How to Correct an Upside-Down Keyway - Kwikset

[@Belizeisthebest]

I've watched 8 other videos on this subject. You're the first to give complete clarity, especially on the tab compression process to release the plastic part of the spindle. Thanks!

[@LockandKilo]

I have been training new Locksmiths for a while now lol... I learned to be extremely thorough haha! Glad I could help! - Kilo

[@Rocksolidhandyman]

I looked at all the other videos, and this one explains it the best the first video I watched I broke the lock the second video I watched. I couldn’t understand what the guy was showing me because he didn’t have a good angle. This guy nailed it. Thank you so much you solve my problem!

[@joebaseball17]

Great video! Short and to the point with great visuals and good instruction. BRAVO! AND THANK YOU!

[@williampalmieri3432]

I called Kwikset corporate before thinking to search on this venue. Customer Service Agent was very professional and accommodating by sending the tool free of charge - but no instructions. This is where your outstanding and thorough video comes in! You explained everything extremely well and I flipped the cylinder like I've been doing this all my life. Thank you very much for posting this informational instructional video!

[@usernamemykel]

Please advise of their contact info, thanks!

[@kens.3729]

BEST Video covering this Subject. Thanks! 👍🙏

[@jeffgehman8344]

Wow! At 5:58 is the info I needed ... my lock set didn't have the 2 spring tabs as you show in the first 5 minutes, and it turns out your instructions at 5:58 to insert my key and rotate the lock 180 degrees did the trick instantly! I watched 3 other videos all explaining how to use the Kwikset tool (or 2 screwdrivers) but of course neither would work for me ... Thanks!

[@leonardmarek8922]

I too watched several videos on this topic. This one is the best. So clear too. My lock's compression took some muscle to release the tumbler itself. That tool is an absolute must. Makes the whole process very easy!👍

[@tahusker]

This was great . . . thanks! Clear, concise and right to the main points. I had bought a Kwikset lock for my daughter's bedroom door and was stumped at how to not have the keyhole upside down. She said she didn't care, so I left it that way initially--but it bugged the hell out of me. I saw this video, bought the tool and just fixed the lock to be right-side up in about 5 mins. Now I know how to do it if I run into it again.

[@waynesummers921]

this is the best video i have seen on how to reverse the key hole THANKS

[@DZCamaro-kz2vd]

EXCELLENT tutorial. Very clear and concise!

[@lokpikr999]

Outstanding tutorial.I did this for a knob on one of my neighbor's bedroom doors as a courtesy without him even asking lol.

[@LockandKilo]

Thank you! Yeah, most of the time when I am on a rekey I adjust them, even if it's not a lock they want keyed up lol...it just bothers me to see one keyway not in line haha - Kilo

[@lokpikr999]

@@LockandKilo Yeah, even though it will most likely continue to function, I am totally OCD in that respect too lol.

[@secularbelt]

I used a flat head to get the face to pop off. Worked perfectly the first time. Thanks for the video

[@barkingshark6413]

Best explanation using the tool.. I ended up just using long flathead screwdrivers… thanks.

[@Eagle457-PS]

I’ve watched a few and your video is the best I have watched

[@Lisa8478]

Your the only video that is understandable great job.

[@dennisdouthett1486]

Thank you for the close-up video. That's the ticket.

[@usernamemykel]

I've an upside down keyway Kwikset lock with NO KEY for it. I figured that using the cylinder removal tool, I can remove the cylinder and reykey it. HOWEVER - it turns out that this lock must be a HUD-type lock, as you mentioned, so the cylinder removal tool didn't work. You said that I'd need to turn the cylinder, with the key, 180 degrees, then I'd be able to pop it out using the removal tool, but since I had no original (or duplicate) key, I had to use a pick and tension wrench to turn the cylinder 180 degrees, which I did, and with the cylinder removal tool, I achieved success. THANK YOU!! Now I need to do the re-keying. QUESTION: I've come across two sets of Kwikset values for the bottom pins re: the key I'll be using: The number 2 pin can be either .192 or 195, and the number 5 pin can be either .261 or .264 SO - What to do, what to do? I'd really dislike to do "trial and error", because that would mean dismantling the lock over and over. Suggestions, please?

[@usernamemykel]

ANYWAY - The lock had what appeared to be a key code stamped on it, however, when I measured the pins, they didn't correspond to the Kwikset chart - that was AFTER I relied upon the key code to put some new pins in the cylinder for the "new" key. That was frustrating. However, the "new" key had it's code stamped on it and I used the Kwikset chart, but even then, I had to pick the lock a few times and try other (next size up) pins. SO - the "HUD" clones are not to be relied upon as far as rekeying is concerned - tolerances are apparently different than real Kwiksets. Mission accomplished. You gave great instructions, which gave me a great head start. THANKS!!

[@allindonmontesco]

Very useful information as always kilo.

