Much appreciated. Instructions on my set didn't even say you could do this. It actually said "ok if upside down" Way better this way! In Canada I believe these are Weiser locks.
It's been seven years since you posted this video, and it's still helping people! I literally cheered out loud for myself when that bad boy popped out of the handle! This procedure is an easy fix and saved me from daily torment of non-matching keyholes. Thank you!
I bought two keyed locks. One was upside down. While trying to follow this guy’s instructions, a tiny part broke off. Did a little cussing, and put the other lock in its place. Funny, this one was rightside up!!! They screwed up at the factory!
Excellent, my additional tip - before you start, I suggest you add a small piece of masking tape on the barrel (indicating the original position of the key), then flip the cylinder 180° after you popped the cylinder out.
I'll admit, I had to watch this quite a few times to figure out everything that was going on with the tabs. However, I am super grateful for this video. I really didn't want to install my door knob with the key hole upside down. 10 years and this is still helping people out.
Thank you sir! I purchased a Kwikset SmartKey Door Knob at Lowes...same problem. I had already installed the deadbolt and re-keyed it to match another door key. I REALLY did not want to return to store for a replacement. Then I wondered if some kind soul might have a solution on TH-cam...and there you were. I had to work at it a bit (after I watched your video about three times), but it worked! Great video!
Thank you for your excellent video showing how to remove the the lock mechanism on a Kiwkset door knob so it can be turned around. I followed your steps and was successful the lock popped out allowing me to turn it around.
Thanks for the video, the upside down lock drives me crazy. Thanks to the Lock Picking Lawyer, I save the metal inserts from my old windshield wiper blades. These work better then a couple of screwdrivers. Now you know why I never throw anything away! 😁
Thanks much for posting this. On mine, this technique wasn't nearly as easy as you made it look, but it did work. You saved me another trip to the hardware store and a bit of money.
It bugged the shit out of me that the key was upside down. Had to take all three handles back off, but glad I did. Who wants an upside down key. Thank for your video. Couldn't have done it without your info. You da man !
Sir, you're awesome. Thank you for making this. This is the only video on the subject I could find, all the other threads I read recommended taking it to a locksmith.
Thanks for the How To video! I wanted to add that I was able to pop the latches on both sides using two small screwdrivers. As soon as I caught the second latch, the lock mechanism popped out freely, with no hammer tap required.
Hey man, thank you soooo much for posting this video. I had to pause the video to pop the key hole out. I had to practice on the old lock first just to make sure didn't mess anything up. To me it was step by step instructions. I did thw exact same thing with the video at the same time. Thanks!!!!
Thanks for this video. I had to have my lock drilled the other day and the replacement came "upside-down" (which was odd, since all the other locks I installed were correctly oriented, including the previous one). I was able to complete the procedure in your video, but in the process I bent one of the clips. I straightened it out and re-assembled the lock but now the cylinder has a little more play than it did before, to the point where a screwdriver could possibly be inserted at the edge.
Thanks! This worked. First part I did but found an alternative for 2nd part! I tried just putting key in and turning it all way around. Then put back the first piece I took out and it worked! I didn't have to take the 2nd price out. Just put key in and turn it fully so It's upside down. Hold It's there and click back first piece.
Thanks for the video, its actually easier to just pull the whole stem section out THEN you have easy access to and can see the clips you need to manipulate to remove the lock cylinder from the front.
Thanks for the instructions! Took a little bit of trial and error with popping the lock out (those tabs are tricky) but otherwise I was able to complete it.
Thanks for the video. First one took 10 minutes, 2nd and 3rd about 30 seconds ;-) One thing to note. If you try and reassemble the two knobs and they don't slide all the way together, rotate the pin or spindle (the first piece you remove) a bit and then they will.
Beautiful!!! I've been trying to figure this out on lots of houses for years. No more flipping the key. Thank you so much for this vid!!! I pulled off the task in less than a minute.
Thanks for a very helpful video! My husband flipped our lock in about 10 minutes. The guy in the video has obviously had lots of practice, so be patient. Ours was not a smartkey lock, just a regular Kwikset from HD.
Thanks ZipDapDIY, your video definitely helped. No info on the box, instructions. Their details online sucked. Thanks for the video, really helped me out!
