Problem with a deadbolt

[Fixnfly]

I'm almost embarrassed to post this but here it goes,
I removed the deadbolt to paint the door and after re-installing it, the bolt is really hard to turn with the key or the latch. HOWEVER, loosening the screws on the inside makes it as smooth as usual but the screws are so loose now that the thing wobbles around. The bolt is installed correctly, "up" is facing up, it's well lubed and clean. I tightened the screws as evenly as I could. So why does tightening the screws make the latch stiff??

 

[The Cobbler]

something not lined up or in wrong . did you move the adjustable latch a bit out of line maybe?

 

[Vegas Painter]

I've installed a lot of deadbolts over the years. I used to have the same problem from time to time. What problem happened is one of the machine screw were cross threaded and when tight it is just a little off. I have loosed the screws a bit and put lock tight on it. If that doesn't work buy a new kwikset. I have found less problems with them.


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[MFolks]

I went to mount a key operated Kwikset the other day, and had to run a 10-32 tap in the screw holes so I could install it correctly. Maybe the factory missed this one for a tapping operation...

 

[mikejxms]

1 If a metal door, use a spacer between the inter and outer door panels. This will keep the door from collapsing. 2 Shorten the tail pieces,

 

[Fixnfly]

1 If a metal door, use a spacer between the inter and outer door panels. This will keep the door from collapsing. 2 Shorten the tail pieces,

Tail pieces? Are you talking about the threaded parts that the screws go into?

It is a newer Kwikset but the threads seem fine

 

[Zeke]

When locks bind after being tightened it's because something is being jammed. If the tail pieces that go through the bolt mechanism are too long, this is what happens. All you have to do is take the longer one to the grinder and remove an 1/8th inch.
Many locks installed on an 1 3/8ths door have to have this process done.

Schlage locks have hash marks on the blades to show you where to cut.

 

[Fixnfly]

I trimmed about 3/16 off the tail piece with no difference.
I'm done with it, time to upgrade to a Schlage.
Thanks for the help!

 

[gatewaysysop]

I trimmed about 3/16 off the tail piece with no difference.
I'm done with it, time to upgrade to a Schlage.
Thanks for the help!

Once you get away from Kwikset, you'll never go back. Been running Schlage for years and it was so worth the switch.

 

[rodm1]

Sometimes you have to wiggle them around while you tighten them up. You could have an adjustable back set latch and its adjusted wrong. ALL affordable residential locks are junk it's just the way it is. Kwikset and Schlage are just a little better then leaving your doors unlocked.

 

[fury9]

push the dead bolt out to the locked position. Eyeball it to make sure while you tighten it the dead bolt shaft stays level. You also might not have the backspacing selected right.

 

[Pate]

Try pulling the lock to the top of the hole while tightening the two screws evenly. If the deadbolt tailpiece is coming through a steep angle it will bind up making the thumbturn tight to turn.

 

[mikejxms]

Tail pieces? Are you talking about the threaded parts that the screws go into?

It is a newer Kwikset but the threads seem fine

The part that goes from the inside to outside [ tailpiece ], moves the bolt in and out when the key or inside turn is used.

 

[Fcvapor05]

I had a similar problem recently, and the solution was to re-tighten the hinges to the door without letting it sag.

 

[Zeke]

Considering that shortening the tail piece didn't work, then if jiggling the alignment of the ***'y while cinching it up would solve the problem and you didn't do that as a matter of course, you have to turn in your lock install licence.

Seriously, sometimes the lock halves hit the bolt mech. Again, what thickness is this door?