>Aren't most offbrand locks the same as Kwikset?
Many offbrand locks will accept a Kwikset blank. The reverse is not always true.
Many offbrand locks which accept a Kwickset blank may still have trouble with a Kwikset key. That can sometimes be kluged past, but if a kluge is needed it tends to be a wear-prone solution.
Just because a particular key will enter a cylinder, does not mean that the key is for that lock. Since Kwikset blanks are thinner than Weiser or Weslock, it will enter into the Weiser and Weslock cylinders....BUT... the spacing and depths are different. If someone keys Weiser or Weslock cylinders to an original Kwikset key, the pins will ride on the slopes of the cuts and not at the root. There is no key duplicating machine available that will accurately cut the slopes of a key, just the root depth. That is why so many hardware stores that cut keys need to refund money for bad keys. To compensate for this, some individuals will widen the cuts to function for both types of locks. This makes for a very sloppy key and could cause the key to break if it is not seated properly while turning. Proper locksmithing dictates that Kwikset be keyed to Kwikset keys, Weiser be keyed to Weiser, Weslock to Weslock, Schlage to Schlage etc. and NEVER the twain should meet; except on a key ring.
I hope this aids in the discussion!
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