Kwikset Series 5: Smartkey Lever Handles

[@selock]

Here is the SHORT VERSION SOLUTION for when lock won’t lock or unlock kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnqclJ5qrLt3ba8 If we were able to save you some money with this video we would love for you to utilize the Super Thanks button above :)

[@TS-qd2uj]

Same here. When you think about it, it's pretty scary if all you need is an allen key to get to the lock from outside!

[@thomaskn1012]

This video is a life saver for me. I was desperate to fix my lock and viewing this video is like taking a crash course in Kwikset locks/handles.

[@ronaldturner815]

Your video was a time and money saver. The video had a Kwik Set lock exactly like mine at home. The step by step instructions were right on the money. I'm sure a technician would have charged me $100 or more. You saved me, and I appreciate it.

[@ranelson714]

It may be 5 years later but I so appreciate your video! I was at a loss as to how to change out the handle on the keyed door handle. The instructions that come with the door handle don't tell you HOW to take off the key side lever only that you can. Your video saved me a lot of stress. Thank you!!

[@selock]

Thanks! Glad it helped :)

[@JohnShoots1776]

Thanks!!! I went out and bought a new doorknob and started yo watch this to figure out how to remove the old handle. You explained that your door won't lock if the screw is loose. Well our handle fell off MONTHS AGO but we just used the deadbolt. After watching this, it took me 20 seconds to just use a wrench to tighten the handle and now it's fixed! I can also return the new handle because I never opened the box! Again, thank you!

[@yoniyum]

I could've written this entire comment myself, haha. Thanks!!!

[@williamfurrer6564]

Great video. Used it with my 80yr old dad after a 1hr struggle w a lock to reverse the levers. 10 minutes later we were done afternoon watching your video.

[@tishlowe6716]

The inside lever handle came off my front door knob. Not knowing how to fix that, I bought a new Kwikset knob to install myself. However, I couldn’t figure out how to get the old knob off. I watched this video, learned about the reverse screw on the handle, and discovered that the screw on the old handle had somehow worked itself in so it didn’t hold the handle. I put the handle back on, did some righty tighty , and it works perfectly now. Thanks for the great video.

[@xxgachaashytxx2557]

Thanks! My set screw had gone down and my handle kept falling off. Easy adjustment thanks to this video and you saved this single mom some $. Thank you 😊

[@bhjklol]

I rekey locks at work and almost no one gets Kwikset. I watched this and followed this video and got frustrated with a few parts they have changed on whatever generation I have but this video was a life saver. Got me a customer to buy a whole new house worth of doors, about half of the windows, and the roof. I wish they came in earlier because I could have done the whole house. Because I was able to pump out several of their locks in 20 minutes for free because they bought the sets I got a repeat customer. Thank you.

[@matthewmiller4747]

Thought the set screw was missing on the outside. You helped me fix my problem because the lock didn't want to engage, thanks man.

[@sebsi23]

Thanks SE! I just spent half an hour trying to 1). find a lost screw that didn't exist, and 2). improvise one from my stash (which doesn't work) because the outside handle fell off. Thanks to this video, I stuck a long Allen wrench through the handle and tightened it right up. Now my wife doesn't yell at me anymore.

[@rtfark6414]

Thank you. I was able to fix my handle that had come off because you showed me how the Allen wrench goes far into the handle. Much appreciated.

[@shalarean]

Oh my god! Bless you sir! 4:45 is where we got stuck and this literally was what we needed to know. Thank you so much for sharing this!!!!

[@jeffreycasano7705]

The set screw! It loosened over time & started impairing the rotation of that center post. That was the problem. In fact, it loosened so much that the whole handle came off. 9:40 - 12:30 troubleshoots the problem perfectly. Thanks dude!

[@pandizzle07]

What size Allen key do I use for that set screw??

[@puggychu]

Thank you for this video! I had one side of the handle fell off & didn't know how to remove the darn thing off and was ready to hire a handyman. Your video has saved me $$ after watching it & popped open the other side to remove the 2 screws that were holding the part in.

[@robbyreilly6088]

Christine Heath i have the same problem can you explain how you got the handle off ?

[@WesProphecy2032]

I was that guy that put a set screw on the locking side handle. 😄 After i got rid of the "extra" screw and tightened up the inner set screw the smart lock worked perfectly.

[@chibbert1246]

Thank you so much for this. I’ve been battling the exterior set screw (inside is difficult or impossible to lock) and this video solved it!

