How to Flip a Kwikset SmartKey Door Knob with an Upside Down Keyhole

This is a demonstration of how to remove the lock cylinder on a Kwikset SmartKey door knob so you can flip over the lock so the keyhole is not upside down. This procedure will fix your upside down keyhole. You do not need the Kwikset cylinder removal tool (81467-003 amzn.to/2alyXLO) to remove the lock cylinder from this entry knob.
To do this job, you will need a small screwdriver a long screwdriver and a small hammer.

[@mattyoutubes]

Gee when I bought my Kwikset lock I didn't know I was going to have to perform surgery on it to make it normal.

[@davidhuber8779]

40 years ago they were all lh or rh handles. Now all universal.

[@grant7599]

I spent 1 hour looking at the instruction manual thinking I was losing my mind, then found this on youtube. Thank you so much. Enjoy the weekend !

[@Smedleydog1]

Seven years and this vidoe is still helping people. Thanks.

[@cjtwman]

Much appreciated. Instructions on my set didn't even say you could do this. It actually said "ok if upside down" Way better this way! In Canada I believe these are Weiser locks.

[@emilytrevillian9643]

It's been seven years since you posted this video, and it's still helping people! I literally cheered out loud for myself when that bad boy popped out of the handle! This procedure is an easy fix and saved me from daily torment of non-matching keyholes. Thank you!

[@RedZenox]

9 years later and its still the same kwikset design. Thanks!

[@raymond2122]

Excellent, my additional tip - before you start, I suggest you add a small piece of masking tape on the barrel (indicating the original position of the key), then flip the cylinder 180° after you popped the cylinder out.

[@andyjame5150]

We ended up exchanging this model for the slimmer version kzbin.infoUgkx0jZ_lGlDVJhDnmagEU8gn47cmfPNlLQU because it was too wide for the only door trim area that made sense to mount it on. However, we should have just noted the dimensions prior to purchasing. Otherwise, we love the doorbell. It works perfectly, and the video is very clear, even at night.

[@Magwai20xd6]

I'll admit, I had to watch this quite a few times to figure out everything that was going on with the tabs. However, I am super grateful for this video. I really didn't want to install my door knob with the key hole upside down. 10 years and this is still helping people out.

[@afishcalledminnewawa]

took a few tries and watching a few times to understand what I was physically trying to, once I got that figured out it worked first time. thanks

[@58fenderdeluxe]

If I attempt this, tools and expletives will be flying. I will just live with it. Why are these upside down from the factory ?? Sofa king dumb !!

[@kaiserwilli]

They appear to be made for right hand swing in doors. Left hand swing in will be upside down

[@T00LF00L]

@@kaiserwilli I have 3 left swing doors in my home. I bought 3 knobs and 3 deadbolts and one knob is upside down from the other 2.

[@lovinlife6993]

Kudos, dude. I was hoping there was a way. You explained it perfectly. Can’t stand upside down keyholes. Seriously.

[@LdRfilmz]

Thanks a lot for the video bud. You have no idea how pissed I was getting trying to figure this out haha

[@NeallWest]

Thanks much for posting this. On mine, this technique wasn't nearly as easy as you made it look, but it did work. You saved me another trip to the hardware store and a bit of money.

[@mathiasaquilas]

GREAT video. However, here's a tip from a guy who just spent thirty minutes trying to get it to work:First, don't bend the tab he has you pressing down to far, or it will bend permanently. With a new doorknob, you can just bend it back, but still. Once you bend it a bit forward, then press the catch that held on the first piece he has you take off and use a small screwdriver to press the OTHER tab on the opposite side of the hole he has you putting screwdrivers in. Skip to the end of the video to get an idea of what and where the tabs are at. I bent the shit out of one tab and it just wouldn't get out. I pressed the other tab for about a half-second, and the whole lock fell out. His video is fantastic, just remember to give the other tab some love too.

[@ZipZapDIY]

+Matthew Knight Excellent tips! be gentle with the tabs!

[@tomclarke6475]

Thanks for the video, the upside down lock drives me crazy. Thanks to the Lock Picking Lawyer, I save the metal inserts from my old windshield wiper blades. These work better then a couple of screwdrivers. Now you know why I never throw anything away! 😁

[@chriscullen5500]

Thanks! It was real easy and you do not need to buy the special tool. Do not let the big business rip you off!

