Repair/Troubleshooting Repair/Troubleshooting Video Are you looking for support on a Black Friday product? How do I use the emergency key? If the cylinder is binding what could be the problem? How many codes can my electronic lock hold? How do I change the key direction? How to Re-Key all Kwikset SmartKey Locks? How to re-key SmartKey How to remove the cylinder from a knob when the key is upside down How to reverse a Kwikset cylinder How to reverse a Kwikset lever How to reverse the lever and cylinder on the Kwikset reversible lever How to re-key a pin and tumbler deadbolt How to re-key a pin and tumbler doorknob How to re-key a pin and tumbler lever How to re-key a pin and tumbler deadbolt - Spanish How to re-key a pin and tumbler lever - Spanish How to re-key a pin and tumbler doorknob - Spanish How to Re-key - ManualLever-style door handsets are identical to traditional doorknobs in mechanical design and function. When repairing or replacing a doorknob lever, you need to remove the faceplate -- also called a trim plate or rosette -- to gain access to the internal latch and mounting components.
Removal procedures will vary slightly based on lever handle design and model, but all types can be successfully removed with basic household tools. Levers and faceplates are typically mounted with screws, spring-loaded mechanisms or a combination of both. First, you'll need to inspect the device and choose the correct tools. Inspect the lever and faceplate on both sides of the door and locate the single mounting screw on the lever shaft and two or more screws on the faceplate. Screw heads may be of the slotted (flat-head), cross-head (Phillips) or hexagonal (Allen) variety. If screws are not visible on the shaft, plate or both, refer to the next section. Remove the shaft screw by turning counterclockwise with a screwdriver or hex wrench. Remove the lever by pulling outward from the shaft. Remove the faceplate screws by turning counterclockwise with a screwdriver or hex wrench. Remove the faceplate by grasping and pulling outward along the shaft. If the plate is difficult to remove by hand, insert a flat-head screwdriver under the edge of the plate plate where it meets the door surface, prying outward using gentle pressure.
Repeat the procedure to remove the opposite lever and faceplate if desired. Inspect the lever shaft and locate the slot or hole. Some models may feature a hole or slot on the inside rim of the faceplate just below the shaft. Remove the lever by inserting an awl, nail or small screwdriver into the slot or hole, pushing inward while pulling the lever outward along the shaft with your hand. Note that some lever assemblies provide a special tool for this purpose. Inspect the faceplate at the edge where it meets the door surface and look for a narrow notch on one side of the base. Some models may not feature a notch but can still be pried off. Insert a flat-head screwdriver putty knife or similar tool into the notch or under the faceplate edge, prying outward with gentle pressure. The plate will unsnap from the interior mounting ring and will remove by pulling outward along the lever shaft. Repeat the procedure for the opposite lever and faceplate if desired. /Getty Images Suggest a Correction
How do you remove a Kwikset door knob? To remove a Kwikset door knob, use a paperclip to press the locking pin that holds the knob and the stem together, and pull the knob out. To remove the entire door knob assembly, remove the knob's inside faceplate, pull out both sides of the knob, and take out the latch plate. Then, tug the assembly away from the door, and take out the strike plate. How do you fix a door that won't latch? How do you install Kwikset door locks? What are some popular Kwikset entry door locksets? To remove only the Kwikset door knob, look for a tiny hole in the sleeve of the knob -- it should be located between the knob's rear side and the door's face. Push a straightened paperclip into the hole until some resistance is felt. Now, press the piece of metal in a downward direction. This presses the locking pin. To detach the knob, pull it away from the stem. To remove the entire door knob assembly, keep the door open, and undo the two screws of the inside faceplate with a Phillips screwdriver.
Grip the door knob from both sides of the door, and pull both of them simultaneously away from the door to take the parts out. To detach the latch plate, undo its screws. Then, push in a screwdriver with a flat head between the door and the latch plate, and work it to remove the latter. Grip the assembly with your hands, and pull it away from the door. Next, identify the two screws that hold the strike plate and the door jamb together. Undo the screws using a Phillips screwdriver to remove the plate. Learn more about Doors, Windows, & Locks What are some parts that typically need to be replaced on a door? Some door parts that typically need replacement over time include the knob, the locking mechanism, threshold and the casing, depending on door style and us... Doors, Windows, & Locks What are some tips for installing bathroom door locks? Tips for installing bathroom door locks include beginning with the right tools, choosing a door knob that fits the existing door and has a privacy lock, an...
What are the parts of a door lock called? The main parts of a door lock include the knob, the dead latch, the rose insert, the strike plate and the key. Technically, only the inside of a knob is di... What are some tips on repairing a door handle? Many problems with a door handle or knob can be resolved by either tightening external screws, or taking off the cover plate and tightening the machinery i... How do you install a replacement window gasket? What are some reputable companies for purchasing an exterior door? What companies offer block window installation? What do you do when you forget your Master Lock combination? Who sells replacement patio screen door parts? What are some types of eco-friendly windows? Need Help Choosing a Product? Use our Product Selector to identify the product that is right for you. Kwikset door handlesets are available in multiple styles ranging from traditional to modern. Browse our collections to find the handleset that will compliment your homes’ exterior design.