[@TheJoeFletch]

Thank you! I couldn't figure out how to take the handle off the key side of my lock! Worked perfect for me!

[@jeffglassmaker1692]

Thank you I fixed the old handle with hex tool reached through hole to turn set screw. I was going to replace it because I did not know what you showed in your video. Thanks again.

[@MikeTerry1969]

Very helpful. I had no idea how to remove the old one and you showed me the light. Thanks!

[@ThaJaimzterr]

Got tired of waiting for maintenance to fix our knobs at work so I did it myself. Thanks.

[@ryanwillett728]

Thanks for the video! Hidden set screw on the lock side saved me a new lock set. Thought a cotter pin had fallen out.

[@bobgil3464]

Thought it was spring loaded to remove the handle. Time to get the Allen wrench. Thank you for your video.

[@pkmasski1]

Wow great video you saved me a ton of frustration on the allen wrench issues, Got it repaired and thanks again,

[@mewsagi4055]

Your video was so helpful! I just spent way too long trying to figure this Allen wrench part out. Thank you!

[@billhildreth3758]

Thanks! Who knew I didn't even need a cylinder removal tool!

[@selock]

Glad we could help! Thank you for the Superchat, we certainly appreciate it :)

[@karthik949]

Thanks so much! This definitely saved me from buying a new lockset!

[@bigdognam]

Awesome Video! Couldn't figure out to insert all the way on the outside hex piece and then turn. Thought my hex insert on the outside was totally shaved off so that's why it was not catching. Was able to troubleshoot my issue after watching your video!

[@stephenhagen8976]

Thank You! Was just going in to buy a new handle, but thought I'd check youtube first.

[@danielgoetz7821]

Just needed to re-key one of these. Not the smart lock type and was pondering how to get the cylinder and plug out. Thanks for the info. 🙂

[@tgyo99]

9:40 is exactly what was going on!!! Thank you so much!! Life saver!!

[@ericreese6815]

This video helped me out today,thank you for making this video

[@dennisranck1613]

Thank you. As another commenter posted, my handle simply fell off. It was the handle on the keyed side. I did see the set screw on the non keyed side come up but could not figure out the set screw set up on the keyed side. I'm watching this video, I was able to repair my door knob. The funny thing is, Kwikset sent me a new lever with a smart key, but did not give me a key so that I can rekey it.

[@briarberrycove5218]

You the man... Experience ALWAYS wins!!!

[@edgarovalle1118]

Thank you for your step by step instructions, your video help me to solve the problem.

[@jheck13006]

Thank you for the help. Explained very well.

[@Shaverboy516]

Thank you for sharing this with everyone! I was having the same problem with the button sticking and just tightening the screw fixed the problem, liked and subbed:)

[@hanlee5292]

Yes, this video saved me. bought another new kwikset but had same issue after a while. I didn't know the cause until I watched this video carefully.!!!

[@maryduff8831]

Thank you ... you just answered every possible problem I’m having with my back door but have replace the front because the inner part of the knob is stuck inside and can’t latch.

[@mmportillo3]

Dude Thanks a bunch I got stressed out and slowlymanaged to replace my door thx to your video!

[@cathygabbert4269]

The reason the key spins freely around is because there is play in the spindle making it just slightly too short. (Spindle is the center rod you remove by depressing the spring) After the initial wear in period, the spindle's end slightly rounds and it will only engage when you push the key and cylinder fully in. I fixed mine by replacing the spindle with one from an old door knob which was an 1/8" longer and worked perfectly. (Make sure to use a compatible spindle.)

[@gerryb4540]

Hi Jason another video well done, We don't see too many of these type handles in UK not that i have scourged the country looking but an interesting video showing how they work and sometimes dont. Cheer's G.

[@josephcmiller2]

I was able to figure out the inside but I need this video to show how to take off and fix the outside handle. Thanks!

[@selock]

search our channel name and Kwikset

[@daviddarski]

Locked out of house and tried to remove the outside [key side] handle. Then read your reply to a comment waaay down that the allen screw is not accessible when the door is locked. Makes sense!!! Please state this in your initial comment area in BOLD PRINT. Is there video what to do when locked out...and have access to any and all tools? Thanks

[@BryanKulczycki]

I could not find a video that showed I needed an Allen wrench. Most show a pin or paper clip. Finally!