[@andyboz4752]

Sir, you're awesome. Thank you for making this. This is the only video on the subject I could find, all the other threads I read recommended taking it to a locksmith.

[@y0ubetcham0m]

Worked like a charm, thanks! I had to use quite a bit of force to pop that lock out but once it was out, the rest was easy.

[@TreasuresTransformed]

Thank you for posting this video. It was a great help. Excellent job.

[@scottgilbert3734]

Thank you for posting this. I would never have figured this out on my own.

[@DukeTheSPO0K]

Super Big Thanks!! The two screwdriver thing was the hardest part.

[@jonasc34]

Hey man, thank you soooo much for posting this video. I had to pause the video to pop the key hole out. I had to practice on the old lock first just to make sure didn't mess anything up. To me it was step by step instructions. I did thw exact same thing with the video at the same time. Thanks!!!!

[@JDOTVegas]

Beautiful!!! I've been trying to figure this out on lots of houses for years. No more flipping the key. Thank you so much for this vid!!! I pulled off the task in less than a minute.

[@jschneider1620]

This worked brilliantly for me - thank you for posting this!

[@khallman75]

Thanks for this video. I had to have my lock drilled the other day and the replacement came "upside-down" (which was odd, since all the other locks I installed were correctly oriented, including the previous one). I was able to complete the procedure in your video, but in the process I bent one of the clips. I straightened it out and re-assembled the lock but now the cylinder has a little more play than it did before, to the point where a screwdriver could possibly be inserted at the edge.

[@jadahoob99]

Thank you sir! I purchased a Kwikset SmartKey Door Knob at Lowes...same problem. I had already installed the deadbolt and re-keyed it to match another door key. I REALLY did not want to return to store for a replacement. Then I wondered if some kind soul might have a solution on KZbin...and there you were. I had to work at it a bit (after I watched your video about three times), but it worked! Great video!

[@ZipZapDIY]

+jadahoob99 Thanks. happy to help, I'm always grateful when I find a good vid showing a problem solved.

[@ernestleo6284]

Thank you for your excellent video showing how to remove the the lock mechanism on a Kiwkset door knob so it can be turned around. I followed your steps and was successful the lock popped out allowing me to turn it around.

[@neilmac1023]

Never realized how easy that was. Thank you.

[@elliptical3]

Fixed that lock, like a boss. Thank you, sir.

[@noelferrer7956]

Thanks for the instructions! Took a little bit of trial and error with popping the lock out (those tabs are tricky) but otherwise I was able to complete it.

[@ZipZapDIY]

If you are concerned about over working the springs with the screwdriver method, or maybe it is a little tricky for you. You can use the Kwikset tool to remove the cylinder. At Amazon for under $10 amzn.to/25uV1Ix (Commissions earned on Amazon link)

[@JohnJohn-lb1bm]

ZipZapDIYI called kwikset up they are sending me one for free

[@chriscullen5500]

$2.50 what a bargain. You can do it with 2 screw drivers

[@brettk8514]

Take the "post that you pulled out with the pliers and insert it backward with a little tap. This will pop the lock right out instead of using 2 screwdrivers. Much easier. Thanks for the vid tho!

[@billmoser2670]

works great! thanks for taking the time to show this.

[@mrneg9]

It bugged the shit out of me that the key was upside down. Had to take all three handles back off, but glad I did. Who wants an upside down key. Thank for your video. Couldn't have done it without your info. You da man !

[@DannyCharbel]

Thanks for posting this video. I've used it twice now. Excellent work, great explanations.

[@ZipZapDIY]

+Danny Charbel Thank you for the compliment.

[@TheCdavis411]

Life saver! thanks this was really easy once I watched your video. It works on a regular Kwikset entry lock as well.

[@mwilkinson]

Still applicable today. Thanks for sharing the info. I was able to lift both retention tabs using thin metal shims. The lock popped right out, without having to tap it.

[@turbofarviknugnnick5540]

Thanks for the video, its actually easier to just pull the whole stem section out THEN you have easy access to and can see the clips you need to manipulate to remove the lock cylinder from the front.

