There’s a unique kind of unease that settles in when you question the integrity of your own front door lock. I remember it vividly after purchasing my first home. The previous owners handed over a jangling ring of keys, with duplicates of unknown origin floating around somewhere in the world. The existing deadbolt felt flimsy, a builder-grade afterthought that had seen better days. Every night, the simple act of turning that lock felt less like securing my home and more like a hopeful gesture. The thought of calling a locksmith to rekey multiple doors was a frustrating, expensive prospect. This is a common story; whether you’re a new homeowner, a landlord managing tenants, or simply looking to upgrade an old, unreliable lock, the challenge is finding a solution that offers genuine security, convenience, and value without breaking the bank or requiring a professional installer.
- KEYED DEADBOLT: Use on doors requiring a high level of security, turn piece interior locking, exterior locking using a key. Recommended for exterior-facing...
- SMARTKEY SECURITY: Kwikset’s SmartKey Security technology protects against advanced break-in techniques and allows you to re-key your lock yourself in...
What to Consider Before Buying a Deadbolt
A deadbolt is more than just a piece of hardware; it’s a key solution for your home’s security and your peace of mind. Unlike a standard spring-bolt lock in a doorknob, a deadbolt’s bolt cannot be pushed back into the door, making it significantly more resistant to forced entry. The primary benefit is a robust physical barrier against intruders, but modern deadbolts also offer incredible convenience features, like the ability to rekey the lock yourself in seconds. This solves the problem of lost keys, tenant turnover, or simply wanting a single key for all your home’s entry points without the cost and hassle of a locksmith.
The ideal customer for a product like this is the DIY-savvy homeowner, the budget-conscious new buyer, or the property manager who needs a reliable, easily manageable security solution. If you’re looking to replace an existing standard deadbolt, upgrade from inferior hardware, or unify the keys for your entire house, this category is for you. However, it might not be suitable for those who require the absolute highest level of commercial-grade security (like a BHMA Grade 1 certification) or those who desire smart-home integration with features like remote unlocking, user codes, or fingerprint access. For those users, a high-end electronic or smart deadbolt would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Security & BHMA Grade: The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) grades locks on security, durability, and finish. Grade 3 is standard for residential use, Grade 2 is better, and Grade 1 is the highest, typically for commercial applications. Look for features like hardened steel bolts, pick resistance, and protection against bumping, a common lock-picking technique.
- Keying & Cylinder Type: A single cylinder deadbolt is keyed on the exterior and has a thumb-turn on the interior. This is the most common type for residential doors. A double cylinder is keyed on both sides, which can be a security risk in emergencies. Consider if you need a lock with rekeying technology, which allows you to change the key without replacing the lock.
- Materials & Durability: The lock’s internal components and exterior housing should be made from durable metals like steel, brass, or zinc. The finish is also crucial, not just for aesthetics but for corrosion resistance. Finishes like satin nickel, polished brass, or matte black should be rated to withstand weather, especially if the door is exposed to the elements.
- Ease of Use & Installation: For most homeowners, a lock that can be installed in under 30 minutes with a single screwdriver is ideal. Check for features like an adjustable latch that fits different backsets (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole) and clear instructions. A smooth key turn and thumb-turn operation are signs of good long-term quality.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock Satin Nickel Single Cylinder stands out in several areas, particularly in keying convenience and ease of installation. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
While the Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock Satin Nickel Single Cylinder is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Smart Deadbolts for Your Home
- KEYED DEADBOLT: Use on doors requiring a high level of security, turn piece interior locking, exterior locking using a key. Recommended for exterior-facing...
- ANYWHERE ACCESS: With built-in WiFi compatibility, you can easily and securely connect your Schlage Encode Deadbolt to your home WiFi network to control...
- Ansi Grade-3 Security Single Cylinder Deadbolt With Decorative Turn-Piece.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find...
First Impressions: Classic Design Meets Modern Innovation
Unboxing the Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock Satin Nickel Single Cylinder, the first thing we noticed was its satisfying heft. Weighing in at a solid pound, it immediately feels more substantial than the cheap, lightweight locks it was destined to replace. The satin nickel finish was flawless and uniform, presenting a clean, contemporary look that complements a wide range of door styles without being overly flashy. The packaging laid out every component clearly: the exterior keyed cylinder, the interior thumb-turn piece, the adjustable latch, a strike plate for the door frame, mounting screws, two keys, and the small but mighty SmartKey tool. Nothing felt cheap or flimsy; the metal components were solid, and the mechanism turned smoothly right out of the box. It has that classic, traditional deadbolt silhouette that feels familiar and trustworthy. What sets it apart is the subtle inclusion of modern features like the SmartKey cylinder slot and the Microban antimicrobial protection, which isn’t visible but adds a layer of modern hygiene—a thoughtful touch in today’s world.
Key Benefits
- Revolutionary SmartKey technology allows you to rekey the lock yourself in seconds.
