Thursday, September 3, 2015

How to Fix the Lever that Came Off of Your Kwikset Entry Lock (It Is NOT a Missing Set Screw)

If you have a Kwikset entry lock with a lever, and the exterior lever comes off, and you think the cause is a missing a set screw, it almost certainly is not a missing set screw - the set screw is in fact still there, but screwed in enough into the interior of the post that it looks like it's missing (and no longer able to secure the lever). Jump here for the fix and to skip over any blathering I do in advance of giving the fix.



(This is another in a series of posts to help people fix the same thing I had to fix, where I couldn't find the instructions or found incomplete instructions on the web. Last week I had two things I needed to fix where the fix was given by emailing or talking to the manufacturers' customer support, but not provided on their web sites.)


We have a Kwikset Commonwealth entry lock on our front door. The exterior handle came off. Looking at it, there's a small hole in the lever, and your first thought is that the set screw used to hold the lever in place came loose and fell off. This would be confirmed by looking at the interior lever, where there is a set screw that is screwed out from the shaft to hold the lever using the hole in the lever. A 3/32" hex wrench is used to turn the screw (Kwikset provides one with the lock). For whatever reason, the screw has left-handed threads (that is righty-loosy, lefty-tighty).
Interior post of lock showing head of set screw that is screwed out to hold handle

Interior post of lock with hex wrench in set screw. Due to left-handed threads, screw clockwise to screw out. Of course, you'd really do this with the lever on the post with the wrench passing through the hole in the lever.

However, the exterior lever's set screw has its head inside the post and is screwed by a hex wrench passing through holes in the lever and post. The set screw pokes out the other side to be screwed out into the inside of lever to hold it fast. And this set crew is right-handed. I have no explanation why the inside set screw is left-handed and the outside one is right-handed.

Here's a photo of the exterior post and the base of the set screw sticking out of the post (pointed to by red arrow):


A photo of the other side of the exterior post, showing the hole the hex wrench passes through to reach the set screw in the inside of the shaft:


Here's a photo with the exterior level on, and the hex wrench passing through the holes in the lever and post. As the set screw is turned clockwise inside the post, it pokes out from the post to secure the lever:

The instructions for reattaching the exterior lever:
  • Things to note before you start:
    • The exterior set screw has its head inside the post, and is screwed out of the post to secure the lever.
    • The exterior set screw you think is missing is just no longer sticking out far enough to secure the lever.
  • Put the lever back on the exterior post so the small hole in the lever lines up with the hole in the post.
  • Take a 3/32" hex wrench (Kwikset provides one with the lock), stick it through the hole in the lever to the inside of the lock.
  • Move the hex wrench around until it connects with the hex head of the set screw that has to be screwed out of the opposite side of the post to connect to the inside of the lever to hold it securely.
  • Turn the wrench clockwise (from the point of view of looking at the hole in the lever), to get the set screw to screw out of the post.
  • Continue turning the screw until it's firmly pressed against the inside of the lever and securing it to the post.



And because I like recording the process I used to do things, and similar to my previous post on Why It Took Me a Minimum of 74 Steps to Build a Simple TV Stand, here are the steps it took me to resecure the lock's exterior lever:
  • Look at exterior of lock and exterior lever - it appears a set screw is missing.
  • Have no luck searching for set screw on ground.
  • Look at interior lever - see set screw that is screwed out from post to hold lever.
  • Head to Home Depot to get replacement set screw.
  • Home Depot guy opens up the same lock package, and determines that the set screw is a left-handed thread screw that they don't carry. Suggest to get the screw at Tacoma Screw Products.
  • Pull out interior set screw and take to nearby Tacoma Screw Products. They don't have a replacement and scratch their heads wondering why Kwikset would decided to put a left-handed thread screw where it doesn't need to be left-handed.
  • Call Kwikset customer service, and told that the exterior set screw is different from the interior set screw, and that 98% of the time when they get a customer call about a missing exterior set screw, it isn't missing. The hex wrench just needs to be stuck in the lock post until the set screw is found, and screwing it outward will hold the lever in place.
  • Confirm that's the problem, the screw isn't missing, use it to reattach the lever.
  • Wonder why Kwikset did two seemingly unnecessary things with the design of their lock:
    1. Why do the interior and exterior levers have different means of being secured?
    2. Why the choice to use both left-hand and right-hand threaded set screws?
  • Wonder why Kwikset doesn't just put the instructions for this fix on their web site.

