I really like your presentation method of starting at the end with the solution. Once I saw what you did, I knew I had the right tutorial. You didn't waste any time with a bunch of filler or fluff. Also it worked exactly as you described. Thanks for the tutorial.
I watched this video and took my deadbolt apart. The slider spring seemed to be OK, but the slider still would not go all of the way up to engage the knob. I found that the small pin was gummed up with old lubricant and would not go all of the way in.. I took the pin out and removed the gummy lubricant and dirt with a solvent and reinstalled it along with the small spring. Everything works great now. This deadbolt was to my front door and thus was exposed to all of the elements over the last eleven years. A similar deadbolt between my garage and home has worked flawlessly over the same period, but it has been sheltered from the elements. Your video was great in showing me how to remove and disassemble the deadbolt as well as putting it all back together. Thanks for posting this video.
This video is great. I took the body apart and reset the spring per your vid. Got it all reset, and changed the battery. The lock is brand new ! Thank you for the instruction. It works.
This is the best how to video I've ever seen. Starting with the end. Showing what bits are needed before starting. Highlighting the problem you can get into if you don't take care with the noticing the orientation of everything as you take it apart. AND it fixed my problem. Just perfect. Thank you sir.
Wow, this was perfect - my lock was spinning and spinning this winter and it was getting to be basically unusable, but i followed Joe's video and adjusted the tension on the spring and now it works again!
@@Nenad-ICXC-Shuput-GFAMMA You're right it doesn't work. It seemed to work for a while, but the problem returns. I filed a warranty claim and they sent me a new lock.
Hey Joe, you have one part of the solution, but the spring turns around a number of times and will reset its position over time and the lock will not engage properly after 1 time or 15 times. The motor seems to lose power on the retraction side and it will not engage the mushroom pin fully. I was focused on the spring as well and had my assistant manager try to source new motors without luck. I then took a look, and to overcome the lack of motor power, you need to reduce the resistance on the mushroom pin. To do this, remove it, cut off the top loop with small cutters and then replace the spring onto the pin and test. You will now find you have enough tension to disengage the pin, but not so much that the motor cannot bring the locking pin down. You will notice the pin strikes the cam and creates wear marks - this is due to not enough strength in the motor and the pin head not coming down fully due to the size of the spring. I have 90 of these locks in service and the life span has been about 2 years with constant use due to vacation rentals - i have about 10 locks to "fix", i just did 2 of them. viola!!
Great job Tim! I thought about doing that exact thing. After reading your results, I think you’re right, that may be a better way to compensate for the weakened motor. I’m excited to test it myself!
Upon opening my lock I also noticed that the locking pin shaft was dry which would definitely create more drag. I put some grease onto it and readjusted where the cam sits on the motor spring. Time will tell how this fix works. Thanks for help from both of you!
Exactly I took it apart and noticed this too, but puting the plastic slider higher on the spring does not fix it, actually. I tried my self before even seeing this video.
While I was sitting on hold with Schlage I found this video. This was a simple fix. No more spinning at least for now..... And don't listen to the Schlage FAQ's that tells you to change the 9v battery. The spring either popped off the lever or something and now it's reset. Hopefully this lasts for a while. Thanks Joe Murphy!
Thanks for this how-to, Joe. I just followed this procedure to correct a slipping door lock on our back door. It took less than 30 minutes for the repair and everything worked correctly the first time. Time will tell how long it will keep working correctly but now I know what to look for if it gives me trouble again.
Mine did this the first 2 times but after that i had an issue with the other spring on the mushroom pin... i had to cut a bit off and it worked for another year. Than i cut some more of the mushroom pin spring and it is still working
Success! I had to watch the video a couple times, but got it. Thank you for your help as I am a female and I had to dig for tools I didn’t know I had thank you so much.
Thanks for this it was very informative and saved me a lot of money.. I had been dealing with this issue for a while and assumed I needed a new door knob.. I just did it today an works good soo far
Super helpful video. I have the Schlage Camelot keypad that doesn’t have an actual key so the disassembly was slightly different but the problem and fix were the same. Based on someone else’s comment, I stretched the actuator spring a little before reinserting the plastic part. Worked like a charm! Thanks for the video, you saved me $140 to buy a new one.
