I just got the stylish Kwikset signature series front door knob handle set. It is their Hawthorne Venetian model that is a hand-rubbed bronze single cylinder door handle set. This model has a Juno door knob and a turning deadbolt for opening and locking from the interior, as well as the latch handle and keyed deadbolt lock on the exterior. The deadbolt lock is equipped with the patented SmartKey Security feature that offers extra protection against break-ins. In addition, I can easily re-key it at any time within seconds. It was so easy to install and I only needed a screwdriver. This is a great universal handleset for anyone who needs a keyed entry knob and latch with a security feature on their outside door.

I thought I was being picky (or we had done something wrong) that the interior knob began to fail within weeks of purchasing our home (seller had just installed this fancy lock/knob set when house was listed, so I know it is not "that old"). But after repeated repairs and daily difficulty opening our doors, I'm disappointed. Because I've been busy remodeling several properties and focused on other priorities, I have tolerated this knob for more than a year, but we often get stuck either inside or outside unable to get door open. We tighten it up, but within a day it is sticking again. Also, just as the other reviewers said, the exterior knobs lose their finish very rapidly and look terrible and appear to be way older than any other exterior doorknob I have replaced at any of our properties in the past 8 years. Apparently this model needs to be redesigned both mechanically and in the exterior finish. Which is too bad bc this had promising visual appeal and for the price could have been amazing if it had been durable. I had planned to buy the exact thing to replace it when I thought this was an isolated issue, but then I realized that dozens of verified customers also had the exact faulty issues with this model that I had, so now I Will be looking for a totally different option (brand and style) to replace it.

We selected Kwikset’s Hawthorne Handleset with Juno Knob to replace our existing set which had started to tarnish. The set is beautiful and well made. The packaging was impressive…actually took some work to get all the pieces free. We also liked the SmartKey feature which would allow us to tool the locks to match our current keys. Super convenient. Ultimately, it didn’t work for us as it was not an exact fit to the pre-existing drilled holes in our door. My husband tried a couple workarounds but it didn’t work. It’s not engineered for doors with pre-existing cutouts. Nice product but it didn’t work for us.

We got this to replace the over twenty year old door hardware that was originally installed when the house was built. Being familiar with the Kwickset brand I believed it was a brand we could trust. In addition to the ease of installation there are several features that I really like. First is the actual build or sturdiness of the lock itself. It appears to be a substantial upgrade from our previous lock. Next is the life time warranty, great to have if it's ever needed. Finally, is the ability to rekey as often as needed without having to either remove the lock, return to the store, or call a locksmith. Absolutely the most convenient feature of this lock and handle set.