Expert: James - 2/21/2009

Question
I am trying to replace this deadbolt and have taken the screws out of the interior side and the bolt still will not come off.  It feels a lot more than old paint keeping it stuck on.  I can't find any other screws holding it on.  I tried using the key to see if there was a release but that doesn't seem to work.  Thoughts?

Answer
Hello Chuck,

There were two screws on the inside trim that you removed?  Were they longer than 1/4"?  If not, there may be 2 more screws behind the thumbturn trim.  Those use a flat head screwdriver to remove and are thick and long.  The shorter screws thread into the heads of the longer ones.  This is the method that Kwikset has been using for a few years so if your lock is more than about 10 years old it may just be painted on.

If the screws were long that you removed, remove the inside and outside assembly and the 2 screws on the door edge where the bolt is then slide the bolt out.  If it won't move, use a screwdriver inside the hole the cylinder was in to pry it out.

If not, send photos if you can.

James
www.jmlock.com