Thanks for the video. I was able to fix mine. Although it was a pain in the butt. Might almost be worth it to buy a new one if it breaks down again. Thanks again
@@Nenad-ICXC-Shuput-GFAMMA I put a super expensive 9v lithium battery and It didn't fix it for me. I think it's the cold weather cause we're in the middle of a cold snap -20 deg. Celcius. It did this last winter too and then was fine all summer and fall. I think the loop the other commenter was saying to cut off is from the spring pointed out in the video at 0:48 seconds. If that spring is cut then the solenoid has less resistance to pull up the clutch that engages the lock. I'm going to try this tomorrow on mine since it's barely working right now
Well done! I had the same issue & saw another video, but once i took apart the lock i figured it out. The spring unwinds over time (little plastic catch in the U shaped plastic piece).
Live in Michigan where when it gets cold I had this problem. Watched videos similar to this and got it to work for a while, then it failed again. What I did solved the problem. I took off the small spring on that little piston and let gravity do its thing. Just saying, if you clean it up. NO oil, maybe graphite, but I didn't put anything on it. just made sure it was very clean. No problems whatsoever. Hang on to the spring in case, but I don't think you'll need it ever. Mines been off for 6 months.
Thanks! Definitely worked, but I had to do it twice. I found that if you pull that spring down when re-inserting that plastic piece it makes things tighter. Much Appreciated!
Truly appreciate you posting these instructions - I was able to quickly fix my lock. Thankfully I found I could reassemble without a physical key since I don’t know where my keys for this lock are. Just had to hook it up to the battery and lock/unlock using the keypad. Thanks!! 😊
Can you explain this? I can't reassemble mine because the key cylinder base is turned sideways and the knob won't sit flush on the backplate with the facing 2 different directions.
@@RBZ-1 I wish I remembered! All I know now is that when I had the reassembly to that stage and then connected the battery and punched in the code, everything fell into place and the cylinder fit again. Good luck!
Thanks for the video. You saved me the price and hassle of installing a new lock. It was simple to do once I watched this 'how to video'. I owe you a beer! 👍
This was excellent, thank you! It's working great right now. I'll see if it continues to work for me or if more work needs to be done as described by Tim Lalor. I've noticed it is a bigger problem in cold weather than it is in warmer weather. Someone else commented on having trouble in the winter.
Glad it helped! And yes it’s almost strictly a winter thing. Something between the battery power and the spinning motor’s power gets too weak in the cold. So my fix is one way to compensate for the weakened power.
@@someProject this doesn't fix it. I took it apart and noticed this too, but puting the plastic slider higher on the spring does not fix it, actually. I tried my self before even seeing this video.
Great video. PRO TIP: Check the 9v battery first and foremost. This video helped me fix this lock spinning issue previously. But with my most recent issue, it did not. I took apart, reseated, put the lock back together multiple times to no avail. I was about to call Schlage for a warranty replacement when I thought - let me test the battery. This hadn't occurred to me since the unit had power to light up/beep/etc. But lo and behold, the battery was low and a fresh battery fixed the issue. No more spinning.
Same thinking, it lit up and beeped, not sure if there is a low battery warning, but after taking apart and somewhat working, it started slipping again same day. I put in a new battery and the turns were solid and no slop, so my problem was the battery.
You are correct! ~ In my case it WAS the battery. I tested my battery, and it was still on the green side of being good (but just barely) , so I did what Joe Murphy suggested and took it all apart and it worked for a few and then spinny spin happened again. I read down in the comment section and Tim Lalor said to snip a spring and I was just about to do that but didn't want to make an unreversible alteration and read down further in the comment section and found you Mr. Chris Jenner 😃. I found a juiced up, bury the the needle {GOOD} 9v battery and NO MORE spinny spin, infact... SOLID AS A ROCK ~NO spin~. I lucked out because all the other comments were months old and yours was only two weeks ago. Thank you for your comment, you saved me a lot of cussing and hair pulling and most of all... time. ... probably money as well.