Many thanks for this. Now I see why I couldn't figure this out on the spur of the moment - it's complicated when you can't see the internals while working on it standing in a doorway. I replaced all 3 entry locks in my house, and one knob cylinder was assembled upside down from the factory, a real PITA when you have to fumble in the dark and try to remember which key slot is the "bad" one. My requests to Kwikset for assistance were never answered! Suggestion 1: lose the gloves, which obstruct the view; if you must glove, try a pair of snug surgical ones in a light color. Suggestion 2: hold your workpiece in a vise, instead of fumbling with it and making your viewers carsick.
GREAT video. However, here's a tip from a guy who just spent thirty minutes trying to get it to work:First, don't bend the tab he has you pressing down to far, or it will bend permanently. With a new doorknob, you can just bend it back, but still. Once you bend it a bit forward, then press the catch that held on the first piece he has you take off and use a small screwdriver to press the OTHER tab on the opposite side of the hole he has you putting screwdrivers in. Skip to the end of the video to get an idea of what and where the tabs are at. I bent the shit out of one tab and it just wouldn't get out. I pressed the other tab for about a half-second, and the whole lock fell out. His video is fantastic, just remember to give the other tab some love too.
Does it take a tremendous amount of force to pull out the round spindle? I've been working at it for quite a while and can't get the spindle to come out, even using my long nose pliers. I am depressing a tab at the same time, but the spindle is just not coming out. Instead the metal of the spindle is fraying. I did turn the spindle counterclockwise as you show.
I did this but now after inserting the key, need to turn clockwise to lock. The deadbolt requires counter-clockwise to lock. Anyway to fix this so I can turn both in the same direction to lock and unlock?
Great video! When I saw the two clips towards the end I thought maybe I could grab (push in) both with precision screw drivers. I was right. I grabbed the hard to get to one first then the one you push in the video and the keyhole section basically fell out with almost no force. Thanks again.
right on! that two screwdriver method is nice and a little gentler, I couldn't get it to work, maybe my hands are too big or the screwdrivers were too big.
Thanks for the tip, I was having a hell of a time doing it like he showed(couldn't be bothered to go get a long screw driver like he was using, haha) but I had the two precision ones like you say and bam, out immediately. Thanks a bunch.
Thanks but, after trying for an hour I gave up. I'll be darn if I can see the tab at the bottom of the tube. I think I see something but, try as I might no luck. Do you have to move both tabs?
Ideally, yes, both tabs should be smooshed back to release the cylinder.. if you're having trouble, i'd recommend getting the tool.. amzn.to/2alyXLO peole have reported that being too aggressive with the screwdriver method has bent the tabs too much and caused a loose fitting cylinder. good luck! (commissions earned on Amazon Link)
@@ZipZapDIY thanks. I found I can get the tool through Home Depot. I can see the tabs, I had to use a laser pointer to see inside that part of the lock. Thanks again for the info.
Purchased at Lowes today and the package has no reference to which side of the door the set was for. This saved a long trip and somebody getting their ass kicked. Thanks for posting this and keeping me out of jail.
Still applicable today. Thanks for sharing the info. I was able to lift both retention tabs using thin metal shims. The lock popped right out, without having to tap it.
Ironically, the only mention of key upside down in the lock instructions is the phrase "This is Ok". Thank you for posting! Like, sub, and soup for you!
Thanks for the video- i've got the first step to work, but can't get the front key hole piece to pop out-I'll keep trying- the local lock smith couldn't get it either. Its a frustrating design for a door knob- it shouldn't be this difficult to get the orientation of the knob on correctly without having to install it with the key hole upside down!
I can’t get the very first part to work. When I try to align the tab with the hole it twists the whole lock instead of just the bronzish rod. What do I do?
Please check the unlock/locking latch before reinstalling. If you bend the tabs in too much when you originally popped the lock it may cause the lock cylinder to hit the overly bent tab which inhibits free movement. In this case remove the cylinder, and the lock. Flatten out the tabs to look like they do in the above video (close to original undeformed condition). Then reassemble and test again. Repeat if required.
Worked awesome for me!! The only issue I had is that the first tab you press is right in front of you. I was searching for a harder to find tab. Lol thank you!
Take the "post that you pulled out with the pliers and insert it backward with a little tap. This will pop the lock right out instead of using 2 screwdrivers. Much easier. Thanks for the vid tho!
