How do I remove a Kwikset door knob?

Question

I have a kwikset locking door knob that appears to have been compromised. It now cannot be unlocked and/or the cylinder cannot be retracted. I took the knob apart but the exterior portion of the knob cannot be extracted due to the cylinder being jammed (the interior side of the bolt is raised (bigger) making it near impossible to remove from assymbly without breaking). Any ideas on how to remove this knob?

Answer 1

Once the inside knob is removedfrom a Kwikset, pressing in the latch will release the outside knob assembly so you can pull it out of the latch.

Sometimes, with Kwiksets, the latch mechanism fails (by "latch" I mean the triangular part that extends into the door frame, thru the strike plate). If that is the case, the dremel tool idea will be best.

Cut off the silver/gray rod that is turned by the inside thumbscrew- that should allow the outside assembly to be pulled through the latch. A locksmith would have specialized Kwikset tools to get it apart, but that won't be an option for you.

If the door is closed and a failed latch still wont retract, cut the latch assembly off thru the doorknob hole, using a holesaw. This is not uncommon with Kwiksets.

Answer 2

Some of the door knobs have a small spring clip that holds the cover plate on. It would be on the inside of the closed door. The screws to remove the whole assembly are under that cover plate. While pushing in that clip with a small straight blade screwdriver and pulling the plate away from the door, the plate will come forward. You might have to run a knife around the edges of the cover plate as the plate may be stuck to the door from past paint jobs. If all else fails, take your frustrations out on the knob and hit the top of it with a hammer. I don't mean tap on it, I mean whack it off with a hard blow! You're going to replace it anyway.

Answer 3

I take it this is a single knob with the key in the center on the outside and either a push button or a twist piece which sets the lock. You unlock it by either opening the door to release the push button, or untwist the small piece in the center on the inside to release the lock. They have made both twist and push button locking mechanisms. On the inside side of the door. pry the flashing loose. The flashing is the decorative piece against the inside side of the door. There may be a spring loaded release catch, or it may simply be friction clipped in place. They have made both types over the years. Move the flashing away from the door toward the knob. You will see a spring loaded catch which you have to use a screwdriver to press in. This catch releases the doorknob from the shaft which goes through the door and which operates the latch. You should now be able see a plate against the door. Again, there are 2 ways this could be fastened in place, 2 screws which go through the door, or it may be a collar, like a nut which holds this plate against the door and pulls the outside knob tight against the door. Loosen the screws or the collar nut and you should feel the outside side start to come loose. Remove the screws or collar nut and you should be able to separate the 2 sides of the knob mechanism and pull the front side out of the door. Most of the mechanism will come out with the front side. The thing remaining in the door is the latch mechanism itself. There are 2 screws in the side of the door which release this part from the door. Reverse the process to reassemble. Put the latch mechanism into the door and screw it in place. Put the front part through the door and through the latch mechanism. Put on the inside plate on and use the collar nut or the long screws to tighten it against the door and pull both sides of the mechanism together. Put the flashing over the knob, the knob over the shaft and depress the spring catch, push the knob over the catch until it engages. Slide the inside flashing back into place against the door to cover the screws and that's it, you're done.

Answer 4

All locksets (Kwikset and others) are installed basically the same way. On the interior side of the room, you should see 2 screws (opposite each other, next to the knob). Use a phillips screwdriver (at an angle) and remove both screws. The lockset will now come apart, however the latch must be removed separately. There are two screws which hold the latch in place - remove them both then remove the latch.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How do I remove a Kwikset door knob?
I have a kwikset locking door knob that appears to have been compromised. It now cannot be unlocked and/or the cylinder cannot be retracted. I took the knob apart but the exterior portion of the knob cannot be extracted due to the cylinder being jammed (the interior side of the bolt is raised...

Answer 6

Kwikset Door Knobs

Answer 7

If you cant get it out you may need to get something small like a dremal tool with a cutting blade to cut it out a piece at a time.

Answer 8

Good question! Mine is loose and I cannot find a screw or where to tighten it! :)