This is the commercial classed unit from Kwikset, there is a residential version 917. They are nearly identical except for, I believe, the decorative design and the BHMA certifications. The residential is Grade 2, the commercial is Grade 3. What that actually means, I have no idea. I honestly purchased the 955 instead of 917 because it was, at the time, 30 dollars cheaper.
I installed this on the door between my garage and laundry room replacing a round knob by EZ-Set (a discount sub-brand of Kwikset made in Taiwan that uses Kwikset KW1 keys- this is important,) The mechanism goes in easily. Programming the unit is straightforward and the lever handle makes life easier for aging hands.
The Kwikset mechanism includes Emergency Egress- meaning you can open the door from the inside if it locked or unlocked. This is true of the 955 commercial model and the 917 residential version. Both versions also require you to keep the key engaged to open the door. You can't 'unlock' the door, then remove your key then open. You unlock, keep the key turned and open at the same time. If you remove your key, the door re-locks.
Awkward things to take note of:
1. No matter how hard you try, this unit will end up installed slightly tilted if you tighten the bolts properly.
2. When putting the exterior door handle on (the one with the key hole) you must insert the key and keep the tumblers unlocked to access the set screw. It took me nearly 10 minutes to figure that out.
3. The Amazon stock is probably not too fresh. The 9 volt battery included in my package was completely dead on arrival. I installed a new Energizer 9 volt and it works fine. Note, the description on the Amazon website says it uses AA batteries, that is incorrect. There is a single 9 volt on the non-keypad side of the lock under a cover that slides up.
Now, the reason making note of the EZ-Set lock being replaced. Kwikset has this neat tech called "SmartKey" which will let you rekey your locks without having to pay a locksmith. In the instructions, they have you put the whole thing together then go back and take the exterior handle off to perform the re-key. You don't have to- you can re-key before assembling at the start. But here's the thing, your 'master' key must use Kwikset KW1 type keys. And in my case, our house keys (our entire house uses the same key on all doors) were EZ-Set, a sub-brand of Kwikset and uses... KW1 keys. So I happily re-keyed the new 955 lock to my existing house key.
We've been using the new handle since the day after Christmas 2023 (it was a gift) and now look around the house thinking about replacing all of the old, round knobs with levers and will probably put another of this model on at least one exterior door.
| Brand | Kwikset |
|---|---|
| Lock Type | Keypad |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 3.87 x 4.11 x 9.49 inches |
| Material | Metal |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Security |
| Style | Modern |
| Color | Satin Nickel |
| Finish Type | Brushed |
| Included Components | Exterior Deadbolt Assembly, Interior Deadbolt Assembly, Latch, Strike, SmartKey Learn Tool, Allen Wrench, Spindle, 2 Keys, Levers, Installation Hardware, Installation Guide, 9V Battery |
| Controller Type | Hand Control, Mechanical knob |
| Shape | Arched |
| Item Weight | 4.8 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Kwikset |
| Part Number | 99550-002 |
| Item Weight | 4.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 3.87 x 4.11 x 9.49 inches |
| Country of Origin | Mexico |
| Item model number | 99550-002 |
| Size | Large |
| Finish | Brushed |
| Pattern | Door Lock |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Usage | Inside; Amateur |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Warranty Description | 3 year electronics warranty; lifetime mechanical and finish warranty |
