Residential & Commercial Security - Locks, Keys & Dead Bolts - Kwikset Lock

I have a Kwikset lock that I would like to reverse the key position as it goes in. (Upright as opposed to up side down). It is on an entry door from the garage to the house. Can I do this on my own? thanks for the help....!!!

Yes. Take out the two screws on the inside of the lock and you will be able to separate the two sides of the handle. Then just put it back together the way you want.

I tried to do that but the curved spindle from the lock does not fit the piece inside the door (curved wrong way). I tried to pull the cylinder out to turn it over but can not budge it. Plus I didn't see a way to change the piece inside the door.

Hi DMCGEE,

In order to turn the lock cylinder over, you have to remove it from the knob. Because you probably do not have the tools to do this, here's a way. It's tough, not easy, and could damage your lock a bit. As stated, take the lock out of the door. On the lock side, (the side with the post sticking out), you will notice a flat tab right at the bottom of this post. Using a small flatblade screwdriver, key, or anything but a knife, rotate it to point straight out from the post. From here on out, it's really difficult to describe, so bear with me. (Best if the lock is in your hands as you read this)

Next step is that you can see the post, and that little tab are above a flat plate, with tabs at both sides. (Next to the screw receivers). On the side opposite the first flat tab, insert a small flatblade next to, but under the tab on the flat plate. You may notice that there is a tab under there, extending downward. That tab is under spring tension, and can be depressed. This releases the post. With it still turned to the intermediate position from before, pull it out while depressing that spring loaded tab. When you're ready, there is more...

Now that the post is out, you may want to get a flashlight and look inside the knob you took the post out of. You should see 2 dark spring clips on the sides of the opening. (These will be little clips that are attached to the back of the lock itself, and will be on the sides, as compared to the key hole). Now, here's the really tricky part. Use the same small flatblade to insert into the opening, and move the tabs toward the center of the opening. Yes, there are 2 of them, so it's not easy. You may also notice I didn't say "PRY" them aside. This will damage your lock. Once the tabs have been released, you should be able to remove the lock from the knob. Your home free now.

Put the post back into the knob, and turn the tab toward you. This should be the unlocked position. If not, rotate it in the other direction. Double check this step, you could lock yourself outside. Now, put the knobset back in the door, and then insert the lock in the desired position. This should do it.

If you have any questions, post back. There are many experienced people on the board. If I'm not here, someone else can help.

cuedude

Good description cuedude.
And good advise to have the knobset in hand while reading it too so everything makes sense.
If a customer brought in a knobset to the shop to invert the key, we'd likely do it for free seeing as it's usually a 30 second job with the right knowledge and tools. Just good customer service.

Regards

Thanks for the info! I will try it this weekend. I love a challenge and this looks like one.....thanks again.....!!!!!

Cuedude,

Can the correct tools to do what you described be obtained from kwikset or some other supplier? I put in a lot of doors that come with Kwikset locks and that's always been one of my beefs- not being able to turn the key over.

Thanks for the explanation.

I'm getting confused here. I know enough about locks to know what you're describing to remove the cylinder, cuedude, I've done it a few times rekeying a kwikset lock. The problem I'm having is that I just did what I described in my response to the original post on my own front door earlier this year, as the builder put it in upside-down to my preferences. Are there multiple types of kwikset keyed entrance knobs, or am I just missing something?

Hi JMC,

The only Kwiksets I've worked on were the common ones you find at the big box stores. I know they offer a few different types, but I think the knobs are all basically the same. Titans on the other hand, is a whole different ball game. I am not fond of working on those, as I don't have the knack to remove the cyl. without going through all kinds of gyrations getting the little clip and keeper back in. (I find a big pair of forceps works best for me as they can hold the clip at the most advantagious angle). Maybe WGW has some insight on Kwiksets I don't.

The only ones I know of where you can simply turn the lock over is an "F" series schlage, as they have that square piece in the latch.

Bottom line...I like your question. I'll do some research on it and post back with what I find.

cuedude :thumbup:

Cuedude,

Can the correct tools to do what you described be obtained from kwikset or some other supplier? I put in a lot of doors that come with Kwikset locks and that's always been one of my beefs- not being able to turn the key over.

Thanks for the explanation.
Hi Xsleeper,

If I was needing one, there are a couple available, and I wouldn't be opposed to get one for you if I were there. Stop by your local locksmith and see if they will get one for you. Any is better than nothing. Rytan makes one that is probably the best I've used. (I still use the little flatblade while removing the post, though.) If you can't get them to get you one of those, ask them to order a few of the little cheep ones. These will wear out if you use them alot. They are really inexpensive, and it's always good to keep a spare.
Hope this helps you.

cuedude

What you are looking for is called a Kwikset Removal Tool. Here is a link you can cut and paste, with a pic.

http://www.mrlock.com/eshop/locks/32369.html?mv_pc=go_fr

As Cudedude mentioned, most local lockshops should sell/order you one for a few bucks otherwise they are available online.

OK, I messed up. It wasn't a kwikset lock I flipped around, it was a knock-off that used the same style key. I went to the store and looked and you do have to flip the cylinder on a kwikset. Sorry.

Hi JMC,

No problem. I know just how easy it is to think you're dealing with one type, and find out it's something different. Especially if you see 5 or 6 different types of locks everyday. :thumbup:

cuedude

Well 2 years later your advice is still helping budding DIY-ers like myself. Thanks for posting an accurate tutorial!