Kwikset Henley Front Door Lock Handle and Deadbolt Set, Entry Handleset Exterior with Interior Reversible Lever, Matte Black, Pick Resistant SmartKey Rekey Deadbolt Security, with Microban Protection

Why I chose this handleset

I wanted a front door upgrade that balanced clean, modern looks with straightforward installation and practical security. The Henley handleset from Kwikset hit that brief on paper: a matte black exterior grip with a matching interior lever, a single-cylinder deadbolt, and SmartKey rekeying. After installing and living with it, I’m satisfied with the mix of design, usability, and value—though there are a few caveats prospective buyers should consider.

Installation experience

Out of the box, everything needed for a standard install was included: the exterior grip and deadbolt, interior lever and thumb turn, adjustable latches, strike plate, screws, two keys, and the SmartKey tool. The instructions were clear, and I appreciated the small touches—like an adjustable latch that switches between 2-3/8" and 2-3/4" backsets with a twist instead of swapping parts.

If your door already has two standard bore holes (one for the deadbolt, one for the knob/lever), expect a straightforward process with a screwdriver. If you’re replacing a knob-only setup or moving from a different style of handleset, you may need to drill a support hole for the bottom of the exterior grip. I did. The included template took the guesswork out of placement and height.

A few installation notes from my experience:
- The interior lever is reversible, and switching handing took less than a minute.
- The through-bolts aligned well and tightened down snugly, giving the exterior handle a solid feel with no rattle.
- I recommend dry-fitting the latch and deadbolt first to confirm the backset and latch orientation; it saves time later.
- Take a minute to align the strike plate. A correctly aligned strike means smoother operation and less wear.

From start to finish, including drilling the bottom support hole and adjusting the strike, the install took me about 30 minutes.

Fit and compatibility

The Henley handleset fits standard exterior doors 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thick. On my wood door, everything seated correctly, and the screw lengths were appropriate without swapping to longer hardware. If you have a metal door, plan to pre-drill carefully and consider the correct screws for your application.

For double-door entries, check the availability of a matching dummy set in your finish before you commit. I couldn’t source a dedicated dummy for this exact trim locally; if you’re in the same situation, one workaround is using a second active set and installing only the exterior grip on the inactive leaf.

Security and SmartKey rekeying

This is a single-cylinder deadbolt with Kwikset’s SmartKey Security, which allows you to rekey the lock yourself. If you’re consolidating house keys or replacing worn hardware, this is a big convenience.

The rekey process is simple:
1) Insert the working key and turn.
2) Insert the SmartKey tool until it clicks.
3) Remove the old key, insert the new key, and turn back.

I had to repeat the process once to get completely smooth operation. The key to success (no pun intended) is making sure the key is fully seated and the cylinder isn’t under side load when you perform the steps. Once set, both the feel and function were consistent.

As for security, the deadbolt is BHMA Grade 3. That’s the basic residential rating, and it’s fine for most homes, especially in combination with a properly installed, reinforced strike plate. The SmartKey cylinder is designed to resist common attacks like picking and bumping; while no lock is impervious, I consider the Henley’s security package appropriate for typical residential needs. If you require the highest level of robustness—say, for a rental in a high-traffic area or a door without additional layers of security—you might look for a Grade 1 deadbolt. For my use, Grade 3 with pick-resistant features is a sensible balance of cost and protection.

Build quality and feel

The first thing that stood out after install was the smoothness of the latch and the positive feel of the deadbolt throw. There’s minimal play in the lever and handle, and the thumb turn operates with a comfortable level of resistance. The exterior grip has a substantial feel without being bulky, and the interior lever has enough length for easy operation with an armful of groceries.

The mechanism is quiet—no tinny noises or harsh scraping as the latch engages. That usually points to decent machining and alignment, and it held true over daily use.

Finish and aesthetics

The matte black finish is on-trend without being flashy. It suits contemporary and transitional facades, and it paired well with my darker door color. Matte black can sometimes show dust or water spotting; in practice, this finish was forgiving and quick to wipe clean.

Kwikset treats this hardware with Microban antimicrobial protection. You can’t see or feel it, but in day-to-day use the surfaces did seem to stay cleaner between wipe-downs. It’s not a substitute for cleaning, of course, but as a “set it and forget it” feature for a high-touch area like a front door, I appreciate it.

The overall design is modern with simple lines and small detailing that keeps it from looking generic. If you’re updating a dated entry, this handleset is an easy visual lift.

Everyday use

After several weeks, the Henley handleset has been reliable. The key action is smooth, the lever returns crisply, and the door closes with a confident “thunk” rather than a clatter. The thumb turn is easy to locate and operate in low light. The handle’s projection works well with gloved hands, and the interior lever is friendly for anyone with limited grip strength.

The included strike plate is serviceable. If you’re upgrading overall door security, pairing the deadbolt with a heavy-duty strike and longer screws into the framing is worth the minor extra effort.

What I’d change

• Security rating: Grade 3 is fine for most homes, but a Grade 2 option would broaden the appeal for users who want a bit more robustness without stepping up to commercial hardware.
• Dummy set availability: A clearly matched dummy version in every finish would simplify double-door installations.
• SmartKey learning curve: The rekeying feature is excellent, but the process can be unforgiving if you rush it. A slightly more foolproof mechanism or clearer troubleshooting tips in the guide would help first-timers.

Value

At its price point, the Henley handleset represents good value. You’re getting a modern design, a reliable mechanism, and the very practical ability to rekey without a locksmith. The lifetime mechanical and finish warranties add peace of mind, especially on a high-touch, high-visibility component like a front door handle.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners upgrading a dated entry who want a clean, contemporary look.
• DIYers who appreciate quick, straightforward installs and the flexibility of SmartKey rekeying.
• Households that want pick-resistant, bump-resistant features without moving into commercial-grade hardware.

If you need maximum security, heavy-duty ratings, or a lock with built-in smart features (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth), this isn’t that product. It’s a traditional mechanical set that focuses on simplicity and reliability.

Recommendation

I recommend the Henley handleset for most residential front doors. It installs easily, looks great, and delivers practical security with the added convenience of DIY rekeying. The operation is smooth and consistent, the finish holds up well, and the design fits a wide range of exteriors. While it’s BHMA Grade 3 and doesn’t replace a true high-security setup, it’s a well-rounded, dependable choice for everyday use. If you’re rekeying your home, updating your entry hardware, or just want a modern handleset that doesn’t fight you during installation, this is a solid pick.