214 comments:

  1. Bingo. Thanks! I looked all over the floor for a dang screw. Then I saw the problem just as you said. Kwikset website is silent on this issue. Found you via Google search.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you. saved me a trip to the hardware store and latch is now fixed.

      Delete
    2. Another happy viewer! Disassembled interior handle, then spent way too long looking for a set screw that didn't really fall out. Then found your post. Still can't figure out why Kwikset designed it so the interior handle is secured differently than the exterior. I guess I'll never know. Anyway....Thanks!!!

      Delete
    3. +1 Very useful post! Found this page while searching for kwikset set screw.

      Delete
    4. do you need kwikset's hex wrench? trying to use my collection of hex wrenches and none work

      Delete
    5. CAM
      Another happy customer! Same thing worked for a Schlage door handle!

      Delete
    6. Thank U, my exact problem, solution worked!

      Delete
    7. Husband out of town, left house WITH door handle in my hand...just dropped off the door! Luckily this was the 3rd try at clicking on something to help. Thank you!!!!

      Delete
    8. Thank You So Very Much! I was going crazy thinking the screw fell out and wondering how I was going to fix the darn handle! 😀

      Delete
    9. Thank you so much!!! Just wish I would have found you before I bought (the wrong size) replacement set screw!

      Delete
    10. Another happy camper here... You saved me considerable time and money. Many thanks!

      Delete
    11. OMG! This is super awesome info. I luckily found your blog/website on my first search! I too, looked for a screw on the floor. I took the handle off and tried a small screw to see if it fit and saw that the set screw was screwing the wrong way! Then I realized, it must need to just screw out, and that there is no missing screw. read your blog and bingo! WOOOOO WHOOOOO!!! I don't have a kwikset but similar mechanism on my handle..... Thx so much!!!!

      Delete
    12. great post. Thanks so much. The reverse thread on the set screw is key.

      Delete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. thanks for the help on the kwikset lever. Worked perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks! Should have googled it before I went and bought a new screw

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same here, but I went to the hardware store twice ,to get the "right size"!

      Delete
  5. Wow - I could not find the "missing" screw anywhere. Tried to buy it at Lowe's but couldn't find the correct size, etc. Finally got online and was looking for the part and walla! I found your post. Thank you so much!!!

    Funny part is that I was using the allen wrench kwikset provided to hold the door handle in place - all I had to do is turn the darn thing twice and I could have avoided three weeks of slamming the door behind me to get it to shut without me having to pull the handle.

    On the other hand, I did feel a little safer thinking a burglar could not open the door :-)

    Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you! Exactly what happened to my lever. I guess I'll know for when the next time it happens too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I can not believe that I have the same door knob and I never even knew that tine little screw hole was there. Thank you for the detailed instructions how to fix this. I had to go to the hardware store to get that tiny little tool but Once I found it this was one of the easier fixes around.

    Giovanni @ Coastal Contract Hardware

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow, already at step 5 before finding this. I was looking online for Kwikset screws when I found your post. Thank you! Easy fix!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you very much for this informative post. i will definitely be using this further as I have a number of locks to take care of around the house. My wife says this might just change the way she looks at looks from now on. Thank you for sharing this. It really is important people know about this. Thank you.