[@denisfreudenthal7875]

You are GREAT!!! Saved me time and money. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

[@edselfaunillan3188]

great video, you save me a lot

[@1drhnsd1]

Great video! But I am wondering if a crook with an allen wrench can easily remove the outer handle and the lock cylinder - then replace it with one they brought - then unlock that door? It is that simple to bypass one of these lever handled locks? Could they also use the removed lock cylinder to make a new key?

[@selock]

Can’t do it while locked

[@ranjuljoshi8353]

Thank you so much for this video! Helped alot!!

[@danielbjohnson]

Thanks you helped me find the handle screw

[@funnyguy6097]

8/10 so far, If sped up and chopped 10/10 for helpfulness! Good content tho

[@lowellforbes3208]

I just had one of these only it was a knob but it had the same set screw setup

[@Watcher6868]

Thanks for a great video. One of the plates (covers) keep moving and it rotates. What is the best way to keep it in place? Blessings

[@Earnknee555]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@Ghost_Os]

Wrench size for the set screw - 3:25 3/32 is typical, but can vary - if 3/32 doesn't work, start at 1/8 and work your way down (smaller). Some early ones used metric sizes, so you may need to try metric wrenches.

[@selock]

yep, that initial run of these were absolutely metric and irritating as heck!

[@bentandersen9014]

I would recommend this to anyone

[@MonaHammill]

This is helpful. The outside comes off fine, but the inside handle the hole doesn’t seem to line up and I can’t get a tool through to pop it off? Any help?

[@jessicaw9011]

So, this helped some. This helped me see that I wasn't crazy, the screws really do only go one way. But when I screw in the set screw for the key side, it's the butt end of the screw that'd be facing the hole when I put the handle back on. So now I'm like, how do I screw a set screw through to set a handle, when it's the butt end of the screw I'd be trying to screw? Is that the part where he was talking about filing the allen wrench?

[@Sl0oMo0-y1t]

Just dealt with a gen 3 lever like this where the key wouldn't work. Come to find out when I took it apart the sidebar jumped track somehow. Took the side bar and realigned it and work perfect afterwards

[@Sl0oMo0-y1t]

Also just dealt with a lockout where a kwisket deabolt could be turned with a key but the latch wouldn't retract. Ended up drilling it and then forcing it open with a flathead. Replaced it with a new deadbolt and works perfect now

[@selock]

I also just had the same issue on a gen3 lever a few days ago. It actually jammed up my KW reset tool :/ It took about 5-6 tries with the better resetter to make it work.

[@adamgh0]

8:53 I learned that if that screw starts to come loose it will jam the little lock knob inside the house. I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't turn anymore so I would grease the parts inside the mechanism. The outside handle eventually came off one day and after playing around with a replacement I was going to install, I found out what the problem was.

[@Steve_Edberg]

I think that is hand-able. I just spent half an hour trying to figure out how flip mine. The trick is to move just the handles themselves so that the outside handle becomes the inside and the inside becomes outside. Remove both handles and then reassemble the lock cylinder into the handle that was on the inside before. Now that handle becomes your outside handle. The inside guts of the handles are machined identically with the handles 180 degrees apart. There are 3 shims along with the lock pack that you can insert into either handle depending on how you need it. 😉

[@fitzgerald69]

I bought this two years ago and now it won't lock from the inside. My Kwikset front door stopped working with the smarty key after about two months and it was a replacement. So far not happy with the smartkey locks. Thanks for the tips though!

[@selock]

fitzgerald69 did you check the Allen screws?

[@fitzgerald69]

@@selock On my front door, which is the Montara version, it keyed fine and then suddenly the key no longer worked. Took it back and got another. Two months later the same thing happened. Love the concept but it shouldn't be this hard. Never checked any allen screws. How would that impact it?

[@selock]

fitzgerald69 the answer is in the video, if the outer handle screw is loose it won’t lock/unlock. Also you need to check your keys with a locksmith, it sounds like you have a slightly off copy which will freeze up the cylinder itself. Bad copies are the number 1 reason SK fails (key stops turning) you might want to find a local locksmith and have them decode and make you a key back to original specs

[@fitzgerald69]

@@selock I appreciate that, thank you and I will work on it when I get home and let you know.

[@Ghost_Os]

Worth taking the handles off to give the set screws a little of the blue (usually) threadlocker. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned, but I hate the stupid smart locks in general.

[@selock]

Yep!

[@lynh8378]

Good information! Thanks.

