Kwikset Rekey Ultramax

Rekeying the Ultramax by Kwikset this presentation is designed for beginners.

Kwikset UltraMax

©Eugene Hansen

Rekeying the locks to the customers key – Notice the new key at the bottom of the packaging. You may use Titan keys for these locksets they are the same keyway.

Removed from boxed packaging

Here we have the lockset out of the box packaging notice the bubble pack. Sometimes you may have to cut the plastic (some are sealed) others just use the button tabs.

Kwikset UltraMax Knobset Here we have the

Knobset removed from the packaging and laid out notice the mounting plate. Notice the lockset has 3 keys on the ring (one of them is a change key)

Keys If you look close you will

see the keys have a standard Kwikset bow on them. The Titan key has the cutout for the removal of the cylinder. You could also use an A1176RK which is a rekeying tool made for the removal of the titan style locksets.

To begin with insert the removal tool or prepared key into the plug. Remove the core by turning the plug 90º to the left, either with a key or by picking the plug.Pull the cylinder out of the lockset (it is easier with a key because it gives you something to hang on to).

To rekey these locks you have 3 options:

1. You can cut the removal notch on the back of an existing key that fits the lock.

2. You can cut the proper bitting on a rekeying tool.

3. You can pick the lock to the unlock position.

“C” Clip Removal Notice the locking lug is

retracted into the cylinder allowing it to be removed

Remove the “c” clip from the back of the plug to allow the plug to be slid out of the cylinder.

You can use a small screwdriver or the end of the Kwikset removal tool (the pronged bar for the original Kwikset cylinders)

Check For Wear

After the clip is removed then check the plug for wear on the tail end of the plug the notches need to be as complete as possible if worn down the lock will malfunction.

With the plug turned in this position you will not be able to remove the plug because the locking bar will not permit it to be removed until - It is rotated part way back or farther forward so the locking lug extends back out of the cylinder.

Use a plug follower and slide the plug out of the cylinder (it helps to keep the pins up so they don’t fall out)

Here we have the plug out with the pins and the proper bitting on the key, notice the extra holes on the plug. These are for the purpose of construction keying. Notice it is a 6 pin lock.

New key into plug (old pins) Here we have

inserted the customer’s key into the plug notice the pins do not line up evenly across the plug.

After dumping the pins out of the lock you have an empty plug.

Decode the key with a gauge

Using a key gauge to read the customer’s key so you can key up the new locks.

Pinning the Plug

Another method is to insert the key and “shoebox” the lock by trial and error to make the pins fit the key either way will work.

Remember to check the top pins and springs as you rekey each lock to make sure the springs are not crushed and the pins slide easily – if any binding or crushed springs replace them.

Insert the Plug into the Cylinder

Insert the plug back into the cylinder, pushing the follower out as you do so. Then make sure the lock turns smoothly if it doesn’t then you will have to shim it and put the proper pins into the lock.

Check the key If the key works –

Great! Now you have 3 choices: 1. You can cut a rekeying tool. 2. You can remove the plug again and insert it turned to the removal position without the key so you can lock it back in place. 3. Remove the Spindle and place the plug with the key in at 180º to insert the cylinder into the lock and then turn it to the proper position to lock in place.

Second Method of the Three Here we are showing

the second method. Insert the plug pushing out the follower.

The plug is inserted at the 90º angle and the locking tab will drop into place keeping the plug in the cylinder.

Notice the locking tab is retracted.

Install the “c” Clip onto the plug before you install into the Knobset.

With Knob on the Door Install Cylinder

Here we have the knob on the door (this will allow the lock to be properly orientated for the keyway). Insert the cylinder with the plug still turned at 90º.

Use the tip of the key to turn the plug (or a small screwdriver will also work fine)

Check operations of the lock and then continue to the deadbolt if you are to key it up also.

This method also works on the Titan style lockset (the UltraMax knobsets use the same cylinder as the Titans)

If you are not keying up the deadbolt then collect your money and have a Great Day!

Now for the DeadboltNext we will rekey the deadbolt to the same key there are several differences between the UltraMax deadbolt and the Titan deadbolt. The Titan deadbolt had a removable cylinder similar to the knobset (you turned the key to the left to about the 7:30 o’clock position or 225º).

The UltraMax does not have a removable cylinder but it mounts to the door very similarly and uses the same keyway.

Deadbolt Cylinder

Here is the cylinder from the deadbolt, it does not have the removable cylinder like the knobset, so we will have to rekey slightly differently.

Pry up on the plastic shield which will allow you access to the “E” clip. (The knob had a “C” Clip). You will see the difference as you take apart the lock.

You can use the Kwikset tool to remove the “E” clip or use a small screwdriver.

Notice the extra tab in the middle of the “C” Clip that is what makes it an “E” Clip. This tab is what locks the tailpiece on the end of the plug allowing it to rotate slightly so the thumb turn on the inside will function.

With the “E” clip removed you can see the differences of the plug from the knobset and the deadbolt.

Notice the Recess in the Plug

Notice the recessed end of the plug, the tailpiece fits into this portion of the plug. Notice the bible of the cylinder is molded into the casting.

Remove the Plug from the Cylinder

Use a follower to push out the plug it is not nearly as important to align the keyway for removal because there is not a locking tab to get in the way. Again keep the pins up so you don’t dump them.

Plug of the lock with the key notice the 1st notch on the key is very close to the shoulder stop.

The Plug has a hardened pin on the side to hamper drilling of the plug.

Customer’s Key in Plug

Here we have the Customer’s Key in the new lock notice the pins do not align on at the shear line.

Cylinder Pinned Properly

Here the lock is pinned up to the bitting from the customers key (that was determined from the key on the knobset section)

Remember to check the top pins and springs as you rekey each lock to make sure the springs are not crushed and the pins slide easily – if any binding or crushed springs replace them.

Holes for Construction Keying

This plug also has the holes for construction keying.

Checking Your Work!

Push the follower out using the plug, and check operation of the lock. If it doesn’t work you will have to shim open or pick to take it apart and key it up again.

Here is the rear of the plug end sticking out of the back of the cylinder.

Install the Tail Peice

Reinstall the tailpiece on the cylinder. Slide the tailpiece on and then lock in place with the “E” clip making sure the tailpiece rotates slightly. Then slide down the plastic cap into place.

Check operations (it is easier before you mount it in the door).

Slide the cylinder into the outer Lock Housing.

Notice the Housing is designed to prevent someone from turning the lock by forcing the outer Housing with a pipe-wrench.

Install the Adapter Ring on the lock this fills part of the hole in the door and keeps the lock from being hammered down to pass the hole allowing a bypass method of entry.

The latch was already installed in this photo. Install the inside mounting plate this reinforces the lock and helps align the tailpiece and bolts.

Installing inside Plate With the reinforcing

plate install the thumb turn plate both of these are used to install the UltraMax.

Install the bolts and tighten them down notice the thumb turn is not part of the plate.

Install the brass rose on the inside thumb turn plate. Notice the tab for removal.

Install the thumb turn. The thumb turn locks on

by using a set screw (it also has a small cover over the Allen set screw.

Thumb Turn Set Screw is installed. Be sure to check the Lock before you hand over the keys to the customer (the strike plate may need adjustment, if changing brands of locks.)

Construction Keying

(Construction Keying is a method of keying that will allow the Customer’s key to “Lock-Out” the Contractors keys after they complete the construction of the building, by using 3 small balls in the chambers of the lock. When the proper key is turned to the proper position, the balls will fall into the holes of the plug changing the operating key and locking out the contractors key at the same time).

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