Have not yet replaced the old dead-bolt because the old one has these...."plugs" covering where the screws I guess are???? Can anyone clue me in on what the deal is with this type of dead-bolt and how I get it off???? :gf:

Larry, post a pic of it.

is there a release pin on the underside of shaft (hidden) on the inside?

Throw the door away and replace it with a steel one. Or just mark the door you have and drill another one above the old one. :jump:

A picture is worth a 1000 words...

Drill them out

I will check for the hidden release pin...drilling it out seems to be the best way. Thanks all. :btu:

those brass pins are only 3/16 deep...and a 1/16 wide under the little cap...drill to far and u'll mess up the screw head their covering....

What is their intended purpose CS and what is the best way...just drill the pins until they fall out and the screws are there?

Intended purpose was to make them a little more burglar proof.
My dad was a locksmith after he retired, I worked for him for a couple years in my late teens, early twentys. CS is right, just drill the pins out, if you mess up the heads, drill the screws out, you are not trying to save it, just remove it to replace it.

Thanks guys...will do! :rotfl:

the screws go all the way through to the front half...the last one's I installed were alen head screws. they were also about an inch an a half long.