Thank You, Sir! YOU are, who I was looking for... I was watching another video and the guy was using a special tool. He said, "There are videos that people use screwdrivers- wouldn't recommend it." I only had screwdrivers. (I do recommend you spread the tabs you press on back out before inserting lock cylinder back into doorknob for a tighter fit. Depending on how difficult it was for you to take it out) 🪛🔨
Kwikset sucks. The steel used in the screws and bolts is way too soft: I stripped the phillips screws for the striker plate. Cheap chinese garbage. Then, I spent an hour on the tech line, waiting to talk to someone and got hung up on. Then I emailed them and still no word. I found this video, which may or may not prove to be helpful. A Consumer shouldn't have to do all of this, because of a design shortcoming.
No matter what I do the cylinder assembly just won't seem to come out. I've taken the spindle off, I've depressed the tabs, I've tried gentle and force and yet it remains firmly affixed. Anyone have any suggestions?
Just tried this on one i bought last year. There’s no tabs anywhere down in there like you describe. Looks like a circlip on the bottom or something like that. Couldn’t really see what you were doing with two screwdrivers clearly with cam zoomed in and moving the doorknob all over the place anyway. 🤷♂️
Worked like a charm. Was able to get a precision screwdriver and an angle pick (that has never served me any other purpose to release both tabs. Mechanism just fell out.) Thanks!
why do they manufacture the locks like this? The upper "bolt" locks they sell key upwards and the lower door locks key downwards. Why? What's the point?
There are two tabs holding the lock, if you can release them both, the lock practically falls out by itself. The tabs are barbed so you do need to lift both of them but not very far. One is difficult to reach but a small screwdriver bent about 30 degrees 3/8" from the end did it for me. Thanks for the video!
I did just as you instructed. Upon completion I noticed that when I locked the door knob and jiggled the handle it unlocked itself. I'm baffled any clue why?
+ZipZapDIY After watching your video, I flipped three of the six lock cylinders I was installing today. Afterwards, I noticed the same problem; three or four good twists on the outside knob and the door would unlock. I tried flipping one back upside down, but it still wouldn't stay locked. no idea what the problem is but I only had this issue with the cylinders I pulled out and flipped.
Wade Holland That is strange, the locks are designed to have the cylinder flipped. My flips work out just fine, no issues. sorry to hear you had a problem.
+Zadius107 believe it or not it ended up correcting itself. I had resigned myself to using the deadbolt primarily and then taking the knob apart at a latter date. I don't know if something eventually shifted, but it now works fine. Really strange though. Wish I could be of more help.
Thanks for the video, but I simply wan't able to get the cylinder out no matter how I tried with the two screwdrivers. I contacted Weiser Customer service (the canadian version of Kwikset) and they mailed me a cylinder removal tool at no cost in less than a week. I know this isn't always practical, but it shows good customer service from the company. Also, most retailers that sell these locks have a kit which has the tool, so you may be able to get them to do it for you before leaving the store.
You're very welcome, it can be tricky to get it done and it is good to hear that they took care of you after a phone call. If they really wanted to serve the customer well, the manufacturer would include the cylinder removal tool in every lockset they sell or mark the packaging as left or right. It has been my experience that the large retailers in the US don't carry the cylinder removal tool in store.
ZipZapDIY If they really wanted to provide good customer service, they'd design the doorknob to work in either direction. Instead of a half-circle latch, they could just have used a square design, so that it worked whichever way the doorknob with the keyhole was inserted.
Thank you good sir! The instructions say it’s “OK if flipped.” Ummm, no. It’s not ok. Also, when he uses a small screwdriver I used a small hex wrench. All my small screwdrivers have bulky handles. Thanks again.
Thanks for the TH-cam post. I am off to make a tool with 9 gauge wire in the shape of two small flat screw drivers. Should be easier on the little springs.
If you are concerned about over working the springs with the screwdriver method, or maybe it is a little tricky for you. You can use the Kwikset tool to remove the cylinder. At Amazon for under $10 amzn.to/25uV1Ix (Commissions earned on Amazon link)
Seven years and this vidoe is still helping people. Thanks.
9 years later and its still the same kwikset design. Thanks!
Much appreciated. Instructions on my set didn't even say you could do this. It actually said "ok if upside down" Way better this way! In Canada I believe these are Weiser locks.
It's been seven years since you posted this video, and it's still helping people! I literally cheered out loud for myself when that bad boy popped out of the handle! This procedure is an easy fix and saved me from daily torment of non-matching keyholes. Thank you!
