Re-Pinning Kwikset Locks

[Phen]

All right, sorry if this is like 100% obvious, but i'm completely and totally lost. I'm not gonna lie, I'm a total newbie at all of this.

I'm looking at a kwikset security brand deadbolt right out of the package.

I've read the tutorial, and my problem lies in the very first step...

Before you are able to remove the plug from the lock you first need to remove a small circle-like piece of metal that keeps it in place. Anything small enough to fit in and lift it up is fine, there are several tools you can buy, but a tension wrench works well I find.

I fail to see what's keeping the plug in place. I see a couple circle-like pieces of metal, but absolutely no way how to get them out. Especially with a little prying like the guide says. There isn't anywhere to lift up, and nothing to lift up on...

I'm sorry I can't provide photos. I'm one of the few people on the face of the planet without a digital camera, and at the moment have no means to obtain one. I guess the best person to help me would be one who was framiliar with what a kwikset dead bolt looks like out of the package.


My other problem lies in a kwikset doorknob I bought. I found the PERFECT thread explaining how to get the cylinder out of the knob here...
viewtopic.php?t=12909&highlight=removing+kwickset
However, I lack a cylinder removal tool. Is there an easy way to obtain, or make one?

Hopefully my questions aren't too stupid and obvious. I've searched the forums as best I can for info on kwikset deadbolts, and re-pinning but was unable to find an answer.

[Peter Martin]

http://www.kwikset.com/Trade/Literature ... ekeying%22

The rekeying instruction for Kwikset deadbolts are online. Here's the link. I hope this may give better instructions or diagrams to show you the exact procedure for cyliner removal. The removal tool is pretty simple, but you should be able to do this with a small screwdriver.

Best of luck...

[Phen]

Excelent, perfect guide. I didn't know re-keying included instructions on how to also re-pin. Also, I managed to find this video on how to get the cylinder out of the knob I bought for those that have the same problems I do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4usgFHKeEeM

However, now I got myself into a completely different mess. In fact, I think I ruined the entire lock. Let me explain.

I managed to get the cylinder out of the knob like in the video. So, I go to take the pins out...

I took out the plug and removed all but one key pin. I slid the plug back in all nice and turned it to the locked position. It wasn't until then that I remembered I FORGOT TO REMOVE THE DRIVER PINS!

So, pins 2-5 all have driver pins with no key pins and the plug is stuck... Is my lock ruined?

[zeke79]

Try to tension the plug with your tension wrench and use a long hook pick to push the driver pins back into the shell.

[Raccoon]

Another alternative is to buy a pining kit. Just yank the plug out, destroying the springs inside. Then use new springs from your pinning kit.

I recommend this kit personally, as it does Kwikset, Schlage, Master, Weiser and Weslock, for about $56 shipping included.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0030136028

This one is also great bang for your buck. $30 shipping included. Includes all you need to repin a Kwikset-- every Kwikset you currently own and will ever own.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0034958726
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0036703830

Any Kwikset pinning kit will do, as long as it has springs. Heck, just call a locksmith and ask "Can I buy some Kwikset springs from you?" It's such an innocent question, I guarantee at least one says yes. You shouldn't pay more than a dime per spring at retail rate, but for the quantity you need, I wouldn't complain if they ask for a quarter.

[fomoose]

I took out the plug and removed all but one key pin. I slid the plug back in all nice and turned it to the locked position. It wasn't until then that I remembered I FORGOT TO REMOVE THE DRIVER PINS!

So, pins 2-5 all have driver pins with no key pins and the plug is stuck... Is my lock ruined?

The Kwikset that I have has a small piece of metal on the top of the lock that holds the springs and driver pins in place. If your lock is the same, you should be able to easily pry this off with a screwdriver. Then you may be able to shake or pull out the springs/pins.

I did something similar a while ago, and I ended up using brute force to bring the cylinder in line so I could pull the springs and pins out of the top. I mangled a couple of the springs in the process, but a local locksmith kindly provided me with some replacements.

[Phen]

Excelent, I got the springs and pins out, thanks for the info. Yes, the springs are mangled...all except one. But, I would much rather buy new springs than have to buy a whole new lock. Thank you guys a ton for the help!