    Earl Mark @ Eastway Lock

    ReplyDelete
  10. Just wanted to chime in with the thanks for this! Fixed it just as you said, super simple. Thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. You ar ether man . Saved me 50 bucks to replace it. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Excellent. Really you are the man. After six months I was finally able to fix the two handles at my home. Tightened the rest of them too. Nearly spent a bunch of dollars on buying all kinds of set screws and their drivers. Finally found a small hex wrench bit in one of my drill bit sets. Did the trick.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Man.. You saved the day!!! I was puzzled as to why the set screw was on the opposite side of the hole on the handle.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Duuuuuuuude!! You rock the casbah! You just saved me buying a 20ct bag of these screws.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you, thank you! This is the most helpful site I have used. Ever.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you, thank you! This is the most helpful site I have used. Ever.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you for this post! I figured was missing a set screw. Saved me time and money. Gracias!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks, after a trip to buy new screws and a Allen wrench, then realizing it wasn't working you fixed our door!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thank you. Your instructions helped me avoid just taking out the handle and throwing it away.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thank you so much for this post. 10 pm on a Sunday night, hardware store closed. I would have purchased a new handle just because I could not understand the set screw issue I was having - but I found your post and it saved me!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Another big thank you here! I was just about to start my search for the "missing screw" when I came across this post. People like you are SAINTS! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  22. THANK YOU! Saved me so much time!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I twisted the set screw to get the handle off, but when I put the handle back on and twist the set screw it does not come back out to set the handle in place. Any advice?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As long as you can see the screw's end poking out of the hole, I'd keep trying. If you can't see the screw, then maybe you unscrewed it completely and it fell into the post.

      Delete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  26. The problem with my door knob is that the screw somehow came out. It took me some time to figure out how it worked, but I finally did. Is there something I have to do to get it to go in enough to put the handle on and then screw it back out to set the handle in place? I can't seem to get it screwed all the way in. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks DOug, yur teknikal steps r fantistik!!
    Seriously we have been looking for the exterior set screw for a bit and have made the Many treks to various Big Box (yuck) stores and received the infamous "hmm. I don't know!" Well no more..we'll still want to cover the exterior set screw hole but no more handle off tricks!

    If you happen to be near Providence, RI I do need a bit of assistance with my front brake master cylinder on a 1985 BMW K100..
    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks! I was about to call Kiwkset or replace it! Saved me $50 and the annoyance of having the handle fall off every time I left the house until the new part came in.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you! You saved me the cost of a locksmith visit. (Now I'll go tighten the rest of them!)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you for taking time to explain this very useful procedure!

    ReplyDelete
  31. This was a much quicker (and cheaper) fix than expected! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  32. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Thank you for saving me so much time and money. You, Sir, seriously ROCK! ~Mary

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you very much! You resolved two issues for me: A few days before the exterior handle detached in my hand, the interior twist-lock started getting harder to twist, then finally refused to twist at all. Once I followed your instructions to re-secure the exterior handle, the interior twist-lock worked fine again.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thank you! I looked on the ground for the screw for a very long time. Look forward to fixing this tonight and looking smart at home, for once!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thank you, thank you!!!! I was just about to go buy a whole new handle. I appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete
  36. You just saved us a ton of time...although we did waste some searching for the 'lost' scew. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thank you very much for posting this! Just like all the others. Looked like I was USC in trying to find parts or manufacturer help online. Home Depot no help at all.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Do you know where I can find a set screw? No luck anywhere on-line.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Another thank you! First our lock wasn't locking and then the handle came off. After looking for the screw I googled "replacement screw for kwikset" and your blog came up. Just as you suggested, we adjusted the screw, fixing the handle and bonus! the door locks again! Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  40. If I could kiss you right now, I would.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Awesome. As many others have said, I looked everywhere for the set screw! You rock!

    ReplyDelete
  42. You turned a weekend project into five minutes finding the right allen wrench in the garage. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  43. You turned a weekend project into five minutes finding the right allen wrench in the garage. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thank you! You saved me from trying to buy a screw that was not missing at all. It worked great. Your description about needing to turn the hex wrench the opposite way was so helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thank you for being on point. Fixed in a matter of seconds,
    Why don't they have this simple repair how-to on their site!?

    ReplyDelete
  46. What if a 3/32 hex wrench doesn't turn the set screw? Does Kwikset use any other sizes?