[@miworld0123]

Thanks saved me from buying and having to wait for a specialty tool I would only use one time.

[@TurkTainment]

Thanks! This worked. First part I did but found an alternative for 2nd part! I tried just putting key in and turning it all way around. Then put back the first piece I took out and it worked! I didn't have to take the 2nd price out. Just put key in and turn it fully so It's upside down. Hold It's there and click back first piece.

[@ZipZapDIY]

TurkTainment cool beans

[@vjmacintyre]

TurkTainment tried this, and it rotated, but the key was stuck inside so i don't know if it would actually work... Got the tabs out anyway

[@kimberlyburke8920]

This video is 11 years old and just satisfied my OCD while changing all the locks to Kwikset. Still relevant in 2024.

[@ZipZapDIY]

haha, great to hear that!

[@jamesutz3358]

Thanks for the How To video! I wanted to add that I was able to pop the latches on both sides using two small screwdrivers. As soon as I caught the second latch, the lock mechanism popped out freely, with no hammer tap required.

[@tacua52]

Thanks ZipDapDIY, your video definitely helped. No info on the box, instructions. Their details online sucked. Thanks for the video, really helped me out!

[@ArmadilloMagic]

Excellent! I did this years ago as a maintenance man but had forgotten. Worked like a charm! Thanks!

[@chocojavakim1]

Thanks for a very helpful video! My husband flipped our lock in about 10 minutes. The guy in the video has obviously had lots of practice, so be patient. Ours was not a smartkey lock, just a regular Kwikset from HD.

[@Crypto4x]

i use the tool to remove the safety clips that hold the cylinder, makes it a lot easier. great vid bud

[@rebeccajohnson8859]

Thank you! This made it easy!

[@JeanineEscobar]

So helpful!! Saved the day!! Thank you

[@Ian-tj3zc]

I didn't have any little screwdrivers on me, but I was able to perform the minor surgery with allen keys. Thanks!

[@Velshard]

Very helpful aid to a frustrating problem, thanks a bunch for posting this.

[@ZipZapDIY]

+Velshard sweet. than you.

[@seattledrumguy]

Worked like a charm. Thanks!

[@EricEwers]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@zebrigazi]

Thanks! This was a huge help!

[@ASassinator333]

I played with it for hours. I must have gotten a defective unit. Thank you for the video.

[@keepmflyin]

Thank you! Made it easy.

[@chiguysinger]

Great video, got it done after a couple tries at it.

[@billa.5138]

Thanks for the video. First one took 10 minutes, 2nd and 3rd about 30 seconds ;-) One thing to note. If you try and reassemble the two knobs and they don't slide all the way together, rotate the pin or spindle (the first piece you remove) a bit and then they will.

[@rastersplatter]

Thanks, saved me lots of time.

[@jayj429]

thank you- it has been sooooo long that I didn't remember.

[@CFKoder]

Thank you! Super helpful video!

[@interrogator13]

Awesome! Installed it upside down earlier but was disappointed. Re-examined it and instructions and got nada. Crazy what you can find on the youtubes.

[@michaelnagle8250]

Thousands of painters like myself thank you!

[@ThomasJoseph315]

Thanks! had a door lock opposite of a dead bolt in my house thta was installed prior to moving in... drove me nuts! :D

[@ynk1121]

Great! Thanks! Once I managed to get at both tabs pressed inward with tiny screw drivers the things rocketed out on its on. No tapping or pushing needed.

[@CorbinLindsey]

Worked perfect and I want to say thanks...

[@ZipZapDIY]

Excellent!

[@seanmcmills]

thank you sir! very helpful.

[@DatS4Rings]

Nice tip!

[@jackzuranski852]

GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU, JACK

[@johnfrazier9327]

Excellent vid and helped me solve.

[@joepowell2619]

Thank you sir so much. This video was exactly what I needed, and your step-by-step explanation was perfect and made it easy!

[@davidecasassa8679]

Many thanks for this. Now I see why I couldn't figure this out on the spur of the moment - it's complicated when you can't see the internals while working on it standing in a doorway. I replaced all 3 entry locks in my house, and one knob cylinder was assembled upside down from the factory, a real PITA when you have to fumble in the dark and try to remember which key slot is the "bad" one. My requests to Kwikset for assistance were never answered! Suggestion 1: lose the gloves, which obstruct the view; if you must glove, try a pair of snug surgical ones in a light color. Suggestion 2: hold your workpiece in a vise, instead of fumbling with it and making your viewers carsick.