I spent 1 hour looking at the instruction manual thinking I was losing my mind, then found this on youtube. Thank you so much. Enjoy the weekend !
Gee when I bought my Kwikset lock I didn't know I was going to have to perform surgery on it to make it normal.
40 years ago they were all lh or rh handles. Now all universal.
I bought two keyed locks. One was upside down. While trying to follow this guy’s instructions, a tiny part broke off. Did a little cussing, and put the other lock in its place. Funny, this one was rightside up!!! They screwed up at the factory!
Excellent, my additional tip - before you start, I suggest you add a small piece of masking tape on the barrel (indicating the original position of the key), then flip the cylinder 180° after you popped the cylinder out.
I'll admit, I had to watch this quite a few times to figure out everything that was going on with the tabs. However, I am super grateful for this video. I really didn't want to install my door knob with the key hole upside down. 10 years and this is still helping people out.
Thanks! It was real easy and you do not need to buy the special tool. Do not let the big business rip you off!
Thank you sir! I purchased a Kwikset SmartKey Door Knob at Lowes...same problem. I had already installed the deadbolt and re-keyed it to match another door key. I REALLY did not want to return to store for a replacement. Then I wondered if some kind soul might have a solution on TH-cam...and there you were. I had to work at it a bit (after I watched your video about three times), but it worked! Great video!
+jadahoob99 Thanks. happy to help, I'm always grateful when I find a good vid showing a problem solved.
Thank you for your excellent video showing how to remove the the lock mechanism on a Kiwkset door knob so it can be turned around. I followed your steps and was successful the lock popped out allowing me to turn it around.
took a few tries and watching a few times to understand what I was physically trying to, once I got that figured out it worked first time. thanks
Thanks for the video, the upside down lock drives me crazy. Thanks to the Lock Picking Lawyer, I save the metal inserts from my old windshield wiper blades. These work better then a couple of screwdrivers. Now you know why I never throw anything away! 😁
Thanks much for posting this. On mine, this technique wasn't nearly as easy as you made it look, but it did work. You saved me another trip to the hardware store and a bit of money.
Kudos, dude. I was hoping there was a way. You explained it perfectly. Can’t stand upside down keyholes. Seriously.
It bugged the shit out of me that the key was upside down. Had to take all three handles back off, but glad I did. Who wants an upside down key. Thank for your video. Couldn't have done it without your info. You da man !
Sir, you're awesome. Thank you for making this. This is the only video on the subject I could find, all the other threads I read recommended taking it to a locksmith.
Thanks for the How To video! I wanted to add that I was able to pop the latches on both sides using two small screwdrivers. As soon as I caught the second latch, the lock mechanism popped out freely, with no hammer tap required.
Hey man, thank you soooo much for posting this video. I had to pause the video to pop the key hole out. I had to practice on the old lock first just to make sure didn't mess anything up. To me it was step by step instructions. I did thw exact same thing with the video at the same time. Thanks!!!!
Thanks for this video. I had to have my lock drilled the other day and the replacement came "upside-down" (which was odd, since all the other locks I installed were correctly oriented, including the previous one). I was able to complete the procedure in your video, but in the process I bent one of the clips. I straightened it out and re-assembled the lock but now the cylinder has a little more play than it did before, to the point where a screwdriver could possibly be inserted at the edge.
i use the tool to remove the safety clips that hold the cylinder, makes it a lot easier. great vid bud
Thanks! This worked. First part I did but found an alternative for 2nd part! I tried just putting key in and turning it all way around. Then put back the first piece I took out and it worked! I didn't have to take the 2nd price out. Just put key in and turn it fully so It's upside down. Hold It's there and click back first piece.
TurkTainment cool beans
TurkTainment tried this, and it rotated, but the key was stuck inside so i don't know if it would actually work... Got the tabs out anyway
Thanks for posting this video. I've used it twice now. Excellent work, great explanations.
+Danny Charbel Thank you for the compliment.
Thanks for the video, its actually easier to just pull the whole stem section out THEN you have easy access to and can see the clips you need to manipulate to remove the lock cylinder from the front.
Thanks a lot for the video bud. You have no idea how pissed I was getting trying to figure this out haha
Thanks for the instructions! Took a little bit of trial and error with popping the lock out (those tabs are tricky) but otherwise I was able to complete it.
I didn't have any little screwdrivers on me, but I was able to perform the minor surgery with allen keys. Thanks!
