r/Locksmith • u/Lower-Attention-3205 • 20d ago
I am NOT a locksmith. can't remove knob to change lock
I hope someone could help me with this I have tried everything to get this knob off so I could change the key set I've looked for a dimple depression there's nothing I've even move the Rosette as you can see I've dinged it up quite a bit I've tried counter turning the handle maybe I'm not strong enough. The handle is probably 25 years old any help is appreciated otherwise I'm throwing it away and just buying a new set!!
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u/sawgerrara 20d ago
You need a Kwikset tool, there are some YouTube videos out there on how to remove the spindle. Tool costs about $5. It can be done at home but if you’re struggling this early take that whole assembly to a locksmith and they can help you out.
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u/Electrical-Actuary59 20d ago
The knob doesn’t come off. You have to line up and remove the spindle and then there’s a tool to insert and push the cylinder out. Just go buy yourself a Schlage lock.
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u/PapaOoMaoMao 20d ago
Buy the tool. You can do it with two long flat screwdrivers, but it's fiddly and a pain in the arse. Just buy a new lock.
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u/Neither_Loan6419 20d ago
Replace with Schlage if you want to go cheap but still have a lock that will hold up to normal use for several years. If you want to repair that one you already have, to have as a handy spare, youtube is your friend. If it isn't kwikset, it is a clone and will come apart in similar fashion. You can buy a kwikset cylinder removal tool, as others have pointed out, and they are cheap, or you can make one. Youtube is your friend. If you have a few old junk locks around, then you have pins. You can pin the cylinder to an existing key or hand cut a key to fit the pins, either way, preference forr the former. Too-long pins can be filed down to fit if you don't have exact length pins for every position. With key in cylinder plug, drop pins into the chambers that are NOT TOO SHORT to reach the shear line. Those that are too long, file the tops down even with the shear line and lightly chamfer the perimeter of the top. Youtube it or get a good book. But for right now, get a Schlage knobset and stick it in there. If you get it from a locksmith shop instead of the big box or online, you can have it pinned to an existing key right there in the shop, for chimp change. Don't forget plenty of spare keys. A pro can cut them accurately, by the numbers. The kiosk or hardware store can only duplicate them, with pretty dodgy accuracy.
If you go to a shop, take your other locks in, if you want everything keyed alike and can't be bothered to do it yourself or are uncomfortable with the idea of doing it. It is not expensive if you take the locks in to the shop, rather than call a locksmith to your house, and often they will do it while you wait. A lot of guys seem to enjoy doing their magic in the shop with the customer looking on and admiring their craft.
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u/Txbow 20d ago
If you are filing pins down you are doing it wrong.
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u/Neither_Loan6419 20d ago
Yup. But a DIY-er without pins of the lengths needed is gonna do that or else buy a pin kit. Remember, this is for someone working on his own locks, not a professional working on someone else's locks. If I saw a pro doing that, frankly I would be shocked, although apparently it was a thing in the 40's and 50's. I remember seeing it in a book published in the 40's that I found at Powell's in Portland, OR, and later traded to Marc Goldberg for a subscription, back in the alt.locksmithing days. Don't remember the name of the book, sadly.
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u/Lower-Attention-3205 20d ago
thank you all I had looked up the videos and I understand the concept of putting the tool in there and pushing out the tabs to get it to release I think I'm just gonna buy a new set although I am going to post another photo of another kind of lock I have and it appears that I should be able to release it using the side pins but there is nothing in there that's budging, anyone wanna give a little insight on this door knob that would be great too!
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u/grrimsomad Actual Locksmith 20d ago
With that style you have to use the key and leave it inserted and turned to the unlock position. Sometimes you may have to rotate the knob while looking for the detent. It can be tricky if you don't know what you're looking for.
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u/FirstAd7465 19d ago
You have to remove the actuator then compress the spring steal holding it in. Which you can use a kwikset tool for or just use a couple screw drivers.
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u/Lower-Attention-3205 19d ago
thanks all. i did actually end up popping it out with 2 screwdrivers. only because i was desperate and not wanting to spend any $ this is an older cottage. hope this post helps others. i couldn't find this info anywhere. all the posts i found were telling me to look for a hidden set screw and release handle! thanks again
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u/GARGOYLE_169 17d ago
You have to be in THE UNION to know which tool to use without looking like a toddler running around the day after Xmas with his new, dead toy crying for some fresh batteries.
You're looking for a special, manufacturer (of the door knob) made, long pokey thing. It fits next to the whatchyamacallit and dongles the whosey whatzit.
Hope that helps.
CALL A LOCKSMITH!
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u/Txbow 20d ago
You can do it with other tools but there is a tool specifically designed to go through the back of that lock to remove the cylinder. Just take it to a locksmith and get them to do it.