- Extremely simple and fast DIY installation, requiring only a Phillips screwdriver.
- Features BumpGuard protection against common lock-bumping techniques.
- Classic, attractive design with a durable satin nickel finish protected by Microban.
- Excellent value for a secure, convenient, and well-known brand.
Potential Drawbacks
- BHMA Grade 3 certification is good for residential use but not the highest security rating available.
- Some user reports indicate the finish may tarnish or rust prematurely in high-humidity climates.
- Occasional quality control issues reported, such as missing parts or manufacturing defects in rare cases.
A Comprehensive Breakdown of the Kwikset 660’s Performance
A deadbolt’s true worth is proven not on the shelf, but on the door, day after day. It must be easy to install, simple to operate, and above all, provide reliable security. We put the Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock Satin Nickel Single Cylinder through its paces, focusing on the core promises it makes to the consumer: effortless installation, game-changing rekeying, and dependable, everyday security.
The Five-Minute Installation: A Reality Check
Kwikset claims you can install this lock in minutes with just a screwdriver, and in our experience, this is refreshingly accurate. Replacing an existing deadbolt, the entire process took us just under eight minutes from start to finish. This ease of installation is a massive selling point, and we found it to be completely hassle-free, a sentiment echoed by many users. One reviewer noted, “I’m a woman and this was no hassle for me. The only tool you need is a Phillips screwdriver.”
The process is straightforward. First, you install the latch into the edge of the door. Kwikset thoughtfully designed the latch to be adjustable for either a 2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″ backset, a common point of confusion that they’ve elegantly solved. You simply slide it to the required length. Next, you slide the exterior cylinder piece through the latch, ensuring the tailpiece is oriented correctly. The final step is to place the interior thumb-turn assembly and secure the two long screws that run through the entire lock, sandwiching it onto the door. This is the only part that can be slightly tricky, as you have to align the screws with the exterior housing. We found it helpful to hold the exterior part steady with one hand while starting the screws with the other. One user mentioned struggling for 15 minutes at this stage, but we found that as long as the tailpiece was straight, the screws caught easily. Once tightened, the lock was rock-solid with no wiggle or play. This is a project even the most novice DIYer can tackle with confidence on a Saturday morning.
SmartKey Security: A Game-Changer for Homeowners
This is, without a doubt, the star feature of the Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock Satin Nickel Single Cylinder. The SmartKey Rekey Technology is genuinely revolutionary for its convenience. The old way of rekeying involved either taking the lock to a hardware store, calling an expensive locksmith, or buying a complicated re-pinning kit. SmartKey turns this hour-long, costly chore into a 30-second task. We tested this feature multiple times, and it worked flawlessly every time.
The process is brilliantly simple:
- Insert the key that currently operates the lock and turn it 90 degrees clockwise.
- With the key in this position, insert the included SmartKey tool firmly into the small slot next to the keyway until you feel a click. Then remove the tool.
- Remove the original key.
- Insert your new Kwikset key fully and turn it 180 degrees counter-clockwise back to the starting position.
That’s it. The lock is now rekeyed to the new key, and the old one will no longer work. The practical applications are immense. Just moved into a new house? Rekey all your doors to a single key in minutes. Have a tenant move out? Secure the property instantly. Lost a key? Eliminate the security risk immediately without replacing a single piece of hardware. One user perfectly captured this benefit: “I needed to replace 3 deadbolts and wanted to have one key to operate them all but didn’t want to pay a locksmith to rekey each one. These little deadbolts worked out perfectly.” This feature alone elevates the Kwikset 660 from a standard deadbolt to an indispensable tool for modern home management. For anyone who values this level of control and convenience, the SmartKey feature makes this lock a must-have.
Build Quality and Finish: Aesthetics Meet Durability?
The Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock Satin Nickel Single Cylinder feels robust in operation. The thumb-turn on the inside is ergonomically shaped and moves the deadbolt with a smooth, authoritative action. There is no grinding or catching, just a solid “thunk” as the hardened steel bolt extends into the door frame. The exterior keyway also provides a clean, smooth entry for the key. This lock is BHMA Grade 3 certified, which means it meets residential security standards for withstanding force, picking, and drilling attacks. For the vast majority of homes, this provides a significant and sufficient level of security. Combined with Kwikset’s BumpGuard feature, which uses a patented side-locking bar, it offers solid protection against the most common forms of physical attack.
