How to remove the lock cylinder from a Kwikset SmartKey entry knob

[sunnycuts]

you are a gentleman and a scholar ..thx a bunch!

[tripjet999]

The Kwikset company is sending a special "tool" for removing the lock cylinder, after I told them that I was simply missing the "rekeying tool" that makes it much easier to remove and replace the lock cylinder (MUCH easier - without removing the knob assembly from the door.)

One rep actually told me to "throw that page away. It shouldn't have come with the lockset." They should have referred me to your video, which is more helpful that the company reps were!

Thanks.

[leqid]

Hey @tripjet999! Thank you for the kind words about my video! I really get a kick out of these comments, and I'm glad to know that I helped you.

My Kwikset locks have proven reliable in the year (!) since I filmed this video while changing out the original cylinders. I hope you have similar good luck with your locks!

[MarvelousVictor]

Helpful and to the point. Thanks very much.

[leqid]

@MarvelousVictor, you're welcome! Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[Jackson6mom]

I love you. Seriously. I love you. And, we were turning the cylinder because the entry knob is not labeled left or right handed, but it was left handed (b/c the key was upside down when installed) and we needed right. Thank you and thank you and thank you!!!

[leqid]

@Jackson6mom, you're welcome! Thank you for letting me know. And... I love you too, stranger. ;)

[kongman87]

thanks dude

[Braino07]

Hey Leqid - thanks for making this - i had to replace the bolt in my lock tonight and wouldn't have figured out how to tear it apart without this video... go to my channel to see the follow-up video i just posted... :)

[leqid]

@Braino07 You're welcome! Thank YOU for the *very* kind words. I watched both parts of the follow-up. Well done!

[venita01]

great video. but can you do one on the double cylinder kwikset smart key dead bolt lock installation. Im stomped.

[Skitzo365]

aw.. another cylinder removal. great work. quick and easy now you just need to do the Schlage cylinder removal video.

[leqid]

@Skitzo365, thank you for the feedback! Just curious: what were you doing with your cylinder that you needed to remove it?

[Skitzo365]

@leqid basic knowledge of how it works. maybe rekey it or something. IDK

[eelvevets]

quick easily understood and mission accomplished - thanks a bunch!

[leqid]

@eelvevets, you're welcome! I was just thinking about this video yesterday... wondering why people are still viewing it. Do you mind if I ask why you were messing with the lock cylinder?

Anyway, I'm happy that I was able to help you. I never expected anything like 21,000+ views when I posted the vid...

[dougieritch]

This is a great video! However, keep in mind some Kwikset Entry Knob locks only require the used to insert the key and turn the lock 180 degrees, the lock will pop right out and you can then key the lock accordingly.

[topper478]

these dumb locks, when i put it in with the dead bolt the knob key was backwards than the dead bolt lock key so i had to flip the cylinder around to match the bolt lock. never knew i was going to have so much trouble with this lock. Thanks so much for the video it helped so much.

[leqid]

@topper478, couldn't agree more about those "dumb locks"! Cool concept, but the implementation seems to leave much to be desired. Anyway, I'm happy that the video was there for you when you needed it. Thank you for the feedback!

[elanatomist]

Yes! Thanks! My landlord, bless his heart, changed a dysfunctional doorknob/latchset for me but took the "quick" way and left me with all my locks keyed for one key except one.  Doing this myself and exchanging the older lock into the new knob "set" everything right again! Very good video btw...simple, to the point and easy to see what your narrating.

[leqid]

@elanatomist, thank you very much! Sounds like you were doing pretty well on your own. I'm glad my video was able to provide whatever help you needed.

[elanatomist]

Yes! Thanks! My landlord, bless his heart, changed a dysfunctional doorknob/latchset for me but took the "quick" way and left me with all my locks keyed for one key except one. Doing this myself and exchanging the older lock into the new knob "set" everything right again!

[EmoAngie85]

I too successfully flipped the cylinder, Thank You!

[leqid]

@EmoAngie85, you're welcome! Thank you for your feedback. I had no idea this video would help so many people... and I'm glad it helped you!

[theiriw]

Successfully made an upside down into a right side up. Thanks, mate

[leqid]

@theiriw, I hadn't thought of that angle before. I'm glad my video helped you. Thank you for letting me know!

[sduck1919]

Thanks for the fine video. I was having trouble releasing the spindle but your video showed how to do it in great detail. Thanks!

[leqid]

@sduck1919, thank you for letting me know the vid helped you! I'm glad it did. Just passed 13,512 views now, so a lot of people seem to be having a problem with those silly locks. (I think loxalot31 was mad that my video on this subject is better than his... :)

[asaetalansada]

Thank you much leqid. This helps much. I apreciate it. Have a blessed day.

[leqid]

@asaetalansada, glad I could help you! Thank you for commenting, and for the kind wish.

[wishbone1138]

If you know who you spoke with I'd love to speak to someone who knows about this redesign and can get me replacements for all the cylinders.

