
Fitment check
Not sure this tool fits your vehicle?
Ask the assistant: it checks this listing against your make, model, year and market, and tells you when it cannot confirm.
Kwikset KW1 is one of the most common residential keyways in North America, which is why the Lishi KW1 is usually the first 2-in-1 tool a residential locksmith adds to the bag. This is the 5-cut, right-groove version: it picks the cylinder and reads the five pin depths in one pass, without taking the lock off the door.
If you already own a Lishi tool, the KW1 is the one that pays for itself fastest — every rekey, lockout and "I lost my only key" call on a standard Kwikset cylinder starts with this keyway.
Which locks this tool fits
The tool follows the keyway, not the brand on the door. Look for KW1 stamped on the key head or the cylinder face. Two details decide whether this exact model is the right one:
- Cut count — 5. KW1 is a five-pin keyway. If the key has six cuts, you are probably looking at a different series and should check the keyway stamp before ordering.
- Groove direction — right. This is the right-groove tool. Kwikset cylinders also come in a left-groove version, which needs the KW1-L. A right-groove tool will not read a left-groove cylinder correctly.
The same keyway shows up on more than entry doors: mailbox locks, drawer locks and storage-room locks built on Kwikset cylinders can often be worked with the same tool. Confirm the keyway first; do not assume from the application.
What "2-in-1" actually means
A Lishi 2-in-1 combines a pick and a decoder in one body. You tension the cylinder, lift the pins to the shear line, and read each pin's depth off the scale as it sets. The result is not just an open lock — it is a complete depth reading you can cut a working key from.
That is the difference between a pick set and a Lishi: a pick gets you in, a decoder gets you a key.
KW1 vs the models it gets confused with
| Tool | Keyway | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| KW1 (this page) | KW1, 5-cut, right groove | Standard Kwikset entry, mailbox, drawer and storage cylinders |
| KW1-L | KW1, 5-cut, left groove | The key's groove runs on the opposite side |
| KW5-L | Kwikset KW5 | The keyway is stamped KW5, not KW1 |
| KW14 | Kawasaki motorcycle | Never for a Kwikset door — "KW" here means Kawasaki |
| SC1 | Schlage SC1 | The cylinder is Schlage, not Kwikset |
A decode-then-cut workflow that works
- Confirm the keyway on the key or cylinder. If it is not KW1, stop and check the tool finder.
- Insert and tension. Set the tool to the cylinder's groove direction, then apply light turning pressure.
- Lift each pin and read the depth as it sets. Record all five positions before you remove the tool.
- Cut the key. Use the recorded depths with a key machine or the factory cutter pliers.
- Test and label. Try the new key in the cylinder, then note the depths for the next visit.
Three mistakes that cost the most
- Ordering KW14 or KW16 for a Kwikset door. Those are Kawasaki motorcycle ignition tools. Same prefix, different world.
- Ignoring groove direction. Right versus left is the most common return reason on residential Lishi tools.
- Assuming every Kwikset cylinder is KW1. KW5 exists, and restricted or SmartKey-type cylinders should be confirmed before you buy — the keyway, not the brand, decides.
Frequently asked questions
Does the KW1 work on all Kwikset locks?
It works on the KW1 keyway. Kwikset also uses other keyways, including KW5, so check the stamp on the key or cylinder before ordering.
How do I tell left groove from right groove?
Look at the blade of the key: the groove runs along one side. Match that side to the tool. Our KW1 vs KW5 guide walks through it with photos.
Can I cut a key from the decoded depths?
Yes. That is the point of the decoder. You need a key machine or cutter pliers and the correct blank for the KW1 keyway.
Is it suitable for a beginner?
It is one of the easier Lishi tools to learn because the keyway is open and the cut count is only five. Expect a learning curve on tension and pick feel, not on the mechanics.
Related tools
Building a residential kit? Pair the KW1 with the Schlage SC1 and the M1/MS2 for Master Lock padlocks, then add the AM5 for padlocks. If you are not sure which keyway you are facing, send a photo through our tool finder before you order.
Buying guide & support
Ordering, Shipping and Aftercare
Buying the right tool
Match the keyway code in the title to the vehicle or lock you are working on. The cut number (5-cut, 8-cut, 10-cut) describes the bitting geometry, not tool quality.
Shipping
Orders are dispatched within 48 hours. Delivery typically takes 3–7 business days depending on destination, with tracking provided for every shipment.
Returns
Return unused items in original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 3–7 business days of inspection.
The product title states the keyway and the vehicle families it is built for. Because one brand can use several keyways across model years, confirm year, market and lock position before ordering — contact us if you are unsure.
Package contents are listed in the “In the box” section when the supplier provides them. Tools are supplied in the manufacturer’s packaging with the decoding card where applicable.
Yes. We ship worldwide with tracked courier services. Shipping options and costs are shown at checkout once your address is entered.

