Delving into the intricacies of rekeying a Schlage lock is an empowering undertaking that can significantly enhance the security of your abode. Whether you’re a seasoned locksmith or a first-time DIY enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and step-by-step instructions to tackle this project with confidence. Follow along as we unravel the mysteries of lock rekeying, ensuring your home’s safety and peace of mind.
Before embarking on this endeavor, it’s crucial to assess your existing lock and determine if rekeying is the best course of action. If the lock is damaged or has been compromised, replacement may be a more prudent choice. However, if the lock is functioning properly and you’re seeking to change the key combination, rekeying offers a cost-effective solution. With the right tools and techniques, you can transform your lock to accommodate new keys, granting you exclusive access and safeguarding your belongings.
To begin the rekeying process, gather the necessary tools, including a key cutting machine, cylinder removal tool, tension wrench, and a set of new keys. Familiarize yourself with the components of your Schlage lock and locate the cylinder, which houses the pins that determine the key combination. Carefully remove the cylinder using the appropriate tools and proceed to reconfigure the pins according to the new key. Once the pins are set, insert the new key and test the lock to ensure smooth operation. By following these steps with precision and attention to detail, you’ll have successfully rekeyed your Schlage lock, restoring its security and granting you peace of mind.
Safety Precautions
Avoid Breaking the Lock
When rekeying a lock, it’s crucial to avoid damaging or breaking the lock. Ensure you have the correct tools and follow the instructions carefully. If you encounter any difficulties, do not force anything and seek professional assistance.
Secure the Door
Before starting the rekeying process, secure the door with a barricade or additional locks. This will prevent unauthorized access while you are working on the lock. It’s also advisable to inform family members or housemates to avoid disturbing you during the process.
Handle Tools Safely
Rekeying a lock involves using sharp tools such as screwdrivers and pliers. Handle these tools with care to prevent injuries. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, if necessary. Ensure you have a dedicated workspace where you can safely operate the tools.
Be Aware of Spring Tension
When disassembling the lock, be cautious of the spring tension within the mechanism. If not handled properly, the springs can release with force and cause injury. Always support the lock firmly and wear safety glasses when working with springs.
Dispose of Old Keys Securely
After rekeying the lock, discard the old keys securely. They should not be left accessible to unauthorized individuals. Consider breaking them into small pieces or bending them out of shape before disposal.
Removing the Faceplate
To remove the faceplate, you’ll need a small screwdriver or a hex key. Insert the tool into the small hole located at the bottom of the lock’s exterior assembly. Turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen the faceplate and pull it straight toward you to remove it.
If your Schlage lock has a thumb-turn on the interior side, you may need to remove it first before you can remove the faceplate. To do this, insert the screwdriver or hex key into the small hole located on the interior thumb-turn assembly. Turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen the thumb-turn and pull it straight toward you to remove it.
Once the faceplate is removed, you’ll have access to the lock’s cylinder. The cylinder is the part of the lock that contains the pins that are used to engage the lock’s bolt. To remove the cylinder, you’ll need to use a cylinder removal tool.
With all this information, we have prepared a table that should be useful:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the tool into the hole at the bottom of the lock. |
| 2 | Turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen the faceplate. |
| 3 | Pull the faceplate straight toward you to remove it. |
| 4 | If your lock has a thumb-turn, remove it by inserting the tool into the hole and turning it counterclockwise. |
| 5 | Use a cylinder removal tool to remove the cylinder. |
Disassembling the Lock Cylinder
Now that you have the lock cylinder removed from the lock, it’s time to disassemble it. To do this, you will need to insert the key into the cylinder and turn it to the unlock position. This will allow you to remove the plug from the cylinder.
Once the plug is removed, you will see several pins inside the cylinder. These pins are what hold the key in place and prevent it from turning unless the correct key is inserted. To remove the pins, you will need to use a pin removal tool.
To use a pin removal tool, insert the tool into the hole next to a pin. Gently push down on the tool and wiggle it back and forth. This will cause the pin to come out of the cylinder.
Step 1: Remove the Screw
Locate the small screw on the side of the lock cylinder. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw.
Step 2: Pull Out the Cylinder
Once the screw is removed, pull the lock cylinder straight out of the lock body.
Step 3: Remove the C-Clip
Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the C-clip from the end of the lock cylinder.
Step 4: Remove the Plug
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it to the unlock position. Pull the plug straight out of the cylinder.
Step 5: Remove the Pins
Use a pin removal tool to remove the pins from the plug. To do this, insert the tool into the hole next to a pin and gently push down while wiggling the tool back and forth. The pin will come out of the cylinder.
| Pin Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Driver Pin | The driver pin is the pin that is pushed up by the key when it is inserted into the lock. |
| Key Pin | The key pin is the pin that is pushed down by the key when it is inserted into the lock. |
| Spring | The spring is a small coil that is located under each pin. The spring pushes the pin up into the plug. |
Changing the Key Pins
Step 6: Reassemble the Lock Cylinder
Now it’s time to put the lock cylinder back together. Follow these steps carefully:
1. Insert the spring into the chamber. Make sure the curved end of the spring faces upwards.
2. Carefully guide the key pins back into the chamber, aligning them with their corresponding holes. Push them down until they are flush with the top of the chamber.