Worked like a charm, thanks! I had to use quite a bit of force to pop that lock out but once it was out, the rest was easy.
Thanks for the video. First one took 10 minutes, 2nd and 3rd about 30 seconds ;-)
One thing to note. If you try and reassemble the two knobs and they don't slide all the way together, rotate the pin or spindle (the first piece you remove) a bit and then they will.
“Super easy” that’s the moment I started feeling bad about myself taking forever to do this
Beautiful!!! I've been trying to figure this out on lots of houses for years. No more flipping the key. Thank you so much for this vid!!! I pulled off the task in less than a minute.
Thanks for a very helpful video! My husband flipped our lock in about 10 minutes. The guy in the video has obviously had lots of practice, so be patient. Ours was not a smartkey lock, just a regular Kwikset from HD.
Thank you for posting this. I would never have figured this out on my own.
Thanks ZipDapDIY, your video definitely helped. No info on the box, instructions. Their details online sucked. Thanks for the video, really helped me out!
Thanks saved me from buying and having to wait for a specialty tool I would only use one time.
Super Big Thanks!! The two screwdriver thing was the hardest part.
Many thanks for this. Now I see why I couldn't figure this out on the spur of the moment - it's complicated when you can't see the internals while working on it standing in a doorway. I replaced all 3 entry locks in my house, and one knob cylinder was assembled upside down from the factory, a real PITA when you have to fumble in the dark and try to remember which key slot is the "bad" one. My requests to Kwikset for assistance were never answered! Suggestion 1: lose the gloves, which obstruct the view; if you must glove, try a pair of snug surgical ones in a light color. Suggestion 2: hold your workpiece in a vise, instead of fumbling with it and making your viewers carsick.
Fixed that lock, like a boss. Thank you, sir.
Where do you get a knob that locks and unlocks in the right direction. What are they opposite of each other?
GREAT video. However, here's a tip from a guy who just spent thirty minutes trying to get it to work:First, don't bend the tab he has you pressing down to far, or it will bend permanently. With a new doorknob, you can just bend it back, but still. Once you bend it a bit forward, then press the catch that held on the first piece he has you take off and use a small screwdriver to press the OTHER tab on the opposite side of the hole he has you putting screwdrivers in. Skip to the end of the video to get an idea of what and where the tabs are at. I bent the shit out of one tab and it just wouldn't get out. I pressed the other tab for about a half-second, and the whole lock fell out. His video is fantastic, just remember to give the other tab some love too.
+Matthew Knight Excellent tips! be gentle with the tabs!
If I attempt this, tools and expletives will be flying. I will just live with it.
Why are these upside down from the factory ?? Sofa king dumb !!
They appear to be made for right hand swing in doors. Left hand swing in will be upside down
@@kaiserwilli I have 3 left swing doors in my home. I bought 3 knobs and 3 deadbolts and one knob is upside down from the other 2.
@ZipZapDIY I can't tell what you're holding down with the small screwdriver, to remove the silver tube. Can you elaborate?
Very helpful aid to a frustrating problem, thanks a bunch for posting this.
+Velshard sweet. than you.
This video is 11 years old and just satisfied my OCD while changing all the locks to Kwikset. Still relevant in 2024.
haha, great to hear that!
This worked brilliantly for me - thank you for posting this!
Thank you for posting this video. It was a great help. Excellent job.
Excellent! I did this years ago as a maintenance man but had forgotten. Worked like a charm! Thanks!
Does it take a tremendous amount of force to pull out the round spindle? I've been working at it for quite a while and can't get the spindle to come out, even using my long nose pliers. I am depressing a tab at the same time, but the spindle is just not coming out. Instead the metal of the spindle is fraying. I did turn the spindle counterclockwise as you show.
Never realized how easy that was. Thank you.
Someone please tell me what kind of door nob he has in the video I got the same exact one but I'm lock out of my bedroom door
I did this but now after inserting the key, need to turn clockwise to lock. The deadbolt requires counter-clockwise to lock. Anyway to fix this so I can turn both in the same direction to lock and unlock?
Great video!
When I saw the two clips towards the end I thought maybe I could grab (push in) both with precision screw drivers. I was right. I grabbed the hard to get to one first then the one you push in the video and the keyhole section basically fell out with almost no force.
Thanks again.
right on! that two screwdriver method is nice and a little gentler, I couldn't get it to work, maybe my hands are too big or the screwdrivers were too big.
