How to Change a Schlage Lock Kit
Rekeying a Schlage lock is a money-saving do-it-yourself project that requires no special skills or expensive tools. To change a Schlage lock kit, known as rekeying a lock, you need a Schlage rekeying kit, which is available at any hardware or home improvement store for about $12 as of February 2010. The Schlage lock needs to be disassembled to expose the cylinder, but you must have the key that fits the lock. The pins in the cylinder are reset to match the cuts in the new key that is included in the rekeying kit. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Insert the existing key into the lock and turn the key 90 degrees clockwise. Use the front tab on the key gauge (included in the rekeying kit) to depress the catch, which is a small button on the stem of the door knob. After releasing the catch pull the knob off.
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Turn the key 90 degrees counterclockwise (12 o'clock position) and then pull the key out. Let the tail end of the cylinder drop inside the knob. The keyway (where the key inserts) should be on an angle and dropped slightly. Force the cylinder out the back of the knob. The cylinder will compress to fit through the opening as you push it out of the knob.
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Push off the C clip using the U shape on the key gauge. Insert the new key in the keyway and turn it 90 degrees. Push the plug follower (plastic rod included with the rekeying kit) into the rear of the cylinder to force the keyway the front. Keep the plug follower in place in the cylinder housing to secure the top pins and springs in place.
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Turn the plug (keyway part of the cylinder) over to dump out the bottom pins. Insert new bottom pins (included in the rekeying kit) into the plug, making sure they are flush with the plug. If a pin is sticking up above the plug surface, remove it and insert a different size pin that sits flush. Push the plug into the cylinder housing and force the plug follower out through the back of the cylinder. Install the C clip on the cylinder and remove the key.
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Press and hold the cap on top of the cylinder and insert it into the knob. Line up the cap with the slot inside the knob sleeve and push the cylinder back into the knob. Insert the key and turn it counterclockwise 90 degrees. Align the catch button with the slot on the shank. Use the front tab on the key gauge to depress the catch button and then slide the knob onto the shank. Rotate the key 90 degrees to the 12 o'clock position to remove the key.
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Tips & Warnings
You can rekey all the Schlage locks in your home to open with the same key. Tweezers will make inserting pins in the cylinder easier.
Cover your work area with a towel to prevent small parts from rolling onto the floor and getting lost.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit key image by astoria from Fotolia.com