3. Insert the driver pins into the chamber, aligning them with the corresponding key pins. Push them down until they are flush with the top of the chamber.
4. Place the plug back into the cylinder body. Align it with the keyway and push it down until it is fully seated.
5. Insert the retaining clip into the groove on the side of the plug. Push down on the clip until it locks into place.
6. Check the key pins and driver pins to ensure they are properly aligned. If any pin is not flush with the top of the chamber, use a small punch or screwdriver to gently tap it down.
| Pin Type | Alignment |
|---|---|
| Key Pins | Flush with the top of the chamber |
| Driver Pins | Flush with the top of the chamber |
7. Once all the pins are properly aligned, test the lock by inserting the new key. It should turn smoothly and open the lock.
Installing the New Lock Cylinder
Now that you have the new lock cylinder, it’s time to install it.
First, remove the old lock cylinder by following the steps in the “Removing the Old Lock Cylinder” section. Once the old lock cylinder is removed, you can install the new one.
To install the new lock cylinder, follow these steps:
- Insert the new lock cylinder into the lock body.
- Turn the lock cylinder clockwise until it stops.
- Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it to the locked position.
- Remove the key.
- The new lock cylinder is now installed.
Testing the New Lock Cylinder
Once the new lock cylinder is installed, test it to make sure it’s working properly.
To test the new lock cylinder, follow these steps:
- Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it to the unlocked position.
- Open the door.
- Close the door.
- Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it to the locked position.
- Try to open the door. The door should not open.
- The new lock cylinder is working properly.
- Open the door and extend the latch by pressing down on the lock button.
- Using a screwdriver, loosen the screws that secure the latch plate to the edge of the door.
- Slide the latch plate up or down as needed to ensure it engages with the strike plate in the correct position.
- Tighten the screws to secure the latch plate.
- Close the door and insert a piece of paper between the latch and the strike plate.
- Push the door closed and try to open it. The paper should resist being pulled out, indicating the correct position for the strike plate.
- Mark the location of the strike plate on the door frame with a pencil.
- Remove the strike plate and chisel out a shallow recess in the door frame using the pencil marks as a guide.
- Insert the strike plate into the recess and secure it with screws.
- Insert a screwdriver into the adjustment hole on the latch and turn it clockwise to increase latch depth or counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Close the door and check the latch engagement. The latch should fully extend into the strike plate but not jam or stick.
- If necessary, adjust the strike plate tension by bending the latch tab slightly inward or outward using pliers.
- Clockwise: Increase depth
- Counterclockwise: Decrease depth
- Bend tab inward: Increase tension
- Bend tab outward: Decrease tension
- New Schlage key
- Small screwdriver
- Small hammer
- Rekeying kit (optional)
Adjusting the Latch and Strike Plate
Ensuring the proper alignment of the latch and strike plate is crucial for the smooth operation of your Schlage lock. This process involves fine-tuning the position of these components to create a seamless engagement.
To adjust the latch:
To adjust the strike plate:
Fine-Tuning the Latch Engagement
Once the latch and strike plate are aligned, you may need to fine-tune their engagement for optimal operation. This involves adjusting the depth of the latch and the tension on the strike plate.
| Adjusting the latch depth: |
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| Adjusting the strike plate tension: |
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How To Rekey A Schlage Lock
Rekeying a Schlage lock is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes with the right tools. By following these steps, you can easily rekey your Schlage lock to match a new key.
Materials Needed:
Instructions:
1.
Remove the faceplate of the lock by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place.
2.
Locate the cylinder retaining pin. This is a small pin that is located on the side of the lock cylinder.
3.
Insert the screwdriver into the cylinder retaining pin and tap it gently with the hammer.
4.
Pull the cylinder out of the lock body.
5.
Remove the old key from the cylinder.
6.
Insert the new key into the cylinder.
7.
Push the cylinder back into the lock body.
8.
Reinsert the cylinder retaining pin.
9.
Replace the faceplate and tighten the screws.
10.
Your Schlage lock is now rekeyed to match the new key.
People Also Ask About How To Rekey A Schlage Lock
How do I know if I have a Schlage lock?
Schlage locks have a distinctive “S” logo on the faceplate.
Can I rekey a Schlage lock myself?
Yes, you can rekey a Schlage lock yourself with the right tools and materials.
How much does it cost to rekey a Schlage lock?
The cost to rekey a Schlage lock will vary depending on the locksmith you choose. However, it is typically around $50 to $100.
How long does it take to rekey a Schlage lock?
Rekeying a Schlage lock typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