Thanks for the tip, I was having a hell of a time doing it like he showed(couldn't be bothered to go get a long screw driver like he was using, haha) but I had the two precision ones like you say and bam, out immediately. Thanks a bunch.
Thanks but, after trying for an hour I gave up. I'll be darn if I can see the tab at the bottom of the tube. I think I see something but, try as I might no luck. Do you have to move both tabs?
Ideally, yes, both tabs should be smooshed back to release the cylinder.. if you're having trouble, i'd recommend getting the tool.. amzn.to/2alyXLO peole have reported that being too aggressive with the screwdriver method has bent the tabs too much and caused a loose fitting cylinder. good luck! (commissions earned on Amazon Link)
@@ZipZapDIY thanks. I found I can get the tool through Home Depot. I can see the tabs, I had to use a laser pointer to see inside that part of the lock. Thanks again for the info.
Purchased at Lowes today and the package has no reference to which side of the door the set was for. This saved a long trip and somebody getting their ass kicked. Thanks for posting this and keeping me out of jail.
Life saver! thanks this was really easy once I watched your video. It works on a regular Kwikset entry lock as well.
So helpful!! Saved the day!! Thank you
Thank you for the video, quick question for you. Do you know if installing a lock upside down (purposely) would make it any harder to pick?
Thanks
Meaning simply flipping it and installing.
I would say the direction of the key would have no influence on the difficulty of picking
Still applicable today. Thanks for sharing the info. I was able to lift both retention tabs using thin metal shims. The lock popped right out, without having to tap it.
Great video, got it done after a couple tries at it.
Ironically, the only mention of key upside down in the lock instructions is the phrase "This is Ok". Thank you for posting! Like, sub, and soup for you!
Thanks for the video- i've got the first step to work, but can't get the front key hole piece to pop out-I'll keep trying- the local lock smith couldn't get it either. Its a frustrating design for a door knob- it shouldn't be this difficult to get the orientation of the knob on correctly without having to install it with the key hole upside down!
Thousands of painters like myself thank you!
Your welcome, glad to help, I've been lucky I guess, the last few I've installed have been the right way round.
Hello, what is the name of the tool that makes it easier to flip
I can’t get the very first part to work. When I try to align the tab with the hole it twists the whole lock instead of just the bronzish rod. What do I do?
Please check the unlock/locking latch before reinstalling. If you bend the tabs in too much when you originally popped the lock it may cause the lock cylinder to hit the overly bent tab which inhibits free movement. In this case remove the cylinder, and the lock. Flatten out the tabs to look like they do in the above video (close to original undeformed condition). Then reassemble and test again. Repeat if required.
Worked awesome for me!! The only issue I had is that the first tab you press is right in front of you. I was searching for a harder to find tab. Lol thank you!
Good news!
Take the "post that you pulled out with the pliers and insert it backward with a little tap. This will pop the lock right out instead of using 2 screwdrivers. Much easier. Thanks for the vid tho!
Thank You, Sir! YOU are, who I was looking for... I was watching another video and the guy was using a special tool. He said, "There are videos that people use screwdrivers- wouldn't recommend it." I only had screwdrivers.
(I do recommend you spread the tabs you press on back out before inserting lock cylinder back into doorknob for a tighter fit. Depending on how difficult it was for you to take it out) 🪛🔨
I played with it for hours. I must have gotten a defective unit. Thank you for the video.
Awesome! Installed it upside down earlier but was disappointed. Re-examined it and instructions and got nada. Crazy what you can find on the youtubes.
Nice tip, accomplished this with two tiny hex drivers and a long screw driver. Silly you need an optional tool to do this
Thanks! had a door lock opposite of a dead bolt in my house thta was installed prior to moving in... drove me nuts! :D
Awesome - thanks for posting - you buy the lock and there is no mention of being able to do this in the instructions
Kwikset sucks. The steel used in the screws and bolts is way too soft: I stripped the phillips screws for the striker plate. Cheap chinese garbage. Then, I spent an hour on the tech line, waiting to talk to someone and got hung up on. Then I emailed them and still no word. I found this video, which may or may not prove to be helpful. A Consumer shouldn't have to do all of this, because of a design shortcoming.
works great! thanks for taking the time to show this.
Perfect to reverse a lock position. ThanxAlot for being understanding that I didn't have "ThaTool" 🐮
Worked like a charm. Thanks!
I knew there was a way, I just could not figure it out. Now my lock don't look upside down. Thanks!
