Exterior key for deadbolt just turns around and around
I have a double key Kwikset deadbolt. Worked fine but now while a key on the interior side works fine, a key used on the exterior simply turns 360 degrees without doing anything to the deadbolt.
Locks & Locksmithing - Kwikset - Professional Door Lock installation Kit
Answers & Comments
From a pro-locksmith: Kwikset uses a clip type retainer to hold their tail piece in place and keep the cylinder plug from coming apart. It sounds to me like the retaining clip has backed out slightly and is not engaged with the tail piece. If it backs out further the entire plug assembly, tumblers and springs will pull/fly out. Its a trip to a locksmith, parts in a baggie. Remove deadbolt, push clip back in and oil area.
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It sounds like the exterior tumbler is bad, it is less expensive to just replace the whole deadbolt than to have the tumbler repaired.
It is NOT the"Exterior tumbler".. that is nonsense. I would bet that the tailpeice (the metal part on the back of the lock cylinder that turns the latch bolt).. is broken . They twist and bend over time, especialy if the lock binds when truning duur to improper instalatiuon of a warped or settled door or door frame, This is a stamped metal part that is simply made very cheaply and why I recommend Schlage locks over Kwikset, It amazes me that Kwikset hasn't fixed this yet, it is the same problem for over 35 years. Take tge deadbold off the door and bring it to a competent locksmith, It is a very cheap part and very quickly replaced. removing it yourself saves a "service call charge"