Residential & Commercial Security - Locks, Keys & Dead Bolts - Kwikset dummy dnob question...

I have 3 kwikset dummy levers that I am replacing. The ones that I just bought have concelled (hidde) screws under the face plate. However, know when i go to tighten the set screw on the actual lever it rattles around and will not remain tight.

I have tried to contact kwikset and they just tell me they can send me new dummy locks. my concern is that they will dothe same thing as the 3 I am currently trying to ge to work.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciatted. i am so frustrated right now.

Maybe a little locktite on the screws will keep them from loosening up.If Kwikset will replace them try it...it's free why not?

I have 3 kwikset dummy levers that I am replacing. The ones that I just bought have concelled (hidde) screws under the face plate. However, know when i go to tighten the set screw on the actual lever it rattles around and will not remain tight.

I have tried to contact kwikset and they just tell me they can send me new dummy locks. my concern is that they will dothe same thing as the 3 I am currently trying to ge to work.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciatted. i am so frustrated right now.

Hi Ibphathead,

I've never installed one of these, but I have some ideas. (Or things to check for.) First of all, it sounds like there should be a spacer, or something to take up the looseness you have. Look at the piece the lever fits on. Is there a dimple for the set screw to fit into? Or is it flat? (I'm thinking along the lines of a spindle here, and don't know exactly what I'm trying to figure out).

Because it's a kwikset, is it held on the door by 2 screws arranged horizantally? If so, it may just be because the door is very thin. (Less than 1 3/8"). This could cause your trouble. If it is, you can always shorten the screws a bit, preventing them from bottoming out.

Also, are the levers held on by what look like spring clips on the underside of the roses? This I have seen. It happens with age, and should not be your problem.

Other than that, I'm going to have to call on others to make suggestions here. There is an awfull lot of talent here on the board, so don't give up. Someone has the answer.

cuedude

Appreciate the help guys. I will try to check for your suggestions. I am a little unsure of some of the terminology, but putting a spacer in seems to be my best go. I will try it tomorrow and post back.

Thanks again.

I am currently at the ALOA show in Las Vegas...and I have seen similar handles to the ones you describe...but...

When you say concealed (hidden) screws...are you referring to the outside handle and rose (plate)?

Usually on kwikset...the inside rose will have holes for the connecting screws....do you have thinner doors?....

if so...perhaps you could shorten the connecting screws...which could provide for a tighter fit on the door and thereby lessen the floppiness of the knobset...

the set screw you refer to, I presume is the one that holds the lever on...

Kwikset are usually built with greater tolerances and deliberately are flimsy...to allow for the multiple applications that some mpeople will use the product for...

hope this helps

Is it possible that this is a flimsy hollow core door that is flexing and allowing the screws to get loose?

The rose is tight on the door, it is the piece (not sure what you call it) that sticks out that the lever connect to. This piece wobbles, which in turn makes the lever wobble.

The existing holes were stripped from tprevious screws, so i plugged then with screw plugs.

Good Morning,

Earlier in my first response, I mentioned that the "posts" were held in with clips, and usually through age, they could possibly loosen. After reading your last post, it looks like that is your trouble. You mentioned: I have tried to contact kwikset and they just tell me they can send me new dummy locks. Have them send them. Free is a good price, and should solve the mystery. Once you get them in hand, you will see how they can work loose.

cuedude

They are being shipped first thing next week.

I agree with spdavid.

hi try this, remove handle, remove cover plate, locktite the screws that mounts the handle to the door itself. thenn put plate back on and tighten up the set screw on lever.

i hope this idea works as well
hello doordoctor#2, welcome to the board

Hi,

Now that several days have passed, I've reread this topic, and all the new posts. You've gotten just about all the good advise there is. Locktite all the screws, but do not use the permanent type. I don't remember which coler it is, but the package says permanent. If you use that, it is like a weld. You won't get it to come off, or tighten it up ever again.

Secondly, have you gotten the new levers yet? Speaking for myself, I'd like to know.

Thanks for bringing this to the board, and do let us know how it goes?

cuedude

i think blue is the permanent one red is the oen that binds the screw but not weld it forever good luck

Yes I got the new knobs from Kwikset, they are a little different style than the ones i had, but the are solid and were installed successfully.

Kwikset was very easy to deal with and sent the new handles no questions asked.

Thanks for the update-glad to hear you solved the problem.

Regarding loctite-red is the permanent one, blue removable.