No matter what I do the cylinder assembly just won't seem to come out. I've taken the spindle off, I've depressed the tabs, I've tried gentle and force and yet it remains firmly affixed. Anyone have any suggestions?
Just tried this on one i bought last year. There’s no tabs anywhere down in there like you describe. Looks like a circlip on the bottom or something like that. Couldn’t really see what you were doing with two screwdrivers clearly with cam zoomed in and moving the doorknob all over the place anyway. 🤷♂️
Worked like a charm. Was able to get a precision screwdriver and an angle pick (that has never served me any other purpose to release both tabs. Mechanism just fell out.) Thanks!
good news!
Worked perfect and I want to say thanks...
Excellent!
why do they manufacture the locks like this? The upper "bolt" locks they sell key upwards and the lower door locks key downwards. Why? What's the point?
Thank you! Super helpful video!
Thanks, saved me lots of time.
Thanks, saved me from taking lock back, now my ocd side of me is happy :)
I’m having this problem with the smart key top lock
GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU, JACK
There are two tabs holding the lock, if you can release them both, the lock practically falls out by itself. The tabs are barbed so you do need to lift both of them but not very far. One is difficult to reach but a small screwdriver bent about 30 degrees 3/8" from the end did it for me. Thanks for the video!
+Richard Floe Happy to help!
I did just as you instructed. Upon completion I noticed that when I locked the door knob and jiggled the handle it unlocked itself. I'm baffled any clue why?
Aaron Sassaman no idea, maybe the cylinder is not snapped back in all the way?
+ZipZapDIY After watching your video, I flipped three of the six lock cylinders I was installing today. Afterwards, I noticed the same problem; three or four good twists on the outside knob and the door would unlock. I tried flipping one back upside down, but it still wouldn't stay locked. no idea what the problem is but I only had this issue with the cylinders I pulled out and flipped.
Wade Holland That is strange, the locks are designed to have the cylinder flipped. My flips work out just fine, no issues. sorry to hear you had a problem.
+Zadius107 believe it or not it ended up correcting itself. I had resigned myself to using the deadbolt primarily and then taking the knob apart at a latter date. I don't know if something eventually shifted, but it now works fine. Really strange though. Wish I could be of more help.
If I recall it took a little while for it to right itself. So frigging glad it did.
Thanks for the video, but I simply wan't able to get the cylinder out no matter how I tried with the two screwdrivers. I contacted Weiser Customer service (the canadian version of Kwikset) and they mailed me a cylinder removal tool at no cost in less than a week. I know this isn't always practical, but it shows good customer service from the company. Also, most retailers that sell these locks have a kit which has the tool, so you may be able to get them to do it for you before leaving the store.
You're very welcome, it can be tricky to get it done and it is good to hear that they took care of you after a phone call. If they really wanted to serve the customer well, the manufacturer would include the cylinder removal tool in every lockset they sell or mark the packaging as left or right. It has been my experience that the large retailers in the US don't carry the cylinder removal tool in store.
ZipZapDIY If they really wanted to provide good customer service, they'd design the doorknob to work in either direction. Instead of a half-circle latch, they could just have used a square design, so that it worked whichever way the doorknob with the keyhole was inserted.
Thank you. Just what i needed to know
thank you- it has been sooooo long that I didn't remember.
Thank you sir so much. This video was exactly what I needed, and your step-by-step explanation was perfect and made it easy!
Thank you good sir! The instructions say it’s “OK if flipped.” Ummm, no. It’s not ok. Also, when he uses a small screwdriver I used a small hex wrench. All my small screwdrivers have bulky handles. Thanks again.
Thanks for the TH-cam post. I am off to make a tool with 9 gauge wire in the shape of two small flat screw drivers. Should be easier on the little springs.
ohhh... that is smart with the wire.
Thank you for being succinct!
now i know. will i actually take it off and redo it is the question!
I'm assuming this is also how you reverse the locking rotation from clockwise to counter-clockwise, or vise versa.
Thanks! This was a huge help!
If you are concerned about over working the springs with the screwdriver method, or maybe it is a little tricky for you. You can use the Kwikset tool to remove the cylinder. At Amazon for under $10 amzn.to/25uV1Ix (Commissions earned on Amazon link)
ZipZapDIYI called kwikset up they are sending me one for free
$2.50 what a bargain. You can do it with 2 screw drivers