Key service and various products included therein.

See Amazon Key

Many homeowners are choosing to allow Amazon access to their private dwellings, to enable more secure delivery of products ordered through the Amazon marketplace.

We previously discussed the failings of this endeavor, including our opinions that having and using this service, reduces any security of your home or office. While using the camera, can be advantageous in identifying the delivery person and whomever entering your premises, do you really want almost anyone enjoying unfettered access to your private abode?

Also, subscribing to this service involves monthly access fees for connecting cameras and door locks to the Amazon Cloud. You can opt to not pay a monthly access fee, but images are stored only for 24 hours.

According to the website (in the source below), Amazon Key products need to be a single cylinder deadbolt (electronic) and separate from the operating handle hardware.

Amazon suggest on their website that to be able to use and operate the Amazon Key system, a would be user must use the product on a door that is 1-3/8" - 2" thick, be only a deadbolt (electronic) and separate from the handle hardware. You cannot use the service with French (double) doors, Rim (surface mounted) locks or mortise locksets.

The lock compatibility diagram above is a little misleading because it shows the deadbolt with a lockable lever handle lock. That scenario means that you must leave your handle lock unlocked, when allowing the Amazon Key service to operate. Will you remember to leave the handle unlocked?

The most suitable option here, would be to change your operating handle from a lockable version to a passage version, to ensure the handle remains unlocked and not lockable.

Amazon are suggesting that the Amazon Key program be operated using one of the following types of locks.

Kwikset Smartcode 916

Kwikset Obsidian

Kwikset Smartcode 914

Yale Assure 216

Yale Assure 226

Yale Assure 256

Each of the models above must be the Amazon Key edition of those locks.

To convert your existing deadbolt lock to a compatible Amazon Key serviceable lock, you would first require to already be using a Kwikset brand deadbolt on your door. And use the Kwikset Convert kit installed in place of your existing turn button. The Kwikset Convert kit is Amazon's version of the popular August Lock and similar to the Lockitron product.

Apparently, the Amazon Key service is also designed to operate with the Alexa Smart Home Speaker, which allows you to voice control your connected devices.

The Kwikset SmartKey system is well know across the market for it's shortcomings and problems. Our most popular post Kwikset Smartkey Problems has gone viral, chalking up over 100,000 views to date and is lately averaging 97 views a day.

Not mentioned in almost every article we read online, is the troubleshooting issues including but not limited to weathering, battery failure, house movement/building construction issues and improper door alignment issues that affect continued operation of electronic operated deadbolt locks.

As door repairers and locksmith technicians, we specialize in repairing and adjusting a great many doors around our geographic region. Most common, is the occurrence of door alignment, where the door will move and the lock does not line up with the strike plate. While repairing this issue is often straightforward, the inconvenience to the consumer, by being unable to lock their doors becomes a recurring nightmare. Many of our customers, who purchase battery powered door locks will often replace the batteries about two or three times before deciding that the added cost and inconvenience becomes too much of a chore, especially when they can not be confident and assured that their door is actually secure. They will most often revert to mechanically locking the deadbolt with their mechanical key, ensuring they "know" their door is secure.

It seems like a great idea to enjoy the experience of keyless and wireless operating door locks, except for the long term implications of poorly fitted doors and insufficient manufacturing quality of hardware aimed at securing our homes, families and lives.