[wishbone1138]

Interesting. So I just got off the phone with them, they would only replace the ones I had problems with and would not send out replacements for all of them. She also claimed there had been no redesign of the cylinders and wasn't familiar with the issue being as large as it seems to me. They did replace it no questions asked though, so a plus for their warranty I guess. Also they are including a tool to remove it.

[wishbone1138]

thanks man, mine seized up on me today. Looks like I'll be doing this.

[leqid]

@wishbone1138, if you haven't already, call Kwikset customer service and ask for new cylinders. One of my locks seized up too. Kwikset customer service said the new cylinders had been re-engineered to prevent this, and they shipped new cylinders to me immediately. Good luck!

[wishbone1138]

@leqid I'm doing that tomorrow. Thanks! I'm thinking I should ask for a replacement on every single one! I purchased like 15 of them.

[leqid]

@wishbone1138, I asked for new ones for all six of the ones I purchased. Better safe than sorry. The customer service rep I talked with didn't bat an eye.

[wishbone1138]

Do you know if I need anything special to prove to them ownership?

[leqid]

@wishbone1138, I didn't. I just called 'em. I bet trying to avoid litigation, so they'll send new cylinders without question.

[leqid]

@wishbone1138, I didn't. I just called 'em. I bet they are trying to avoid litigation, so they'll send new cylinders without question.

[carcari]

Thanks alot, I was trying for a couple hours, then I found your video and did it in 2min!!!

Chris

[leqid]

@carcari, you're welcome! That's about how long I spent before I found the trick. Glad my vid helped you!

[raster43]

Thanks so much for this info. I had done it about 25 yrs ago but completely forgot how to do it. I needed to rorate the lock cylinter so the key was cut up.

BTW, you probably realize by now that you state to turn the spindle cc to the "unlock" position when you're actually turning it to the "lock" position.

[leqid]

@raster43, you're welcome! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

I reviewed the bit you mentioned. I hope that part isn't confusing. I meant "the unlock position of the spindle," not of the lock.

[ShadowAlmighty]

Thanks for the help! The spindle was broken on my lock, and I needed to get the cylinder out. Never would have figured it out until I saw your video!

[leqid]

@ShadowAlmighty, never say never.... but I'm glad the vid gave you a boost! :)

[cintoman]

leqid, you can add another person to someone whom you helped out. When turning my door handle towards the right, the knob was sticking because the little spring clip inside was sliding beyond the metal stop that's supposed to hold it. So I needed a new door knob, but wanted to keep using my existing key (since this one, my garage door and both dead bolts use the same key). Your video helped me out tremendously. Thank you so much !!

[leqid]

@cintoman, thank you! Still amazed that this simple vid is helping so many people.

[gcbound]

thanks, I appreciate your video. I'd wanted to rotate the cylinder 180 so I'd insert the key teeth up (no comments on *that* debate :). After a couple tries it worked great with allen wrench and small screwdriver. You might not know how far down in the hole the spring clips are. Don't go too deep. It helped me the first time to depress the spring tab so that I could see the depth of both clips with a flashlight. Also, the orientation of the clips is fixed, so you don't need to hunt for 'em.

[leqid]

@gcbound, you're welcome! Glad the vid helped you. Thanks for the tips for future viewers.

[Skyler310]

Great tut sir. Helped me a great deal.

[leqid]

@Skyler310, thanks for the props!

[lophophore23]

Thank you thank you thank you. I spent 30 minutes screwing around with the lock set, trying to get the cylinder out -- then I looked at the video and got the damn thing out in 30 seconds!

[leqid]

@lophophore23, you're welcome! I made the video that I wish I had seen after *I* had spent 30 minutes screwing around with the dang thing. I'm continually surprised that this video is helping people.... but I'm glad it helped you!

[Rockdealer]

THANKS!

[leqid]

@Rockdealer , you're welcome! Glad this helped for you.

[Makinel]

i was stuck on my locksmithing hand-on exercise while i try to disassemble this kwikset lock.--I had problem locating the retainer clip. Your video and oral instruction helped me out!! Everything went smooth!! Thankyou very much!!!

[AteamNY]

Thanks for the vid Leqid. Don't know much about locks in general. Anyway, I messed up trying to reKey and rendered the lock useless. Thanks to the vid I popped out the cylinder and reKeyed it manually.

[loxalot31]

Why would you want to remove that cylinder? You might have also mentioned that removing the cylinder incorrectly can damage the spring retainer clips and cause the cylinder to fall out unexpectedly at some point in time later.

[leqid]

>>Why would you want to remove that cylinder?

Uh, if Kwikset customer service sends you another one?

[inger132]

@loxalot Servicing this Grade 3 shit is just a complete waste of time when a new one runs about $15.00...........kinda like bringing your pet hamster to a vet for a kidney transplant when you could get a new one for next to nothing.

Whats next? How to repair leotards?

Get a life....

[sduck1919]

@loxalot31 You would want to remove the cylinder to re-key it so the same key works on all your door locks. Duh.....