    ReplyDelete
  47. I too was looking for a screw. Thank goodness for your assistance on this one. Saved me the pain of switching handles! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I too was looking for a screw. Thank goodness for your assistance on this one. Saved me the pain of switching handles! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I actually took out the screw and then lost it. in order to get it online what do I search for? What is the name of that screw? a left-handed thread screw ? but what size?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All I can suggest is for you to email or call Kwikset Support (http://www.kwikset.com/customer-support/contact-us.aspx)

      Delete
  50. Thank GOD. This worked for me. I have contacted Kwikset in the past for problems re-keying my locks. You saved me money and time.

    ReplyDelete
  51. You quickly turned frustration into satisfaction, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  52. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I was just headed out the door to Home Depot with my interior screw when I decided to see what the Internet had to say on the subject. You saved me a lot of time and frustration. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  54. So quick question...whats stopping a would be thief from just using 3/32 wrench, disengage the screw, then simply pulling off the handle, removing the lock cylinder and unlocking your door breaking into your home? I have installed Kwikset locks on all my properties...until I found out this FATIAL SECURITY FLAW. Kwickset says they provide the set screws on boyh sides so the the handles can be reversed, if so desired.

    Anyhoo, anyone have any luck using a sealant to further secure the set screw?

    I love their products, but was able to break into my own home without a key, using only 3/32 wrench in under 3 min.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When a keyed lock is in the locked position, it is impossible to access the set screw on the back side of the exterior lever handle. This design was intentional to ensure someone couldn't do exactly what you described when in the locked position.
      There is a locking spindle that rotates inside the lock when the door is locked or unlocked. There is a small access hole cross-drilled through the side of the spindle. When the door is unlocked, the access hole in the spindle is in alignment with the hole on the lever handle where you'd insert the allen wrench which allows the wrench to reach the very back of the post where the set screw is located to tighten or loosen the screw.
      This is the exact reason for the difference (reverse threads on interior and standard thread on the exterior handle.
      When the door is locked, this locking spindle rotates and turns the access hole so that it is no longer in alignment with the hole on the lever nor with the set screw. You physically cannot access the set screw with the wrench when locked.

      The reverse thread set screw design was done to ensure the installer/user never had to fumble with teeny-tiny grub screws. Anyone who has handled these small screws knows what a hassle they are.
      The idea with the reverse thread is that the screw is imbedded in the chassis post at the factory and never needs removing, nor can it ever fall out unless the lever is removed and the set screw is physically removed.
      To install the lever handle, simply slide the lever handle onto the post, insert the wrench into the hole on the lever shank and turn the screw clockwise (which actually causes the screw to come out of the post). This takes up the play between the post and the lever handle and securely fastens the lever to the chassis.

      I hope this helps clear up some of the questions of the what and the why. I can tell you it was all very intentional in the engineering and design to make installing and servicing easier.
      However, if you're not familiar with what it is, it can definitely be a head scratcher :).

      Delete
    2. Thank you so much, you saved me another trip to Hardware stone along with crawling on my hands and knees looking for a screw I’d never find, Kwikset has created a mess here going thru the entire handle to tighten a interior set screw, Thank God I save the box of additional parts from building the home two years ago there was that 3/32 hex wrench right in the box

      Delete


  55. Great, Thank you for sharing with us. Very nice article & have great information.

    Round Rock Garage Door Repair

    ReplyDelete
  56. That did the trick! Thank you very much!

    ReplyDelete
  57. THANK YOU! I've been trying off and on since yesterday to screw that tiny screw in from outside the lever, clockwise, and couldn't figure out what was wrong that I just couldn't get it to screw in for the life of me! Read this post, fixed it in ten seconds.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thank you! Just got an updated version of this lock. The ones I bought 4 years ago didn't have this screw in the interior lever! It took me a while to fix the lock only to have the handle come out :-( I saw the screw and the allan wrench but didn't connect the dots as some no-key locks come with such a wrench for opening it if you are locked out (of bathroom, for example). Even the Kwikset website for useless!! Googled some more and came across your page :-)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Wow thank you! Big help! Thought I needed to buy a new screw. Looked all over with a magnet outside.Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Ok, another testimonial--this information is EXACTLY what I need to fix my problem. I'm grateful for people like you who post this type of information

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thank you!!! Huge Help. Kwikset needs to put this on their website!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I showed this to my stepdad and he still thinks there is a screw...oh well, he has already been to homedepo twice and will probably go again. I give up. Thanks because I can see this and at this point I think he has stripped the hole.

