Revolar is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

How to Rekey a Schlage Lock With a Master Key – A Detailed Guide

Fact checked by Teddy B.Miller

how to rekey a schlage lock with a master key

Rekeying is a difficult process that requires you to have both expertise skills and knowledge about the key to get the job done. Luckily, this article includes all the instructions you should know on how to rekey a Schlage lock with a master key.

You can apply this tutorial so Schlage multiple locks same key opening is possible.

What You Need

rekey-schlage-lock

The Schlage rekey kit has everything you need to rekey a Schlage lock with a master key, especially tools for the cylinder repinning of most Schlage locksets.

As there is a series of different tools inside the kit, you might want to navigate what you need in advance to avoid being confused. But the most important units to focus on include the follower bar, key gauge, and cylinder cap removal tool. The information below will surely be very helpful to you. Take action now!

How to Rekey a Schlage Lock with a Master Key: Step By Step Instructions

schlage-rekey-kit

Instead of smart Schlage key codes, you will learn how to rekey a traditional lock with a master key, which is fairly easy to do and does not cost much. Here is a detailed instruction from A to Z for you to rekey a Schlage deadbolt lock on your own at home.

But in case you don’t have the original key, this guide is made for you. And if you have other types of locks, check this guide now!

Do the operations below sequentially and carefully. Follow each step correctly and you will see the desired results. Although it is a lot of work, it is quite simple and easy to do.

Step 1: Remove your deadbolt from the package. Do this with care as you unsnap the tabs in the upper corners of its clamshell.

Step 2: Insert the original master key into the deadbolt.

Step 3: Find the cylinder cap and take the cylinder cap removal tool to get it out.

Step 4: Remove the cylinder pin and the spring behind it.

Step 5: Navigate the key so it’s in the two o’clock position.

Slide the deadbolt housing out of the cylinder with your follower bar.

Step 6: Caution: Remember not to remove the follower bar and keep it inside as you remove the cylinder. Make sure the follower bar’s notch is horizontal.

Step 7: Look for existing bottom pins in the cylinder and empty them. Now remove the original master key.

Step 8: Locate the key cut number on your new key. Insert this key into the cylinder.

Tip: Read the key numbers from left to right. In case you cannot find the key cut number or you are rekeying from a duplicate key (not the original one), you should use a key gauge to know the appropriate pin height.

Step 9: Search for pins by navigating the rekey kit map. Match numbers to your new key.

Step 10: Find the first hole to insert the correct numbered pin. You should read the cylinder from right to left.

Step 11: Repeat the 10th step for the second, third, fourth, and fifth hole.

Step 12: As your new key is in the keyway, ensure all of the inserted pins are fully plush with the cylinder top, forming a line.

Tip: If you notice any pin extending below or above the surface, replace it with the right size.

Step 13: Use the follower bar to push the cylinder back into the deadbolt housing. Remove your new key.

Step 14: Take the cylinder spring and re-insert it.

Step 15: Re-insert the cylinder pin.

Step 16: Tighten the cylinder cap back to its position with the cylinder cap removal tool.

Step 17: In order to confirm that your rekeying process is successful, simulate locking and unlocking the deadbolt.

Conclusion

As you can see, it is not challenging to rekey Schlage lock with a master key once you have prepared all the necessary equipment and knowledge. Get the Schlage rekey kit and follow the instructions in this article and you will do fine.

What is your opinion about this article on how to rekey a Schlage lock with a master key? If you find the article helpful, spread the word with your friends and family for their next rekeying session. This is definitely useful information that both your family and loved ones need. Thank you for reading.

5/5 - (2 votes)
home-lock-banner