Unlock Savings: Schlage Rekey Kit – Easy DIY Guide!

Unlock Savings: Your Easy DIY Guide to Using a Schlage Rekey Kit

This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to use a Schlage rekey kit, saving you money and ensuring your home security. We’ll cover everything from identifying if you need a rekey kit to the step-by-step process of changing your lock’s internal keying.

Why Use a Schlage Rekey Kit?

Using a Schlage rekey kit offers several key advantages:

• Cost Savings: Avoid the expense of hiring a locksmith. Rekeying yourself is considerably cheaper.
• Convenience: You can change your locks whenever it suits you, without waiting for an appointment.
• Security: If you’ve lost a key, moved into a new home, or suspect someone has an unauthorized copy, rekeying provides immediate peace of mind.
• Control: You maintain complete control over who has access to your home.

Identifying the Need for a Rekey

Before you dive in, make sure rekeying is the right solution. Consider rekeying if:

• You’ve just moved into a new home. You don’t know who has copies of the old keys.
• You’ve lost your keys or suspect they’ve been stolen.
• You’ve given keys to someone you no longer trust (e.g., a former roommate or employee).
• You want to use a single key for multiple Schlage locks.

If your lock is damaged or malfunctioning, consider replacing it entirely rather than rekeying.

What You’ll Need: Gathering Your Tools and Supplies

Before you start, ensure you have everything on this list:

• Schlage Rekey Kit: Ensure it’s the correct kit for your Schlage lock type (e.g., C-keyway, Everest).
• Your Existing Key: This is needed to remove the cylinder.
• The New Keys: These are the keys you want to use after the rekeying process.
• Screwdriver: Usually a Phillips head, to remove the doorknob or deadbolt.
• Key Gauge or Reference Chart (Optional): If you’re unsure of your keyway type.
• Small Bowl or Container: To keep small parts organized.
• Clean Work Surface: Helps prevent losing tiny parts.
• Lubricant (Recommended): Graphite powder or a silicone-based lubricant designed for locks.

Step-by-Step Rekeying Process

1. Removing the Lock Cylinder

1. Loosen the Screws: Use your screwdriver to remove the screws holding the doorknob or deadbolt in place.
2. Remove the Doorknob/Deadbolt: Carefully detach the exterior and interior portions of the lock mechanism.
3. Locate the Cylinder Retaining Clip or Pin: This small piece holds the cylinder in place. It might be a small metal clip, a screw, or a pin.
4. Remove the Retaining Clip/Pin: Use a small screwdriver or similar tool to carefully remove the retaining clip or pin. Take note of its orientation for reassembly.
5. Insert Your Existing Key: Place your existing key into the lock cylinder.
6. Carefully Slide Out the Cylinder: Gently wiggle and pull the cylinder out of the lock housing while the key is inserted.

2. Disassembling the Cylinder and Changing the Pins

1. Insert the "Follower" Tool (Included in Rekey Kit): After removing the cylinder, immediately insert the follower tool into the cylinder body where the key was. This prevents the pins and springs from flying out. This tool is crucial.

   • Important Note: The follower tool maintains the integrity of the cylinder. Do not remove your key without using the follower tool in it’s place.

2. Remove the Key: Now that the follower is in place, you can remove the old key.

3. Carefully Remove the Follower: Slowly push the follower out with your new key very carefully. Pay attention to how the springs and pins are arranged. Do this over your clean work surface.

   • Remember: The follower keeps the springs and pins from shooting out. Removing it slowly with the new key allows you to maintain order.

4. Identify the Correct Pins: Your rekey kit will include various sizes of pins. Use the instructions in your kit or a reference chart to determine the correct pins for your new key.

5. Replace the Old Pins: One by one, remove the old pins and replace them with the new pins corresponding to each groove of your new key.

6. Reassemble: Carefully reinsert the new key and then the follower tool back into the cylinder, maintaining order and preventing any pins or springs from escaping.

3. Reinstalling the Cylinder

1. Insert Cylinder Back into the Lock Housing: With the follower tool still in place, carefully slide the cylinder back into the lock housing.
2. Reinstall the Retaining Clip or Pin: Secure the cylinder with the retaining clip or pin, making sure it’s oriented correctly.
3. Test the Lock: Before fully reassembling the doorknob or deadbolt, test the lock with your new key. Ensure it turns smoothly.
4. Reassemble the Doorknob/Deadbolt: Reattach the exterior and interior portions of the lock mechanism and secure them with the screws.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Key won’t turn.	Incorrect pin placement.	Double-check pin placement against your key. Make sure you have the right pins for the right slots.
Cylinder won’t slide in/out easily.	Pins are obstructing the path.	Ensure the key is fully inserted. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the cylinder.
Lock feels stiff.	Lack of lubrication.	Apply graphite powder or silicone-based lock lubricant.
Pins falling out during disassembly.	Follower tool not used correctly or lost.	Ensure the follower tool is correctly positioned before removing the key. Order a replacement follower tool if yours is lost.
Key won’t go in all the way	A pin is sticking out.	Remove the key and cycle through all the tumblers while key is out. Insert key slowly and recheck functionality.

Maintaining Your Rekeyed Lock

• Lubricate Regularly: Apply graphite powder or silicone-based lock lubricant every few months to keep the lock working smoothly.
• Avoid Force: Never force the key if it doesn’t turn easily. This can damage the lock.
• Protect from the Elements: If your lock is exposed to harsh weather, consider using a lock cover to protect it from corrosion.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this guide helped you understand how a schlage rekey kit can save you some cash and boost your home security. Happy rekeying!