Introduction
Kwikset deadbolts are popular among homeowners, but they can be difficult to remove if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here’s how to remove a Kwikset deadbolt in seven easy steps.
But first, we need to know the Kwikset deadbolt parts.
Kwikset deadbolt parts
If you’re replacing a deadbolt, it’s helpful to know the parts of your lock. Here are the main components:
- The latch mechanism is the metal part of your lock that locks and unlocks. It is morticed into the edge of the door, making it flush with its edge.
- A rose plate covers any exposed screws or fasteners on both sides of where a handle attaches to its casing (or frame). It’s usually decorative but also serves another purpose: keeping moisture out!
- The thumb latch is what you use to turn to unlock or lock your door from the inside. It’s connected to an internal mechanism and is usually located on your doorjamb or frame.
- The inside knob (or lever) turns and allows you to open and close the lock by turning its handle. This is also attached to an internal mechanism with a spring in between them that powers their operation.
- The outside knob is the component you turn to unlock the deadbolt. The set screw is a small screw that holds the external knob. The latch assembly is on the inside of the door and contains a hook that latches onto a matching hook on the outside of your door when you close it.
- The deadbolt itself is the part that locks and unlocks your door. It consists of a latch assembly, which holds the cylinder in place and prevents the bolt from retracting.
What Tooles do You Need to remove the Kwikset deadbolt?
The tools you need to remove a Kwikset deadbolt vary depending on the model. The following tools should be sufficient for most Kwikset locks:
- Flathead screwdriver (to remove the cover plate)
- Philips head screwdriver or Allen wrench (for the screws inside)
- Awl with a sharp edge or point. You can use any steel rod that is small enough to fit into the lock and has a sharp edge (the sharper, the better). You could also use a nail if you don’t have an awl handy, but be careful not to damage the metal parts of your deadbolt as you try to remove it.
- The .05 Allen wrench will be used to remove screws from other parts of our security device; these screws are tiny but still sturdy enough for what we need today!
How to Remove a Kwikset Deadbolt Lock in 8 Steps?
Generally, there are three main steps:
- Prepare and check: This includes preparing your tools and examining your Kwikset deadbolt lockset type.
- Remove the Kwikset door handle or knob.
- Remove the latch assembly.
Step 1: Prepare your Tools ready.
Make sure you’re prepared. Your tools should be in good working order, and you have the right ones for the job. If not, get them from a hardware store or home improvement center.
Ensure your work area is clean, safe, and free of clutter so that nothing can fall into your project area while working on it.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before beginning any repairs or maintenance tasks around your home or office building.
Step 2: Examine the Lockset and Door
The next step is to examine your Kwikset deadbolt lockset. You should check both sides of the Kwikset deadbolt lock to see if there are any mounting screws visible on them.
- Kwikset deadbolts with thumb latches on the inner side usually have the mounting screws visible on the locksets inside part.
- The keyhole of your Kwikset lockset also needs to be checked to see if it has mounting screws.
Step 3. Remove the Thumb Latch from inside
Now you’ll need to remove the thumb-turner latch from the inside. This will allow you to easily remove the plate covering the screw and give you access to it.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or other tool to remove the latch from the inside.
- Please insert it into the hole where you see your thumb turner attached. You can use that same hole to push outwards on the latch itself until it falls off its post.
- You may be able to pry it out if there is some space between it and the door frame, but this can cause damage, so try not to do this unless necessary.
Please note:
- Some Kwikset deadbolt locksets have a plastic pin on the latch handle’s shaft you must remove using a small pair of needle-nose pliers.
- A few models of Kwikset deadbolt locksets have a small metal pin that must be depressed to remove the latch handle.
- You may find a small set screw on the latch handle. In most cases, this set screw requires a .05 Allen wrench.
Step 4: Remove the Rose Plate
If your Kwikset deadbolt lockset has a rose plate to hide the mounting screws, look carefully at the plate:
- Remove the screws from around the rose plate with a screwdriver. There should be two screws on each side of the lock and one at the top center.
- Remove the rose plate from your Kwikset deadbolt by gently pulling it off, careful not to damage it or your door handle.
- The rose plate should have a small cut-out on the edge that allows you to grab and pull it off. This part is held in place by friction, so make sure not to force it too much, or you will damage the lock.
Step 5: Remove the inside set screw and inside knob.
The next step involves removing the inside set screw and inside knob. Use a screwdriver to remove the inside knob by turning it counterclockwise until it comes off.