[@LockandKilo]

Thank you, Allindon! - Kilo

[@wallyhansen9553]

Very clear instructions and video. The best instructional for this problem

[@LockandKilo]

I am glad it helped! Thank you for the feedback!

[@hopooba]

Bought the tool. Took a few times watching your video. Thank you.

[@LockandKilo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maryannkolb-eckert4360]

Great tutorial...great info...always like watching your videos

[@LockandKilo]

Thank you! I am glad you are finding them helpful! That's the goal! :) - Kilo

[@jacobgray3746]

Wish I would of used your video first you explained and showed everything perfectly thanks!

[@turtlesauce482]

You've saved my sanity

[@smb9854]

Very good job. Thank you so much. 😀

[@dchomeimprovements]

Excellent! Can you reset key on cylinder knobs lock with cradle ? I have lost the key and have Kwikset cradle, but only use it on deadbolt so far.

[@jackzuranski852]

Great video Thanks JACK

[@lawrencebaisley7297]

Very well explained. Thank you sir

[@ROBERTELECTRIC1]

Hi thank you for the video. I installed kwikset deadbolt lock but somehow in order to lock the door with the key I have to turn the key LEFT (CCW). Can you make a video on how to fix it? Thanks again

[@doorandlocktips]

Great job little buddy

[@KAWIKA1018]

Thank you for this video

[@louisrouthier9901]

Love your video's

[@markshuford450]

Great video. Very clear and concise. But, it isn't working for me. I am at the step where I have inserted the special tool in the back of the lock to engage the springs holding the lock cylinder in place, and I can't get the springs to release. I have tried for about 20 minutes and my frustration is mounting. Do you have anymore helpful hints?

[@LockandKilo]

Hi, Mark! So, you can try to insert the Kwikset Tool and then hold the lock with the keyway facing up and tap the tool on your desk to try and release the springs. You could also be dealing with a Clone, in which case you can watch my video number [11] where I explain how to remove the cylinder on those! You will need the key!

[@markshuford450]

@@LockandKilo After working for about an hour and finally inserting the special tool into my bench vise, I finally was able to get one spring to release by pushing the knob/lock assembly with a lot of force against the vise. I had a small gap between the front of the knob and the lock assembly and was able to pry the two pieces apart with a flathead screwdriver. Upon inspection of the springs, I discovered they were about 1/8" wider than the opening on the special tool. Oh, well. Mission finally accomplished. Thank you for your response.

[@usernamemykel]

If one doesn't have a key, one can use a pick and tension wrench, as I had to do. TERRIFIC VIDEO!!@@LockandKilo

[@desidrian]

Does this work on deadbolts too?

[@ryannenelson8623]

Does this method work for Weiser too?

[@wayne6438]

Success! Thanks so much

[@JoePicksLocksport]

Excellent video! Very informative! #KiloArmy

[@LockandKilo]

Thank you!

[@Michael-fw5ef]

How do you tighten a keylock that is slightly turning as you unlock the door? I have a deadbolt on my front door to my home and when I turn it, the cylinder turns as I am unlocking the lock with my key. It doesn't turn alot, but I want to correct it and tighten it as it is getting loose.

[@LockandKilo]

The first thing to check would be the mounting screws on the inside. Be sure to tighten them down and try it out. A dab of Blue Loctite helps. While you are there, you can tighten up the knob and latches. Over time on a frequently used door like a residential front door, the door will be pushed, pulled, slammed, hung onto by kids, locked and unlocked multiple times a day, dozens of times per week, so it's common for these mounting screws to shake loose.

[@jameshammons2354]

Tool comes in inexpensive rekey kits

[@FrankDouglas]

Lol timing is everything

[@LockandKilo]

I wasn't going to post today, but I saw the message late lol Good to see you again! - Kilo

[@johnrokosz4638]

How do you do the deadbolt? Because it is upside down.

[@LockandKilo]

That would be the latch. You would have to flip the latch around and re insert the dead-bolt :)

[@johnrokosz4638]

I wish you could do a video on that. Your videos are great

[@LockandKilo]

@@johnrokosz4638 I actually have one :)

[@tomshearer7409]

Is Defiant a clone? Would this Kwikset tool work?

[@LockandKilo]

Defiant is it's own brand. Kwikset Clones look pretty much identical to Kwiksets, only the inner mechanics are different. For Defiant, usually you just have to remove the lock knob and flip it over as it has a square post instead of the Kwikset stle "half-moon" shape.

[@pjnonato]

So helpful! The knob is a him. Lol

[@LockandKilo]

I've done this so long that the locks become little friends haha

[@locknut5382]

The irony is that the knockoffs have the keyway the right way up, but Kwikset, and most other US locks, have their keyways upside down, just as US light and power switches are upside down, when compared to most of the rest of the world.

[@davidburkholder7360]

The better way to correct this is to not buy it or have the manufacturer offer both or take it to a locksmith and he will switch it out for you for 50 bucks. Doing this action to the lock without the proper tools and knowledge is an utter frustration. Skip it.