Schlage Locks: Unlocking the Mystery and Mastering the Art of Rekeying
Schlage locks are known for their reliability and high security, making them one of the most popular choices for residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to secure your property after moving in or a locksmith wanting to expand your skillset, understanding how to rekey Schlage locks is essential. In this article, we’ll explore the process of rekeying Schlage locks, provide troubleshooting tips, and offer expert advice to help you master the art of lock rekeying.
What Are Schlage Locks?
Schlage locks are a brand of high-quality locks that have been trusted for over 100 years. They offer a wide range of residential and commercial locking solutions, including deadbolts, knob locks, lever handles, and smart locks. Schlage is recognized for its durable and secure locking mechanisms, making it a top choice for anyone looking to ensure the safety of their home or business.
Schlage locks are designed to provide enhanced security through features such as anti-pick pins, reinforced strike plates, and keyed entry systems. One of the best features of Schlage locks is the ability to rekey them, allowing you to change the lock’s keying without replacing the entire lock system. This process can save you both time and money while improving your security.
Why Should You Rekey Schlage Locks?
There are several reasons why you may want to rekey your Schlage locks:
- Lost or Stolen Keys: If you’ve lost your keys or had them stolen, rekeying the lock ensures that the old key will no longer work, protecting your property from potential intruders.
- Moving into a New Home: Even if the previous owner claims to have returned all keys, it’s safer to rekey the locks to ensure no unauthorized access.
- Security Updates: Over time, you may want to update your home’s security. Rekeying Schlage locks allows you to change the key while maintaining the lock hardware.
- Master Key System: If you have several locks and want to use one key for all of them, you can rekey the locks to fit a master key system.
Step-by-Step Process to Rekey Schlage Locks
Rekeying a Schlage lock might sound complicated at first, but with the right tools and instructions, you can do it yourself. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to rekey Schlage locks.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools:
- Schlage Rekeying Kit
- Schlage key gauge
- Pinning tweezers
- Pinning kit (with appropriate pins)
- Screwdriver
- Key to the current lock
Step 1: Remove the Lock from the Door
The first step in rekeying a Schlage lock is to remove it from the door. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the lock’s screws, taking care not to lose any small parts. Once the screws are removed, take the lock off the door and place it on a clean, flat surface. You will see the cylinder, which is the part that holds the keying mechanism.
Step 2: Remove the Lock Cylinder
To access the pinning mechanism inside the lock cylinder, you need to remove the cylinder plug. Insert the key into the lock and turn it about 90 degrees. This will align the lock’s pins in the correct position. You can now use the follower tool (typically included in a Schlage rekeying kit) to push the cylinder out of the lock housing.
Step 3: Remove the Old Pins
Once the cylinder is removed, you’ll notice several small pins inside. These pins interact with the cuts in the key to make it work. Using pinning tweezers, carefully remove the pins from the lock cylinder. Keep track of their sizes, as you’ll need to replace them with the correct size pins to match the new key.
Step 4: Insert New Pins
Now that the old pins are removed, it’s time to replace them with new ones. Use the key gauge to determine the correct pin size based on the cuts of your new key. Insert the new pins into the lock cylinder, ensuring they fit snugly and that the pins align properly with the new key.
Step 5: Reassemble the Lock
Once the new pins are in place, reassemble the lock cylinder. Make sure the pins are correctly seated inside the cylinder plug. Once everything is back in place, reinsert the cylinder back into the lock housing. If the lock is not functioning properly, double-check the pin lengths and the alignment of the pins inside the cylinder.
Step 6: Test the New Key
Before reinstalling the lock on the door, test the new key to ensure it works properly. Insert the key into the lock and turn it. The key should turn smoothly without sticking. If it doesn’t work, disassemble the lock again and check the pins for misalignment.
Step 7: Reinstall the Lock
Once you’ve tested the new key, it’s time to reinstall the lock on the door. Screw the lock back into place and make sure it fits securely. Test the lock by turning the key in the lock to ensure that it operates correctly.
Troubleshooting Tips for Rekeying Schlage Locks
Rekeying a lock can sometimes be tricky, especially if you’re new to the process. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting tips:
- Key Won’t Turn: If your new key doesn’t turn smoothly, it’s possible that the pins are not properly aligned. Disassemble the lock and check the pin placement.
- Lock Sticks or Doesn’t Latch Properly: This could be due to improper pin lengths or a misalignment of the pinning mechanism. Double-check that you’ve selected the correct pins.
- Loose or Missing Parts: If you’ve lost any parts during the rekeying process, consult the Schlage official website for replacement parts or get in touch with a locksmith supply store.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Rekeying Schlage Locks
Rekeying Schlage locks is an essential skill for anyone who wants to maintain a high level of security for their property. Whether you’re securing your home after a move, updating security after a lost key, or managing a master key system, knowing how to rekey your Schlage locks can save you both time and money. Follow the step-by-step guide outlined above, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to rekey your locks like a pro.
For those who prefer not to tackle the task on their own, professional locksmiths are always available to help. However, learning this skill can give you greater flexibility and control over your security system. For more information on lock rekeying and other security solutions, visit our blog for expert tips and tutorials.
With the right tools and knowledge, unlocking the mystery of rekeying Schlage locks is within reach. By following the outlined process and troubleshooting tips, you can confidently secure your home or business with your rekeyed Schlage locks.
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by FutureSmarthome Team