    ReplyDelete
  63. I have an inside lever handle and it looks like the screw fell out. Is that deception, like the outside levers? If I need a screw, where does one buy this tiny screw? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Thank you. I too searched all over for the screw. I was on my way to purchase the set screw that was missing. Fixed with just the correct hex wrench. Again thank you for posting this.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Big thank you! I had to buy the hex set, needed it anyway😊. Problem solved!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Using a 3/32 hex wrench, I can't get the outer, rounded end of the setscrew to turn either way. Doesn't feel like the wrench is engaging a cut for it int the screw head - feels like a smooth surface. Is the setsscrew one piece, with the hex socket on one end, and the rounded surface with a dimple on the other, or is it a two piece assembly?

    Am I the 1% whose setscrew has ACTUALLY fallen out?!?!?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Never mind! My allen wrenches had been put back into the holder out of order. Got them sorted, used the correct wrench, and had it fixed in under a minute.

      *** THANK YOU !!! ***

      Delete
  67. This 2 year old post saved me a couple bucks and my sanity!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Wow.. .I did a little bit of all of this... but fortunately found your fix early in the process. thank you. thank you. thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Same crap happened to me! Since I found this website, it explains it all. There was NEVER a set screw missing. The damn thing is internal! I Fixed it in 2 seconds flat after two trips to the hardware store where the guys looked at me like I was nuts. They couldn't figure it out either. Even when I pulled the identical item off the shelf and said, "See?" They offered pins but never a screw. DOH!!!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Thank you so much for sharing this! You saved me $$!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I'm just going to add the many thank you posts here! I'm not handy at all. I just bought this house and 1 month into living here door handle falls off!
    So I've got a lot of home repair things to learn. I googled and shopped for parts to no avail. Today, after 4 months of annoyance decided to search again and found your blog! THANK YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I'm just going to add the many thank you posts here! I'm not handy at all. I just bought this house and 1 month into living here door handle falls off!
    So I've got a lot of home repair things to learn. I googled and shopped for parts to no avail. Today, after 4 months of annoyance decided to search again and found your blog! THANK YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Your info and description were so helpful. I was about to spend a lot of time accomplishing nothing. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Thank you!!! That worked like a charm and saved me so much time.

    ReplyDelete
  75. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Fixed in under a minute. Went a week without a handle. Customer service was no help.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Merci, danke, thanks!

    PS Dear Kwikset, kindly put a link to this page on your support site.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Thank you! Exact same issue. Kwickset should be paying you!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Add me to the list of grateful DIYers. I could NOT figure out how my doorknob in the new house fell off or how to fix it and this explained it. Even found a hex wrench above the door waiting all this time for me to come along. Nice tight door handle back on the door, no need to pay a repairman, problem solved!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Saved me a trip to the store! (and a trip back, to return it.) Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Thank you for the information! I started to replace the entire system but got frustrated when I could not get the original set off the door trying to replace it. (I guess when I installed it 8 years ago it really stayed on!) I went to Lowes and got an allen wrench set and swapped the handles (inside to outside since the divet had gotten a bit less prominent), turned the lock upright, and managed to return the new nob and lock set! Life saver!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Unfortunately in my case, the screw actually IS missing. Not sure where I will find a left-handed, Allen-head set screw like this...lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1) Maybe the screw managed to unscrew itself and is inside the post.
      2) The exterior screw isn't left-handed, only the interior one is (I should have made it clearer in my post).

      Delete
  83. Thank you so much. The hardware store employees had no idea how to help me. I found your instructions and it took me 4 minutes to fix, including the time to read the instructions!

    ReplyDelete
  84. More love for this easy fix!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
    I still can not believe it was so easy.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Brilliant! But beware - there is a good chance that the set screw cartel has discovered your post and is planning harsh reprisals!

    Now, if only someone could tell me how you tighten the round flat metal piece that sits behind the lever handle and flush against the door . . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There'a probably a cover that you can juse pull off by hand.

