How Can I Remove a Deadbolt Lock Purchased From Sears Years Ago?

Clean the Lock

• If you purchased this deadbolt lock from Sears long ago, chances are it has been in the door where it currently is for equally as long, which means that it might have been subjected to a number of different paint jobs over time. You'll need to cut away the paint from around the deadbolt face so that it can be removed. The best way to do this is by using a sharp utility knife.

Open the Deadbolt Door

• To remove the entire deadbolt, including the latch, the door where the Sears deadbolt is mounted will need to be opened. Deadbolts only need keys from the front side of the door, so access the inside of the door and open up the deadbolt by turning the latch on the back of the lock. Prop the door open with a block of wood or some other object while you are working.

Removing the Screws

• The screws on a deadbolt lock are located on the inside face. On most deadbolts they will be easy to spot, but some deadbolts -- decorative ones, in particular -- may use a cover to hide the screws. Deadbolt screws can be fairly long as they not only have to go through the front and the back of the deadbolt but also through the door. They can be removed by a screwdriver (usually Phillips), but removing them with a power drill and screwdriver attachment may be easier.

Removing the Deadbolt From the Door

• Once the screws are removed, you can remove the front and back halves of the deadbolt lock. If the lock was heavily painted over, there may be some residual paint between the lock and the door holding it in place. In this case, run a utility knife around the perimeter of the door and the lock to cut away any paint and loosen the lock. To remove, pull the sides of the deadbolt out of the front and back of the door.

Removing the Catch

• The catch is the part of the deadbolt that slides out and locks into the door frame. It is held in place by the plate located on the side of the door. The screws on this plate are as long, sometimes longer, as the screws holding the deadbolt together, so use a power drill and screwdriver attachment if you have one handy. Because these latches are typically recessed into the door, you'll need to pry them out of the side of the door to remove.