The aesthetic quality is also high. The satin nickel finish is elegant and resists fingerprints well thanks to the Microban protection, which also inhibits the growth of bacteria on the surface. However, long-term durability of the finish is a valid concern. During our testing in a moderate climate, the finish held up perfectly. But we must consider feedback from users in more demanding environments. One user in Florida noted, “The lock works fine but within the first year the finish began to rust next to the door. I do live in Florida where there is high humidity.” While Kwikset offers a lifetime finish warranty, this is an important consideration for buyers in coastal or very humid regions. The lock’s mechanical integrity is sound, but the cosmetic finish may require more care or be a potential point of failure in harsh climates.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback for the Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock Satin Nickel Single Cylinder is overwhelmingly positive, centering on its two main value propositions: ease of installation and the SmartKey feature. Many users, like the one who installed it in just “5 min,” praise it as a simple, effective upgrade. Another user highlighted its compatibility with smart home accessories, stating it “Works perfectly and smoothly with my August Smart Lock.” This is a key point for those looking to build a smart home ecosystem around a traditional lock core.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most consistent critical point, as we noted, is the long-term durability of the satin nickel finish in humid environments. A second area of concern, though less common, appears to be quality control. We saw a few isolated reports of products arriving with missing parts, such as a latch bolt, or with manufacturing defects like an unthreaded screw hole. One person mentioned receiving a unit that looked “returned and resold.” While our test unit was flawless, these reports suggest it’s wise to inspect all parts upon arrival to ensure your kit is complete and in new condition before beginning installation.
How Does the Kwikset 660 Compare to the Alternatives?
The Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock Satin Nickel Single Cylinder excels in the traditional, mechanical deadbolt space. But how does it stack up against the growing market of smart locks? Here, the choice comes down to your specific needs for convenience, technology, and budget.
1. Yale Assure Lock 2 Smart Door Lock Wi-Fi Keypad Black Suede
- KEY-FREE ACCESS, YOUR WAY: Everyone that needs access can choose their own way to unlock, whether it's the keypad, voice assistant, Auto-Unlock or the Yale...
- NO LOCKSMITH NEEDED: The lock replaces your deadbolt on most standard US entry doors using just a screwdriver; no DIY experience required.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a significant leap into the smart home world. Instead of a key, its primary interface is a sleek touchscreen keypad, with Wi-Fi built-in for remote control via an app. You can lock/unlock your door from anywhere, grant temporary access codes to guests, and see a history of who entered and when. It also includes a physical key as a backup. Someone should choose the Yale Assure Lock 2 if their top priority is remote access and keyless entry. It’s ideal for busy families, vacation rental hosts, or anyone who loves smart home automation and is willing to pay a premium for those advanced features. The Kwikset 660, in contrast, is for the user who wants simplicity, reliability, and no reliance on batteries or Wi-Fi.
2. PHILIPS Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock
- Fingerprint Door Lock: This Philips keyless entry door lock uses a biometric fingerprint scanner with an accuracy rate of up to 99.99%. It takes just 0.3...
- Unlimited One-Time PIN Code: Featuring unlimited one-time PIN code functionality, this digital door lock allow you to generate unique, single-use access...
The PHILIPS Fingerprint lock offers another flavor of keyless convenience, focusing on biometric access. With the ability to store multiple fingerprints, it provides incredibly fast, one-touch entry—no keys to fumble with or codes to remember. It also includes a keypad and a physical key override. This lock is the perfect choice for individuals or families who want the ultimate speed of entry and find fingerprints more convenient than codes. It offers a futuristic feel and robust security features like auto-locking. The Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock Satin Nickel Single Cylinder remains the better option for those who prefer the tactile certainty of a traditional key and a much lower price point, or for doors where a powered lock isn’t practical.
3. Veise Fingerprint Door Lock with Lever Handle
- Advanced Fingerprint Unlock: Identify your fingerprint within 0.3 seconds, and unlocks your door within 1 second with a 99.99% recognition rate
- [4 in 1] Unlock: Fingerprints+Passwords+One-time Codes+Keys to unlock your door lock
The Veise lock is an all-in-one solution that replaces not just your deadbolt but your entire handleset. It combines a fingerprint scanner, a keypad, a physical key, and a door handle into a single, integrated unit. This makes it an excellent choice for a new door installation or a complete hardware overhaul where you want a perfectly matched look. It offers multiple ways to unlock and is geared towards users seeking a full front-door makeover with modern, keyless functionality. However, for those who simply want to upgrade their existing deadbolt while keeping their current doorknob or handle, the Kwikset 660 is a far more direct, simple, and cost-effective solution.
Our Final Verdict: A Smart Choice for Practical Security
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock Satin Nickel Single Cylinder as an outstanding value for the modern homeowner. It masterfully bridges the gap between traditional, reliable security and modern-day convenience. Its standout feature, the SmartKey Rekey Technology, is not a gimmick; it is a genuinely useful innovation that saves time, money, and stress. Paired with a dead-simple installation process that empowers any homeowner to upgrade their own security, it’s a winning combination.
This lock is the perfect solution for new homeowners wanting to establish a single key for their property, landlords managing multiple tenants, or anyone needing a quick and effective security upgrade from flimsy, builder-grade hardware. While it may not have the highest BHMA rating and its finish could be a concern in very humid climates, its overall performance, reliability, and unparalleled convenience make it a top contender in its class. For the price, it’s hard to find a lock that delivers more practical, real-world benefits.
If you’ve decided the Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock Satin Nickel Single Cylinder is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API