      Take off the interior handle, pull the cover off, and there will be two standard Phillips head screws that you can tighten. Snap the cover back on and replace the handle.

      Delete
  87. Unless something goes wrong, the consumer never knows it’s LH thread. Righty tighty and lefty loosy remain in effect, as rh turns, tighten the handle. My dad, knowing that the screw had to back up to secure the knob, turned left and stripped the set screw. It really is a great design because LH thread means that in most cases things work and people are unaware, or people are tightening (the screw is going in) when they think they’re loosening and screws don’t fall out. I plan to use a tap or drill bit as a reverse easy out to replace the stripped set screw.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Thank you! The screw was there indeed. Saved me several trips to the store...

    ReplyDelete
  89. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Sweet fancy Moses, this ancient post just saved the day! Just like everyone else here, I was prepped for a Home Depot run before deciding to hit the Interwebs first. And thankfully, this was the very first post I clicked on when looking for which screw I'd need. Grazie!

    ReplyDelete
  91. This single "unhandy" mom thanks you immensely for this post! Superbly written and communicated. New door and lock...barely used. When I really do need replacement locks, I'll look for one better designed to last! Meanwhile, thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  92. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Thank you! Saw your oust while at Home Depot to try and find a replacement screw. You saved me a lot of frustration and time.

    ReplyDelete
  94. This helped me. Same problem, same solution. Easy Peezy.
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Thanks for your post! Also had an exterior door handle come off and I assumed the screw was missing when I saw the Allen wrench access hole. 30 seconds after reading your post it was repaired!

    ReplyDelete
  96. For your excellent and complete post, God bless you, Sir. -Alex

    ReplyDelete
  97. Thank YOU! Saved me 6 weeks of waiting for Kwikset to send me a set screw I didn't even need. Wish Kwikset customer service would get a clue and advise people about this fix (and their poor design) instead of wasting our time and $. Going to send this link to kwikset.
    They should pay you for providing excellent customer service to their customer base.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ditto. Customer service is now savvier and tried to explain the fix, but but not very clearly.

      Delete
  98. Well done, and still helping humanity three years after publication. I had gone through exactly the same steps you did (except for the detour to Tacoma Screw). ... Now to find that hex wrench...

    ReplyDelete
  99. Thanks...I fussed with this for hours until I read this and turned the set screw the other way...I saw nothing in the instructions on this...thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  100. I have a kwikset 6wal door handle lockset, but found this post while googling for handle set screw that I believed was missing. You really did save me from buying a box of these screws. Amazed at how many people your post has helped, amazing !! Kudos and thanks !

    ReplyDelete
  101. Last time it was the interior lock and it was a missing set screw so didn't think twice before googling "Quikset Replacement Set Screw". Came across this, and duh... sure enough, it's not missing, just needed to be adjusted. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  102. Thank you so much for posting this!!! I was about to order a whole set of set screws from Amazon. I told my girlfriend about the article and was like, "But our's is actually gone..." She looked on the other side and said, nope, it's over here." So it would be worth noting that where you screw it from is NOT the side that the set screw actually sits on. The allen key goes all the way through the handle to screw the set screw outward to get it to hold the handle. Thanks again!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  103. The reverse thread set screw design was done to ensure the installer/user never had to fumble with teeny-tiny grub screws. Anyone who has handled these small set screws knows what a hassle they are.
    The idea with the reverse thread is that the screw is imbedded in the chassis post at the factory and never needs removing, nor can it ever fall out unless the lever is removed and the set screw is physically removed.

    To install the lever handle, simply slide the lever handle onto the post, insert the wrench into the hole on the lever shank and turn the screw clockwise (which actually causes the screw to come out of the post). This takes up the play between the post and the lever handle and securely fastens the lever to the chassis.

    I hope this helps clear up some of the questions of the what and the why. I can tell you it was all very intentional in the engineering and design to make installing and servicing easier.
    However, if you're not familiar with what it is, it can definitely be a head scratcher :).

    ReplyDelete
  104. Wonderful instructions - worked and THANKS!!

    ReplyDelete
  105. You, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar. THANK YOU!