- Remove the inside set screw using a screwdriver to pry it out gently. Please don’t force it, and be careful not to damage the wood around it.
- Remove the inside knob by unscrewing the nut on top of it with your fingers or a pair of pliers.
- Make sure you don’t lose either part—they will come in handy later!
Be careful not to damage the wood in your door or wall when taking out this piece, as doing so can cause further issues with your deadbolt if it’s not installed correctly. Ensure you don’t lose the set screw; you’ll need it later when reinstalling your new Kwikset deadbolt assembly!
Step 6: Remove the outside set screw and outside knobs.
Next, you’ll need to remove the outside set screw and outside knobs. To do this:
- Remove the outside set screw and outside knobs. You can do this by using a flathead screwdriver or an Allen key if one is provided with your lock.
- Remove the inside hex-head set screw by turning it counterclockwise with an Allen wrench until you can see enough room to pull out the outside knobs from its housing.
- If you cannot remove the outside knobs without damaging them, you will need to drill them out; however, be sure not to go too deep because you could damage your door frame or another part of your door if done incorrectly.
Please note: Step1- Step 6 are also used for Kwikset door handle or knob
Step 7: Remove the latch assembly
The latch assembly is the mechanism that holds the deadbolt in place. If you have a Kwikset deadbolt, this will be a separate piece from the inside cylinder and should come out relatively quickly.
- Look on the edge of your door. The latch assembly has two Phillips screws that hold the latch plate to the edge of the door.
- Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws in the latch plate.
- Pull the latch mechanism from the door and place it into your storage container.
- Remove the strike plate (aka striker plate or strike escutcheon). The strike plate is located on the wall near the door frame. You’ll need to remove this piece to install a new lock set like Schlage or Kwikset SmartKey locksets.
When removing it, keep track of any parts that may become dislodged—such as springs or screws—so they can be reattached later.
Also, you can check this video to know how to remove the Kwikset deadbolt clearly:
How to Remove Kwikset Deadbolt Without Screws?
How to install a Kwikset deadbolt again?
Now that you’re done with the deadbolt removal, it’s time to put everything back together again.
You can also use an Allen wrench or screwdriver if needed – make sure not too much pressure is applied, as doing so could cause damage!
- Make sure the cylinder is facing the right direction before you install it. The keyhole should be facing down and to the left when looking at the faceplate of your door.
- Install the new deadbolt lockset by aligning it with the strike plate and screw holes on your door jamb.
- Install the latch assembly between the bolt and keeper plates, then tighten its interior set screw with a flathead screwdriver (or similar tool). If you have an older version, install your outside knob first before moving on to installing this piece.
- Install outside knobs using a Phillips head screwdriver (or similar tool), making sure that their screws are aligned with those in your jambs before tightening them down gently until snug but not too tight—you don’t want them falling off when you open and close the door!
- Tighten the inside knob with the end wrench until tight enough, so the knob does not turn more than halfway around when locked but still moves freely when unlocked.
- Tighten up any loose screws or nuts related to installing your deadbolts or handles; these should be located around each side of each piece where they join together as well as inside where they meet up at angles near hinges or other parts of doors themselves.
You can check this video to learn how to install the Kwikset deadbolt again:
How to install a Kwikset deadbolt lock?
Kwikset Deadbolt Lockset Maintenance and Problems
How to maintain the Kwikset Deadbolt?
It is essential to keep your Kwikset deadbolt in working order. Regularly cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting the lock will help ensure that it stays smooth and secure.
- Clean your Kwikset deadbolt at least once every 3-6 months. To clean a Kwikset deadbolt, you can use soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda (1 part vinegar/2 parts baking soda).
- Lubricate the tumblers inside your lock with graphite powder or oil every few years, depending on how often you use the lock. Note: do not over-lubricate, as this could cause more problems than it solves.
- Inspect your Kwikset deadbolt for wear on the keyway and locking mechanism every 6-12 months. If you notice any problems, such as loose screws, cracked plastic, or a damaged cylinder, it is time to replace your Kwikset deadbolt.
Kwikset Deadbolt Problems and troubleshooting
I’m sure it’s because of some problems with your Kwikset deadbolts, then you decide to remove the old Kwikset deadbolts; now let’s analyze some common lock problems and solutions.
Sticky or Hard to Lock Kwikset Deadbolt
Kwikset deadbolts can have several problems that make the lock sticky or hard to open.
