Field-reversible locking mechanism

A method of installing a lockset on a handed door, the method comprising the steps of:

• applying a force to a bearing mounted on an external mechanism of the lockset against a biasing force of a first biasing member;
• rotating said bearing into engagement with a first housing fixedly supported by a spindle assembly of the lockset;
• rotating said bearing and said first housing until said spindle assembly is properly aligned with a latch of the handed door;
• releasing said force on said bearing to allow said first biasing member to bias said first housing into engagement with a first retainer shield to lock said spindle assembly and said first housing relative a first escutcheon;
• applying a force to a second housing mounted on an interior mechanism of the lockset against a biasing force of a second biasing member;
• rotating said second housing to rotatably position said interior mechanism relative said exterior mechanism and the handed door;
• and
• releasing said force on said second housing to allow said second biasing member to bias said second housing into engagement with a second retainer shield to lock said second housing relative a second escutcheon.