[@up4xmnt]

Thanks alot!!! Was just about to either throw this dang lock across the yard or beat my head against the wall!!!! Hahahaha 😆 Couldnt get turn button to twist. Stupid set screw or little screw... All good thank you big time!!

[@cojones8518]

I wonder if you could bypass that lock by sticking a small hook in the hole for the outside handle screw and rotate the locking shaft enough to unlock it.

[@safeshowroom]

Yes

[@Toffsen2525]

Thank You, I thought I had spare parts but ended up soaking in oil, door opens fine.

[@cantire1234]

That thing that the lock wasn't doing when you tried to make it do it seems to be the same thing happening on one of my locks now. I was trying to figure out the issue but sounds like time to replace the lock. Unfortunately there is a push bar on the one side and the locksmith told me basically need to replace it all as it would be possible to easily match up a lever based on that style of push bar.

[@selock]

cantire1234 most exit devices (push bars) have their separate exterior trim available for replacement so you don’t need to replace the whole unit typically. Depending on the age and condition though, sometimes it’s best to replace all

[@phmiii]

Thank you very much,

[@martyhastings9347]

lots of good info thanks for your video

[@arthurbond1]

Thanks it worked.

[@JMBO8622]

I'm only 5 minutes in but without that retainer clip the core can move around a bit and actually come disconnected from the locking spindle..allowing the key to spin around. It can actually happen with the c clip in as the parts wear out.

[@selock]

JMBO8622 it was in there on site. I misplaced it after I switched the (Good) core out after I discovered it still acting up after replacing. It’s in my van work area somewhere and will be located next cleaning ;)

[@scrunchymacscruff1244]

Have several NIB Stanley smartkey locks, they don't have the knob on the inside to lock/unlock and you cant unlock from the outside without leaving the key in..it doesn't come out excpet in the lock position, WEIRD??

[@timdahl7827]

Ty, ty, ty so much....

[@Smartiebob317]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

[@secretninjawarrior]

Do they use a security Allen to torx set screw?..

[@selock]

No, standard hex

[@RICKRAZO]

Thanks again . Good video

[@mantashaft]

Tipsy lessons are still lessons

[@danmurphy9304]

My Allen wrench won’t go all the way through the outside cylinder to tighten the set screw…🤨

[@garycstube]

so this lock can be opened from the outside with an allen wrench?

[@selock]

No, if it’s locked you cannot insert a Allen wrench as notated in the video

[@robertberger5411]

Thanks for the great video. It helped me remove the Kwikset door handle. My problem is the door flange is corroded and I want to replace it. The grayish piece that the lock slides into is larger than the flange opening. This piece has a large set screw but it doesn't seem to release the piece. I have a photo of the piece, but I don't know how to send it to you. Can you help me?Thanks,Bob Berger

[@selock]

photo to selockandkey(AT)gmail.com

[@jamhurdavronov5363]

Thank you so much for right tuto👍😅

[@zlocksca]

Are the smart key knobs the same as old Kwikset knobs

[@selock]

Zachary Linton yep, the plug/Housing is bigger and has another clip though :)

[@ronaldturner815]

Thanks!

[@selock]

Thank you and glad it helped you out!

[@zachduncan2829]

Cannot get the cover to pop off to access the screws. Dannnng

[@MaruyaSAg]

Would a smartkey cylinder fit in a non-smartkey lever lock?

[@selock]

Ner Bland nope!

[@MaruyaSAg]

SE Lock and Key Are there still lock cylinder replacements for the nonSmartKey locks? I have an old Kwikset Delta entry lever lock. It doesn’t look like they make this old version anymore. I only see the smartkey version which has a slightly different shape now.

[@joshuatucker1462]

top quality

[@patricia0428]

Thank you so much!

[@JoseRodriguez-nl7no]

What size it's the Allen wrench????

[@Ghost_Os]

Wrench size for the set screw - 3:25 3/32 is typical, but can vary - if 3/32 doesn't work, start at 1/8 and work your way down (smaller). Some early ones used metric sizes, so you may need to try metric wrenches.

[@yorachieoo]

I can't seem to get the handle off on the inside to access the screws to get the handles off. The retainer screw just keeps spinning and spinning and not going in (Yes I am screwing the right direction). The Allen wrench part of the retainer screw is not stripped but something inside the mechanism is not connecting so I can screw it in to get the handle off. I've tried everything. I'm about to saw the whole handle off if it'll work. The outdoor handle is completely broken so I can't get into my house without replacing the whole lock. Can someone help please! The video was the closest to the type of handle I am dealing with and I can't find anything else that will help. (I removed the exact same handle just two days ago on another door in my house and so I do know what i'm doing.)

