I'm in the process of building a new home and planned to install the Kwikset 916 smart locks. Searching the HE supported Qwikset devices, it shows only support for Zigbee 916s. Unfortunately, there seems to be no retail inventory for the contemporary style I need. There is plenty of inventory for the Z-wave version. Looking at other posts for this lock, there seems to be few problems the the z-wave version using the HE hub.
I have the C5 hub and mostly Zigbee devices (25+). But I am using a few Z-wave devices with no problem.
My question for those who are using the 916 Z-wave lock: Currently, is the functionality there and would you recommend it?
I would use the newer model Home Connect 620, as they are zwave 700 (better battery, better range). But that's me. I actually ripped out my 916s because I hated the touchscreens - others like them though, so each to their own.
@KurtSanders and @JasonJoel
How is the quality of the KwikSet? I worked at Home Depot ages ago and those locks were always regarded as the cheap builder grade stuff, but maybe they have improved? I need to get all new locks and knobs including smart locks, still have original gold/brass hardware from '97.
Not sure how to answer that. It isn't the highest ANSI class rating. But they work well enough for me. No one is ever going to try to "pick my lock" when they can just punch it or kick the door down.
You may have a different thought on that, though, and that's cool too.
No so much worried about the security level, as you said if someone really wants to get in there are plenty of other ways. Just build quality and feel. They always just looked and felt cheap back then but maybe we only carried the cheap builder grade models at HD. Schlage was always the go-to for good quality, but at a cost.
Every time I look at smart locks the price scares me away. Really do need to get something though, they never even put deadbolts on the doors in my house.
Back when I was a wee lad and working at a lumber retail Kwikset was definitely a cheaper lock and it felt like it was built to be replaced. In the last 5-6 years though, the quality has improved (or maybe by looking at the smart locks I’ve moved up a category in their line), and now they seem to be a good high mid-range option.
I went with the 964 (Obsidian) which has no key slot, but does have a spot on the bottom to connect a 9v battery in case of emergency. I really like the lock - it has a solid build, both inside and outside. Like all Kwikset locks, it is loud though. Also, I found that it works best with rechargeable Litium Ion batteries.
Bit late to the game here, but just wanted to share my own experiences with the Z-Wave version of this. I was able to dis-associate the lock with the current z-wave network (smartthings) by deleting it out of ST and then pressing the A Button on the left until the red light turned on. Then I just added a generic Z-Wave device in Hubitat. It picked it up as a Schlock device, so I just changed it to a generic Z-Wave Lock device type. I added the Lock Code Manager and was able to add/remove and update codes on my two locks, as well as was able to lock/unlock and detect status. It's strange that the Hubitat only has the Zigbee version of the 916, but the generic lock seems to do all the things I need, which is mostly lock/unlock, take codes and tell me the status and battery power.
Oh one weird thing I clicked on the device info after it found the lock, and it ... sorta locked up my browser. I think it was supposed to popup a .. well popup as the background went a bit grey, but I couldn't click anything in the UI and had to repeat the discovery process a second time on my first lock. I just avoid that link now.
Thank you for sharing this! I migrated over from SmartThings today and my Kwikset z-wave lock was the last thing not working. By switching the type to "generic Z-Wave lock" device everything is now working perfectly!
