Learning how to install a new door lock is important.
Especially if you value your home.
Here’s the deal though, keys get lost.
Whether it’s your kid, husband or tenants…keys ALWAYS get lost.
I recently fell in love with Kwikset’s Kevo smart lock.
You’ll see why in today’s tutorial.
Why Kwikset
I’ve been using Kwikset door locks for 14 years.
Our first house got one.
Plus I use Kwikset door locks for my rental homes, too.
They’re easy to install and have never let me down.
When Kwikset approached me to do a sponsored tutorial it was a no brainer.
They provided me with some dinero but all the grunt work and opinions are mine 🙂
(Btw, sponsored posts help keep the lights on if you get what I’m saying)
The Kevo smart lock is very similar to other deadbolts.
But why is it better than a standard door lock?
It turns your smart phone into a key.
This is totally awesome.
No more worrying about keys.
Here’s how it works:
Have your smart phone in your pocket or purse then touch the Kevo.
The Kevo smart lock then opens.
Yah, that’s wicked cool.
Okay, before we dive into the tutorial you need these supplies
- Utility Knife
- Drill or
- Impact Driver
- Drill Driver Set
- Measuring Tape
- Kevo Smart Lock
- Screwdriver
- These Amazon Links help support Home Repair Tutor, many thanks for using them
Let’s do this installation step-by-step.
Step 1: Remove Old Deadbolt
Often times the old deadbolt is painted.
Score it with a utility knife.
That way, when you pull the old deadbolt it won’t ruin your door’s paint.
Which would stink big time.
Two bolts hold the old deadbolt together.
Remove these bolts with your drill, impact driver or screwdriver if you like taking your time.
Two screws hold the deadbolt mechanism to the door.
Unscrew them.
Step 2: Get Familiar with Kevo
The Kevo works with Android or Apple devices.
Personally I’m an Apple guy, but only by a smidge.
I got my new phone right before this tutorial…waited about 3 years for that bad boy 🙂
The Kevo smart lock is a blue tooth enabled door lock.
So it communicates via your smart phone’s blue tooth and the Kevo app.
One of the best features of the Kevo is you can share eKeys.
What the heck does this mean?
If your friend, family member or contractor needs inside your house you can send them an eKey.
As long as their smart phone is compatible they can use it as a key to unlock the Kevo.
The Kevo also accepts a traditional key if you’d prefer that route.
Or if you lose your smart phone, ouch!!
The Kevo comes with
- two traditional keys
- two eKeys
- 4 batteries
- a key fob (in case you don’t have a smart phone)
- and the Kevo smart lock.
Step 5: Install New Latch
Measure the deadbolt hole diameter.
In this case it was 2 1/8″.
Also grab the dimension from the center of the hole to the edge of the door.
My measurement was 2 3/8″.
If your door has a mortise choose this latch
If your door doesn’t have a mortise choose this latch
Position the latch in the ‘Up’ position and adjust the length by twisting.
The length I needed was 2 3/8″.
It’s a standard practice to have to adjust the length of the door latch.
I always have trouble with this step because I’m mechanically challenged.
Slide the latch into the door.
Test it with a screwdriver to make sure it retracts and extends smoothly.
If you have trouble with this step let me know in the comments, I have a tip.
Secure the latch to the door with screws.
Step 6: Install Kevo Deadbolt
Measure the thickness of your door.
This determines the screws you need for the deadbolt.
Our door was 1 3/4″ thick.
Use the gold screws for 1 3/4″ thick doors.
Use the silver screws for 1 3/8″ thick doors.
Position the orientation of the deadbolt stem so that it fits through the interior mechanism of the latch.
Slide the wires of the Kevo under the latch and press it flush with the door.
Position the bracket on the back of the door.
And slide the wires from the Kevo through the bracket.
There are specific instructions on how to do this in the video 😉
Feed the bolts through the bracket and start them by hand.
This is important because you don’t wanna strip the bolts.
Then use a screwdriver to completely tighten the bolts.
The turn piece for the back of the Kevo should be in the vertical position.
Remove the battery cover and battery pack.
It’s tempting but don’t put the batteries in yet.
Plug in the cables from the Kevo to the electrical components.
And tuck them into the housing per the directions.
My video has all the details on this step.
This is IMPORTANT.
Don’t position the cables anywhere near the mounting holes.
Why?
Because the screws will pinch the wires and possibly ruin the electrical connection.
Position the back of the Kevo against the bracket and secure it with the tiny screws provided.
They are tiny little buggers.
Now you can install the batteries in the battery pack and slide it into the back of the Kevo.
Hold the program button while doing this.
The light indicator on the housing should turn green.
At this point double check the operation of the deadbolt.
It should move back and forth relatively smoothly.
Close the door and test the operation of the deadbolt to ensure it works.
Put the cover plate on the back and you’re done!
The Kevo comes with a re-keying tool.
Meaning you can use an existing key to open it the traditional way.
Hey, reusing keys saves money, which is always a good thing.
Step 7: Program the Kevo
The Kevo comes with a key fob.
You can use this instead of your smart phone to lock or unlock it.
Touch the Kevo and then activate your key fob.
You can place the fob with your other keys.
When the fob is in your pocket you simply touch the Kevo and it will lock or unlock.
Upload the Kevo app to your smart phone and setup an account.
The setup is pretty darn easy.
When you’re done the smart phone will act as your key.
Have your smart phone in your purse or pocket and touch the Kevo smart lock.
The deadbolt will lock or unlock automatically…awesome sauce.
Step 8: Watch the Video (Sweet Giveaway!!)
I made a fun step-by-step video for you.
And guess what,
There’s a sweet giveaway.
Watch the video to find out how to enter…just for fun count the steps in the beginning, haha.
What’s Next
The Kevo smart lock solves a huge problem for me and that is lost keys.
Plus, if someone needs to get into the house I can send them an eKey.
Let us know if you have any questions about the Kevo.
Thanks for reading, watching and being part of our awesome DIY community.
Cheers,
Jeff