[@selock]

Hmmm, sounds like the threads the screw is in stripped out. Your only option therefore would be to drill the screw out or cut the handle unfortunately :(

[@anthonyespinoza5340]

Ur a lifesavers

[@jeffmoss26]

good one!

[@schutendohkji548]

This one is really for the professional lock schmid. Too complicated for us dumb home owner who doesn't get paid to fix his/her own home gadgets. And, I do have this same Kwikiii made lever type that failed. The lever on both sides failed to turn. I've found the standard tongue in/out motion cylinder (the part name per Kwikset installation diagram says 'Latch') was defective as when i depress the tongue, the rear 1/2 circular hole brass sheet piece didn't move. I bought a new round knob both side type Kwikset Shmart key type. But the problem was, i got mixed up on their instrn terminology. 'New Key' vs. 'Current Key'. Hey, i want to retain the OLD key operational on this defective door lock to match all of my other door Kwikset key!!! But i got confused. So i matched the lock w the new key instd of my Old key (or Current Key). I then realized i made a mistake. So i tried the sequence w my 'Old Key' but now, this 'Old Key' doesn't turn at all. So w the 'New Key' and inserting the 'Smart Key Tool' where neither key were able to turn the lock hole horizontally cant do anything. Concln: 1. PP on this Schmartz (= Ouch) Key system. Just thrash this newly bought $42 Schmartz KwikiiSet knob lock, go buy a standard knob lock type, Kwikset or other brand, and let the locky schmiddy match the replacement one to my 'Old Key'. I didn't like the lever Kwikset handle one anyway as the long vertical handle stem is weak, it wobbles, and bends my Venetian Blind blades every- time after i open n close the door w it (Dat's why i bought the round traditional brass knob type, made by Kwikset). 2. I did appreciated ur detailed n complex procedure video as most of the utube presentation were about the dead-bolt type w no handles. They were irrelevant. Also, i don't have the lock schmidt's fork tool to release the tumbler. 3. My suggestion is nut (not) to buy the Schmartz (= Ouch on ur wallet) Key locks and just buy the traditional lock type. Why go thru all this complicated re-keying process and chance to screw up??? The LH set screw usages whether the screw is of mm or Imperial (nut American, but of the British Imperial System of the unit we use, such as 2pt/Qt, 4Qt/Gal, 12 inches/1 ft, 3'/backYard, 5280'/mile, weird counting system) should of been the BIS system all the way from the yore!!! Stoiped Quikee company dealing w Cheena factory?

[@selock]

shew uhh here’s the shorter version kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnqclJ5qrLt3ba8

[@schutendohkji548]

Meant to say LH set scrw shldaa beeeen RH set scrw. Why confuse anyone to get frustrated??? And the fact dattttooo u must insert the allen key way way deep was a bad design too. A dumb homey owney would give up trying to turn his/her (well, fem wld b more smarter than 'He' as she'll give up more quickly and dish out money immediately to a Professional Hwy no OtherWy men).

[@schutendohkji548]

@@selock Thx. Even i can back the set screw. However, i didn't like the lever handle type anyway as the vertical stem is too long, it wiggles loose after a while. So i replaced it w a round handle type. And after going thru the re-key proc. w a wrong key, i couldn't re-key it again w the key i wanted to use (which = the original key i which matches w all of my other doors). But the key doesn't turn anymore. Took it bk to my H/W store, he tried it, n couldn't re-key the lock either. But he gave me a new one. This time i had him re-keyed to match my original key at his sto and i got it installed at home fine. One complaint is that the two long machine screws to hold the knob together can b easily stripped bc the knob gets on the scrw driver's way at an angle. They should make the knob more skinnier or dimple the edge so the scrw drvr can operate vertically.

[@bobp040653]

WTF. You didn't show removal or installation on an actual door!

[@selock]

no refunds

[@jeepstermario9912]

when i see smart key i think of Majors force over tool and then I remember seeing the movie heat and I was wodering did or does that force over from heat exist or was it movie magic becuase ive never found it but then again i have tools ive collected over the years that i cant find again.

[@georges924]

To early for this

[@selock]

to early for what? to be watching a video? Wow! I have an idea that can solve that!

[@jeffwoods9666]

Junk

[@mlombardino8959]

Is their a way for it be turned for a right side door, with handle points turned downward?