[@stevenbrockdorf6112]

Thank you for being succinct!

[@djward3378]

Perfect to reverse a lock position. ThanxAlot for being understanding that I didn't have "ThaTool" 🐮

[@catinapetty7452]

Thank u for the help.

[@danieldewolf6608]

Thank you so much for this!

[@user-yp1qy9gg4u]

Great item!

[@Bare_Essence]

Ironically, the only mention of key upside down in the lock instructions is the phrase "This is Ok". Thank you for posting! Like, sub, and soup for you!

[@ZipZapDIY]

Your welcome, glad to help, I've been lucky I guess, the last few I've installed have been the right way round.

[@jessicajames366]

Hello, what is the name of the tool that makes it easier to flip

[@thomasdipaolo2349]

Thank you. Just what i needed to know

[@gregfish2485]

I knew there was a way, I just could not figure it out. Now my lock don't look upside down. Thanks!

[@StillMaxin]

Nice tip, accomplished this with two tiny hex drivers and a long screw driver. Silly you need an optional tool to do this

[@Wranglertd]

Handy video thanks

[@fordsucks2]

Many Thanks. Great Video. 5 Stars.

[@rtdfvbtr]

Thank you!

[@tred1829]

Whew, thank you!

[@mikehodges4914]

Great video! When I saw the two clips towards the end I thought maybe I could grab (push in) both with precision screw drivers. I was right. I grabbed the hard to get to one first then the one you push in the video and the keyhole section basically fell out with almost no force. Thanks again.

[@ZipZapDIY]

right on! that two screwdriver method is nice and a little gentler, I couldn't get it to work, maybe my hands are too big or the screwdrivers were too big.

[@lostperfection05]

Thanks for the tip, I was having a hell of a time doing it like he showed(couldn't be bothered to go get a long screw driver like he was using, haha) but I had the two precision ones like you say and bam, out immediately. Thanks a bunch.

[@jeyrosati]

Thanks!

[@spicypeppers2019]

1:16 “shpring” lol

[@kennethdotsey5295]

been awhile since I attempted this and am back at it again So nice to see anyone but me can do this I even bought the tool which doesn't fit into the chamber or hole whatever you call it I have no little clip either to pry out of the way I don't know about this video seems logical but it doesn't help me at all I don't think I have a kwikset lock as there is no name on the lock I have but wish this was a universal procedure Guess I'll spend the 500 bucks for the locksmith guy because I have 3 doors and I don't want 3 different keys My luck throw money at it as this is not working for me

[@YTlover365]

Awesome! Thanks!!

[@kdsimms]

@ZipZapDIY I can't tell what you're holding down with the small screwdriver, to remove the silver tube. Can you elaborate?

[@KidsandKittens217]

Does it take a tremendous amount of force to pull out the round spindle? I've been working at it for quite a while and can't get the spindle to come out, even using my long nose pliers. I am depressing a tab at the same time, but the spindle is just not coming out. Instead the metal of the spindle is fraying. I did turn the spindle counterclockwise as you show.

[@Beatube6470]

Thank you sir.

[@a1bassnguy]

thanks! Avoided waiting on the tool

[@daniellemcclendon220]

Thank you!!! 🎉

[@wired-up]

There are two tabs holding the lock, if you can release them both, the lock practically falls out by itself. The tabs are barbed so you do need to lift both of them but not very far. One is difficult to reach but a small screwdriver bent about 30 degrees 3/8" from the end did it for me. Thanks for the video!

[@ZipZapDIY]

+Richard Floe Happy to help!

[@jayostergard310]

thanks it worked

[@Judgesmails9]

Thanks for the video- i've got the first step to work, but can't get the front key hole piece to pop out-I'll keep trying- the local lock smith couldn't get it either. Its a frustrating design for a door knob- it shouldn't be this difficult to get the orientation of the knob on correctly without having to install it with the key hole upside down!

[@kevinshuman7342]

Wow thank you