    Your post made me both feel like an idiot and saved my day. I have a Schlage handle that came off, and I bought a set screw to fix it - to no avail. I couldn't figure what I was doing wrong. Found your post and realized the set screw was still there on opposite side, same as you experienced. SO MUCH TIME WASTED FOR NOTHING!
    THANK YOU THANK YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  106. Thank you. Bought a screw that didn't work and then set to work looking for correct screw or contemplating a new lockset when I found this. Great instructions and illustrations.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Oh my gosh, what a lifesaver you are to so many of us! I had the interior screw issue about 4-5 months ago and stumbled onto a fix. Well, the handle fell off again (it's a very used door handle). I marked the hex I used to fix it, but I left myself no other instructions. I couldn't remember what I needed to do to get the handle back on the knob. I was almost desperate enough to cut a hole in a tennis ball and attach it to the knob! Whew, you saved me dude. Thank you for your precise instructions and photos. God bless you, too!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Thank You! Was about to buy set screw from Home Depot like everyone else.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Thank you very much. Problem was exactly as you described!

    ReplyDelete
  110. Thank you, thank you! I totally thought I needed a new set screw on my exterior. Nope, problem was exactly as you described and now my lever is secure. :)

    ReplyDelete
  111. What Laurielaurie79 said. I love the internet for this very reason.

    ReplyDelete
  112. Bless you. It's so beautiful. They should have sent a poet.

    ReplyDelete
  113. Thank you so much for sharing this! The internet rocks because of people like you!

    ReplyDelete
  114. Thank you for saving my sanity!

    ReplyDelete
  115. Excellent description of the problem. After I thought I lost a screw, I started researching home depot and Kwikset spare screws. However, once I read your article, it made complete sense. Easy fix. Thanks for saving a bunch of time and hassle!

    ReplyDelete
  116. Thank you so much for the article on Kwikset set screws. Found you via google search. You saved me a lot of money and I am very grateful!!! I will pass the info along!

    ReplyDelete
  117. Thanks for posting! No wonder my youngest daughter (aka: eagle eyes) was unable to find the set screw on the floor.

    ReplyDelete
  118. Thank you so much! Such an easy fix after trying to find a the correctly sized set screw which I figured fell out.

    ReplyDelete
  119. I am so grateful for this. Saved me from going crazy that the screw did not fit and that the door handle was faulty. they really should be putting this in the instructions! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  120. I searched the floor inside and outside for the set screw. Went to the hand held vac that I use to pick up debris in the threshold...no set screw. Asked my neighbor to look at it and he told me it would be easier to replace the entire unit. Considered going to Home Depot but looked online first. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  121. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Just as everyone else has said. I was looking all over for the set screw and I even ordered one online which of course did not fit. Saving this page for future reference. I won't remember this in 5 years.

    ReplyDelete
  122. Thank you - you saved me a trip as well! Much appreciated!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  123. Thank you so much for this post! You saved me having to track down a set screw. In my case, the interior lever was loose, which I attributed to a missing set screw. After reading your post, I got out an allen wrench and turned the set screw (which was NOT missing) and the handle is now firmly attached.

    ReplyDelete
  124. This is amazing. I googled this a few months ago and must have missed a key word, and I’ve been annoyed ever since. Thank you for making me feel handy once again - and for saving me from buying/searching for yet another type of screw that wouldn’t have helped in the least.

    ReplyDelete
  125. HOW DO I STOP NOTIFICATIONS REGARDING NEW POSTS TO THIS THREAD?!?!?

    I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO UNSUBSCRIBE *MANY* TIMES, BUT THEY JUST KEEP COMING!!!!

    CAN SOMEONE PUT ME IN TOUCH WITH A MODERATOR OR ADMINISTRATOR?!?!?

    ReplyDelete
  126. Money blog post!!!!! Thanks so much, very helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  127. MY GOD YOU ARE THE HERO I NEEDED TODAY. My steps were all same as yours, except I just bought the whole set of set screws (see what I did there) and failed at all of the possible sizes first.

