Why do renters unscrew the bolts on the door knobs? I find this on interior and exterior bottom handle door locks. It leaves the handle loose in the hole. Just curious. Your thoughts? --172.56.xx.xxx

More than likely the screws just loosen up because they were never properly tightened. To help prevent this try using a bit of Loctite 242 on the threads when you first install them. You could also tighten the screws then put some clear nail polish around the screw heads --71.184.xxx.xxx

because they can. --24.183.xxx.xxx

I think it means they may be trying to change locks to keep you out, I only have deadbolts so I put bathtub caulking on the screw heads to this stuff. --76.190.xxx.xxx

I don't think the tenants unscrew them, but yes, I noticed that the screws do come loose. I don't know why because they don't on the knobs in my home where I live. --73.141.xxx.xxx

Are you using Kwikset brand? If you are using the lower quality brand, that's probably why...Kwiksets are much better. Schlage is even better but costs much more. --99.92.xxx.xxx

Most of my tenants do not own a Phillips head screwdriver to re-tighten the screws with. And even if they did, they still would not care. At every vacancy, I have to re-tighten door knob screws and sometimes the door knobs are laying the floor too. I may start doing what Vee does with silicone caulk. --71.207.xxx.x

It's one of the things to notice during a routine maintenance visit. --68.229.xxx.xxx

Oddly, I don't recall ever having this problem, however my guess would be as others have mentioned. --73.113.xxx.xxx

They get loose from twisting and vibration so do a better job next time instead of blaming them. --71.188.xx.xxx

Why? Because after he caused Global warming, he had some spare time and thought how can I mess with Ray --24.101.xxx.xxx

Had used a lot of commercial type locks where under a lot of stress the comercial locks were able to handle the abuse. Another option is buy lock tight then put some on the threads then the screws will less likely to come out. For entrance doors commercial lock sets were better along with much more difficult to break into. Grede 3 domestic locks do not last along some of locks use plastic parts. Comercial locks can be mastered where one key can open everything. On and off shopped at the Habitat for Humanity restores where could buy used and new commercial lock sets where could buy a few to make one or buy a complete set For $5 to 10 Cdn dollars wuuld stock up then when lock required replacement had available. For faucets found the single handle ceramic cartridge to have the least problems where sometimes there was debris where cleaned out then no parts to repair. --68.69.xxx.xxx

OT: Worse problem is when a tenant installs a key locking knob on the bedroom and 'forgets' to leave you the key when they vacate (door was locked)! I had to break into my own rental through a back window to open the room and the remove the lock. Big mess. Found out later that he did that so his brother (who visited frequently) could have access to the house without me knowing. I wondered why a kitchen chair was outside under that window. Finally caught the brother trying to get back in a week after all tenants were out. We had a 'chat'. Even worse: after getting in and unscrewing the knob, BOTH knobs fell off and the locking cartridge wouldn't budge and I was locked in the room. Had to crawl out the window again to get more tools (only had the screwdriver) to remove the door hinges which were on the outside where I wasn't. Horrible day. --68.105.xxx.xxx

If ya used one of those bars for safety that go under the door knob and ya kick the bottom could that cause it? --172.56.xx.xx

It just happens put a dab of loctite on the threads, don't use the strong loctite! --32.219.xxx.xx

Many parents allow their kids to swing off the door knobs, curtain rods, you name it. That is usually why they are loose. --72.231.xxx.xx

Plenty, if that is what caused it, you should probably see damage on the door and knob. --73.113.xxx.xxx