Key Takeaway
- Removing a Schlage deadbolt is a task that you can accomplish easily by accessing the mounting screws that hold the deadbolt together to the door.
- While some Schlage lock models may have screws visible to the users, others may have them concealed under a plate for aesthetic or security purposes.
- To remove a Schlage keypad lock, you disconnect all the cables from the deadbolt side after removing the lock cylinder.
Schlage is a well-known manufacturer of deadbolt locks in the United States. They manufacture locksets for almost any application and offer a wide range of residential deadbolts. Honestly, I trust them so much that not only I but even my parents and sister have them installed at their homes.
While many users find the installation of Schlage locks quite user-friendly, a few users struggle with finding a detailed guide about removing a Schlage deadbolt, as only a little literature is available on the internet. If you are here, I am sure you, too, struggled a bit. But not anymore! This article will take you through stepwise instructions about removing the Schlage deadbolt, both manual and keypad, from your door.
So, without any delay, let’s get to the point!
Does Your Schlage Deadbolt Have Hidden Or Visible Screws?
Not all Schlage locks are the same. Since Schlage manufactures a number of deadbolt models, some Schlage deadbolts differ from others. Hence, some deadbolts may have visible screws, while others may have them concealed under a plate for aesthetic purposes or as an added security measure.
Usually, a single cylinder with a thumb turn on the inner side of the door has visible screws mounted on the thumb turn. In contrast, a double-cylinder deadbolt has a keyhole on both sides and has the screws concealed below a plate. But since this is not a fixed rule for all the deadbolts, it is recommended to observe the lock for the hidden or visible screws physically.
To read more about single-cylinder and double-cylinder deadbolts, click here.
How To Remove a Schlage Deadbolt
The removal of Schlage deadbolts locks is not a challenging task if you have the right tools in place and a step-by-step guide for instructions. This section of the article will provide you with both.
Step 1: Get the Required Tools
Before learning how to remove a Schlage lock, make sure you are all set and well-prepared for the process by gathering the necessary equipment. The following tools will be required to remove a Schlage lock from your door.
- A flat-headed screwdriver
- A Phillips screwdriver
- An awl or a sharp-edged object
If you have visible screws on your deadbolt, jump to step 4. However, to access the hidden screws of your Schlage deadbolt, follow the instructions given below.
Step 2: Remove The Thumb Latch
If your deadbolt’s screws are not visible because they are hidden under the faceplate, you must first remove the thumb latch.
Look for a tiny hole in the shaft that connects the thumb latch to the rest of the deadbolt lock to remove it. Put any sharp-edged object inside the hole, such as an awl, a hairpin, or a paper clip that has been straightened, and press gently. When you feel the thumb latch release, remove it and set it away.
Some Schlage locks may include a plastic or metal pin on the shaft of the latch handle that may be used to remove the latch handle. Once removed, keep the thumb latch and any pins in a secure location in case you need them later.
Step 3: Remove The Schlage Deadbolt Faceplate
After removing the latch from the lock, you can easily remove the ornamental plate. Schlage lock plates are normally kept in place by friction and have a tiny notch at the edge. Simply find the little cutout around the rim, enter the tiny flat-headed screwdriver, and carefully lift the plate away from the lock.
Step 4: Unscrew The Mounted Screws
Whether your deadbolt screws are visible after removing the faceplate or were not concealed below the plate, in either case, you can remove the screws using a Phillips head screwdriver.
If the screws on your deadbolts are covered by a screw cap, use a tiny, thin flat-bladed screwdriver. Insert the flat blade beneath the cap and lift the lever towards the middle of the screw. The cap should come off easily.
Step 5: Remove The Schlage Deadbolt Cylinder
The two pieces of the Schlage deadbolt may be removed once all of the screws have been removed. Carefully and gently pull the inner and outer portions of the lock apart to remove the Schlage deadbolt cylinder components and set them aside.
If you plan to use the same lock again, you must ensure that no individual component of the lock is lost or damaged.
Step 6: Remove The Schlage Deadbolt Strike Plate
Unscrew the faceplate that is sitting flush against the edge of the door. Usually, the strike plate is connected to the bolt of the door and comes off together. Remove the strike plate and the bolt and keep them alongside the other lock components.
You have now successfully removed the Schlage deadbolt from your door.
How To Remove Schlage Keypad Deadbolt
If you have a Schlage Keypad lock installed in your home, this portion of the article will walk you through the process of removing it. Believe me; the procedure is as simple as it is with manual deadbolts.
Follow the steps given below to learn how to remove the Schlage Keypad deadbolt.
- Step 1: Unlock your Schlage deadbolt using the key or the code.
- Step 2: Then, using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two retention screws on the inside side of the Schlage deadbolt. After removing the screws, you may remove the outer cylinder and tailpiece.
- Step 3: Disconnect all of the cables from the Schlage deadbolt’s keypad side.
- Step 4: Now, Unscrew the screws that secure the Schlage lock mounting plate to the door. This will enable you to remove the latch component. Remove the lock’s cylinder components, strike plate, and bolt with care and, if needed, keep them for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why does my deadbolt not lock properly?
Answer – One of the most common causes for your door not closing or locking properly is that the deadbolt is not properly aligned. The primary cause of deadbolt lining is a misalignment of the door frame/hinge or the striking plate. A change in weather or incorrect weather stripping might also cause the lock to malfunction in a few circumstances. To read more about a misaligned deadbolt, click here.
Q2. How to remove a Schlage single-cylinder deadbolt?
Answer – Usually, the Schlage single-cylinder deadbolts have their screws exposed which can be removed using a screwdriver. However, some models have them hidden for aesthetic purposes. In this case, remove the faceplate to access the screws. Once the screws are removed, you can easily remove the individual components of the lock carefully.
Q3. How do you repair a deadbolt lock that spins but does not open?
Answer – If your deadbolt lock is broken, stuck, worn out, or improperly placed, it may spin. You may fix the issue by dismantling the lock cylinder using the proper tools and placing it appropriately. If the lock cylinder is worn out, it may need to be replaced. In fact, I wrote a full-fledged article on how to fix a deadbolt lock that spins but doesn’t open. You might find it helpful.
Conclusion
At the end of the article, I would conclude that Schlage locks are as easy to remove as they are to install, of course, if you have the right tools and instructions. And I am certain you would second me.
If you are a Schlage lock user and are looking for how to remove a Schlage deadbolt, the article must have helped you find the detailed guide. Share the information with your friends and family who might need it. Write to me in the comment section for any queries. Have a great day!