    ReplyDelete
  128. Well, I couldn't lock the lock & the exterior handle kept falling off. Couldn't see a set screw, but inserted the wrench, tightened it. The handle stayed on & it locks again!!! It must be a security measure so the lock cant be disassembled? Could explain why left hand thread, are criminals that dumb? LOL! Thanks for your tip, it fixed my issue. Wish I would have seen this before I took it all apart twice... live & learn. EtchThisAndThat.com

    ReplyDelete
  129. Five years after writing this blogpost you are still saving the day. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  130. And one again your post just saved me a trip Depot or Lowes. And saved me a few bucks!!! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  131. Thank you! Just paid locksmith > $200 to install new handsets (double front doors). First person to touch the inside handle of "dummy side" had it come off in her hand. What to do. Looked here and found out--and it worked! I did it myself--Suzie Homemaker!You are da bomb.

    ReplyDelete
  132. Were I not so happy my door handle is fixed, I'd be so angry I spent hours looking around for the set screw.

    ReplyDelete
  133. Another happy poster just letting you know after both handles coming off the door and my husband wanting to go to Lowe’s to get a screw I became the hero in reading this grabbing my little tool box and discovering both screws were loose. Woman scores 10 points man says well I’ll be darned lol

    ReplyDelete
  134. Thanks for info, saved me a lot of time and trouble. Inside handle is secured.

    ReplyDelete
  135. I was googling "set screw for door handle" when I found this article. 5 mins later the door handle was fixed! Thanks a lot, this is great information to have out there.

    ReplyDelete
  136. The tricky part is understanding the screw is on the complete other side of the post. I didn't understand your great post at first (reading too fast) the allen wrench has to pass through the post to the other side of the post to engage the set screw. Might take a bit of jiggling to get it to seat. But fixed immediately. What a pain - UNTIL I SAW THIS POST!!!! THANK YOU!!

    ReplyDelete
  137. I have read a blog that Amazon and Schlage is working combining for the Digital Alexa enables locks. It would be great to see such a technology transformation. Will but the Park avenue schlage locks to secure the home.

    ReplyDelete
  138. Thank you!!!! You saved me soooo much trouble. I am not handy at all with this kind of thing. I would have never figured it out.

    ReplyDelete
  139. YOU just saved me from buying a new handle. Thank you soooooo much!

    ReplyDelete
  140. You have saved my sanity. Kwikset should be paying you a royalty every time someone finds this blog. Thank you!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  141. Accidentally found your blog and it saved me! I had no idea where the screw went or if I could replace it. So grateful for this post, thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  142. OMG! I am so glad that I saw this. I was going crazy trying to figure what size set screw I needed when I stumbled across this. It worked like a charm!

    ReplyDelete
  143. Wow, I was getting irritated and frustrated trying to find a replacement screw. I'm so glad I cam across this article! Fixed in 2 minutes.

    ReplyDelete
  144. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  145. After numerous google searches, I found your solution by using the GOOGLE LENS app. Took a very closeup pic of the Interior set screw and your fix showed up.

    Calls to Kwikset in the past yielded nothing but "go to home depot" we don't talk to end users. Thanks much for taking the time to post in detail.

    ReplyDelete
  146. Wow, you sure have made A LOT of people happy!!!!! Me included. Thanks Doug! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  147. This is why I love the internet. Saved the day! Thanks much!

    ReplyDelete
  148. This was exactly what I needed. I had already figured out how the screw for the interior lever worked but was completely flummoxed by the exterior lever. I am always pleased when someone has taken the time to document the solution to a common problem.

    ReplyDelete
  149. Thanks, this explanation worked like a charm!

    ReplyDelete
  150. I spent half a day looking for a missing set screw and taking apart other door levers trying to figure out how this things are put together. I thought I was losing it or had stumbled into a parallel universe when I found that the interior set screw was left hand threaded! Your blog explained it all and I fixed the problem in 30 seconds! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  151. Thank you!!! I too thought the set screw was missing until i saw this- problem #1 solved.
    Problem #2- the set screw was stripped so the allen wrench that came with the door handle did not work -I found that a T-15 size torx bit that I hammered into the set screw was the only way to move it.

    ReplyDelete