- The first and most common issue is the door hinges are loose, causing the doorframe not to be square with the frame. If this happens, you will see gaps around the deadbolt, and it will not be able to engage when locking or unlocking fully.
- Another possible cause of a stuck Kwikset deadbolt is that there may be some play in its mechanism inside of your door. This problem could be caused by dirt getting into moving parts of your lock that need to move freely for it to operate appropriately.
Lastly, if none of these issues appear related to your problem, check out replacing your latch mechanism since this would also cause a sticky Kwikset deadbolt.
Difficult to Insert or Remove Keys
If you have trouble inserting or removing keys, the problem may be related to one of these three things:
- The keys are too long for the lock. This can cause problems with turning or inserting/removing keys. To fix this, consider using a shorter key or trimming your existing key to fit the lock properly.
- The key is not fully inserted into the lock cylinder. Make sure you’re pushing in on all sides of your key when trying to insert it into a deadbolt—if only part of it goes into the slot on either side, then you won’t be able to turn it smoothly or remove it easily later on!
- Bent keys will also lead to decreased ease of use for your deadbolt because they don’t fit as snugly within their housing and may not align correctly with their grooves during operation.
The Thumb Latch is not working.
If you’ve tried to turn the deadbolt and it won’t budge, there may be a problem with your thumb latch. The thumb latch is the part on top of the deadbolt that you use to open and close manually from the inside without using a key.
If your thumb latch isn’t working correctly:
- Your thumb latch might just be stuck in place. Try pushing down on it to release it from whatever’s holding it, and then try turning again. If this doesn’t work, read on!
- The spring in your thumb latch may have broken or is too tight or loose (if you see any part of it moving or spinning around). To fix this issue, you will need to replace your spring with one that matches what came with your lock originally;
- If the thumb latch works but the key does not, this is usually an indication of a problem with the lock. The most common cause for this is some obstruction in the lock itself. This could be anything from dirt or rust to debris from drilling out old screws; whatever it may be, it prevents your lock’s regular operation.
Please note that ShineACS Locks is just writing the Kwikset Lock Removing article and providing possible handling suggestions, not offering after-sales service. If you can’t finally solve your problem with our article content, please get in touch with the Official aftermarket.
However, if you want to change your current home door lock, check out our TTLOCK smart lock to help you secure your door more safely and conveniently with your phone.
What needs to pay attention to when removing the Kwikset deadbolt?
You need to pay attention when you want to remove the Kwikset deadbolt. Below are some valuable tips for removing the Kwikset deadbolt:
- The first step is to find out what type of cylinder lock you have. You can do this by looking at their keys or searching online for information about your model number and making sure that it matches up with what’s written on your lock.
- Never use any power tool to remove the lock, especially if it’s not designed for this type of job (like your drill).
- Be careful not to lose the screws when removing them from the door and frame because they’re different sizes, and one screw may be longer than another (this will make reassembly difficult).
- Make sure you have the right parts – If your deadbolt has seen better days, then chances are good that it will need to be replaced entirely (or at least some components). If that’s the case, be prepared to buy them from whatever store carries them in your area before beginning this process!
- When removing Kwikset deadbolts, it’s essential to keep your workspace clean so no pieces fall off into places where they can get lost forever (or worse).
- The Kwikset deadbolt is designed to require minimal maintenance. Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents to clean your lock. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess dirt or debris. Use a dry cloth to clean interior components.
Conclusion
Kwikset deadbolts are a significant upgrade to your home security. They’re easy to install, use and maintain, but they do sometimes have problems with locking mechanisms that need fixing.
Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our simple step-by-step instructions on removing the Kwikset deadbolt if it gets stuck or jams up in place.
For more information about Kwikset lock troubleshooting:
- Kwikset Halo Troubleshooting
- Kwikset Kevo Lock Troubleshooting
- Kwikset Powerbolt 2 Troubleshooting
- How to Change Code on Kwikset Lock?
- Kwikset SmartCode Deadbolt Troubleshooting
- How to Rekey A Kwikset Lock?
- How to Unlock Kwikset Lock?
- Kwikset Smart Lock Not Working? Expert Troubleshooting Guide
- How To Reset Kwikset Lock Code Without Key? Detailed Guide.
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Vincent Zhu
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Vincent Zhu2023-01-30 14:44:482023-01-27 09:16:01Brinks Digital Deadbolt Troubleshooting and Programming Guide
