How To Fix A Kwikset Door Handle

The detent is a spring activated pin concealed or small thin plate attached to the spindle that protrudes into a doorknob notch which prevents rotation.

How to fix a kwikset door handle.

That s because modern door hardware uses a hidden mechanism called a detent to fasten the doorknob that can only be released using a small screwdriver tip or the end of a paper clip depending on your style of hardware. I show how i tightened my loose door handle that is made by kwikset. If you have a knob or lever make sure it is in the locked position. A lever door handle is used in place of a traditional doorknob on many modern locksets.

My front door knob was broken and i couldn t open the door from the inside or outside. Most issue with kwikset door lock cylinders involve the pins that react with the key. Ensure your door cannot close on its own or that you have another way to enter you home. The spindle is spring loaded and will retract back when released.

I had to fix it. Here is the handleset i bought. You can repair the kwikset lock cylinder by re keying the cylinder. If it is not pull the spindle out and rotate 180 degrees.

Here s how i did it. Press the latch bolt. Some tips on how to tighten loose door handles and find the hidden screws for models by kwikset schlage yale defiant ezset and mortice lock sets. If you have a deadbolt make sure it is in the locked potion.

When the pins wear down your key begins to not work with the lock. To depress the detent use the end of a metal paper clip or the point of an awl inserting it into the hole and pressing the detent down while twisting and removing the door handle shaft off the spindle. Most homeowners will find that these devices are easy to remove if they are broken or damaged or if they simply want to replace it with a new style. This type is usually found on round doorknob hardware.

Hold the handleset on the exterior side of the door and make sure the round edge of the spindle faces the door edge. Make sure you lock is installed on your door and that your door is all the way open.