The present invention provides a quick install lockset mechanism having a semi-permanent mechanical connection between an interior lock assembly and an exterior lock assembly. The exterior lock assembly includes a pair of threaded fasteners extending through a preformed hole in a door, and the interior lock assembly includes a rose liner configured to rotatably engage the fasteners to connect theinterior and exterior lock assemblies. The interior lock assembly rose liner includes a pair of raised contoured portions having openings for receiving the fasteners and ramps for guiding the fasteners to the openings. In addition, the interior lock assembly includes a knob insert and a turnpiece guide. The knob insert is disposed in the knob and the turnpiece guide is removably disposed in the knob insert. A turnpiece is disposed in the turnpiece guide and is thereby aligned with an operating member extending from a lock cylinder in the exterior lock assembly. As the interior knob assembly is connected to the exterior knob assembly, the turnpiece guide is pushed out of the knob insert, thereby freeing the turnpiece for co-rotation with the lock cylinder-operating member.