Kwikset door handle issues

qualls6 · 07-13-2012, 11:52 AM

Just bought a couple of passageway (no lock) door handles from Kwikset. Problem is that if you tighten so the handle doesn't slide around then it binds and the latch doesn't release after your release the handle. If you loosen the screws then the latch moves freely but the handle jiggles and is too loose. There is no happy medium.

The problem seems to be that the handle side with screws is metal on metal. The handle turns within the metal circular part with screws. When you tighten the handle down that metal on metal contact doesn't allow the knob to turn back on its own.

Tried grease. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

joecaption · 07-13-2012, 11:57 AM

My suggestion would be to take it back and exchange it for a Schlage brand.
Far better lock set and the finish will not rub off like a Kwickset will after a few years.

qualls6 · 07-13-2012, 12:18 PM

I thought about that and may do it. I want to change out all of them in the house so I was trying to be budget conscious. Any idea how the Schlage operate to not have this same problem?

Maintenance 6 · 07-13-2012, 12:29 PM

Schlages have a seperate return spring for the knob to recenter it. Kwiksets depend on the latch spring.

07-13-2012, 11:52 AM	#1
qualls6 Joe Average Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 15	Kwikset door handle issues Just bought a couple of passageway (no lock) door handles from Kwikset. Problem is that if you tighten so the handle doesn't slide around then it binds and the latch doesn't release after your release the handle. If you loosen the screws then the latch moves freely but the handle jiggles and is too loose. There is no happy medium. The problem seems to be that the handle side with screws is metal on metal. The handle turns within the metal circular part with screws. When you tighten the handle down that metal on metal contact doesn't allow the knob to turn back on its own. Tried grease. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

07-13-2012, 11:57 AM	#2
joecaption Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hartfield VA Posts: 18,822	Kwikset door handle issues My suggestion would be to take it back and exchange it for a Schlage brand. Far better lock set and the finish will not rub off like a Kwickset will after a few years.

07-13-2012, 12:18 PM	#3
qualls6 Joe Average Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 15	Kwikset door handle issues I thought about that and may do it. I want to change out all of them in the house so I was trying to be budget conscious. Any idea how the Schlage operate to not have this same problem?

07-13-2012, 12:29 PM	#4
Maintenance 6 gravity always wins Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Central Pennsylvania Posts: 2,417	Kwikset door handle issues Schlages have a seperate return spring for the knob to recenter it. Kwiksets depend on the latch spring.

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Kwikset door handle issues