I took it apart and noticed this too, but puting the plastic slider higher on the spring does not fix it, actually. I tried my self before even seeing this video.
Change the battery FIRST....I adjusted the insides and it didn't work. I used the "trick" with the key to get everything to line up and it didn't work....The last thing I did was replace the battery and BLAMO!!! It worked. WHOOHOO!!!
I took it apart and noticed this too, but puting the plastic slider higher on the spring does not fix it, actually. I tried my self before even seeing this video.
Agree 1000 percent with changing the BATTERY first. I’ve gone through this same problem including getting a new unit and replacing the whole thing. And use a good brand name battery. It matters. Save yourself some frustration.
Thanks - saved me a lot of grief! I never would have figured it out. It works now, but I will keep an eye on it. If it starts to happen again, I'll try Tim's suggestion (in the comments.)
Hi Jeff thanks for the comment! I actually did try Tim's suggestion this winter as I was getting slippage again. I had some softer springs from a mechanical keyboard that I was able to cut to size. It didn't help any for me. There was another comment under the moniker of "what could go wrong" who went through his own detailed video of changing the motor itself. It's not an easy fix and I haven't attempted it, but unfortunately that's likely the true issue that we're able to mask with these alternative maneuvers.
@@someProject Thanks for the update. I think the between-the-lines message in Tim's experience with dozens of the locks is that they have a limited lifetime. Your fix bought me some time, but if mine starts slipping again, I'll probably just replace it.
Joe - is there a name for that spring? I know, it is a "spring". But, Schlage has nomenclature and p/n for every device ever made. So, in the absence of any ability to get a human interface, I just need to know how to tell them what I need. For the immediate term, this video hack is brilliant, and it worked. THANKS!
On the spring, I used a torch to burn off the grease and twist it up tighter. Works perfectly now. PS Be careful with the torch, it warps quickly. My spring bent a bit, which is good, because I figure it will further help the spring catch and hold up the plastic piece it slides on.
Your welcome. Full disclosure though, upon a later tear down I found out it doesn’t need to get fitted flush in order to piece everything back together. But definitely seemed like it needed to in the moment.
I also realized I had the correct video for the spinning issue I was having. Only one problem - I’m Locked Out! How do I get in so that I can take the lock apart??
Add on to Chris Jenner comment - CHECK 9V Battery First! While Joe's video was super informative wasn't required in my case. I watched his video - dove right into the deep end of the pool - moved latch mechanism up. Reconnected battery and saw latch still was not raising up enough. Weak motor I thought - on a chance put a new battery in and it slammed right up tight. So step one - swap out with a new strong battery. If it still doesn't work then try the steps that Joe does an excellent job detailing.
OK so try #3 was a bust. When you "lock" it with the key to get everything to line up and then the cylinder pops out to remove the key, it misaligns again and it wont unlock with the keypad :( It seems like once you use the key you have to always use the key....I'm sending it back to Schlage.
Thanks Joe, My pull pin will not even wiggle one the 9V is plugged in.. I did exactly like you did and nothing.. When it started getting cold here in KY it started to go on the blink slowly.. and then totally quit.. Thanks again.. If I do replace it what would you suggest?
Your motor may be completely dead. I could be wrong but if that’s the case it’s not as DIY friendly to replace. A previous commenter actually did a very thorough video on how he replaced the motor at ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-isaQCqfnExc.html
Thanks Joe for posting this. We're having this issue and are researching how to troubleshoot. One question, since we're unable to open the door due to the spinning nob, how can we unmount the unit to disassemble and repair? In the video it appears you're unscrewing from the back of the unit.
If you're locked out from the outside there would not be a quick / easy way to disassemble this from the exterior. At least I hope there isn't or it wouldn't be much use at keeping out unwanted intruders. You are correct though in that I'm removing the unit from the interior. Hope you can find a way in!
@@someProject Thanks for the quick response. And yes that did cross my mind that it wouldn't and shouldn't be easy. We have an idea of something to try, hoping to avoid spending hundreds on a locksmith if we can!!!
I've looked this over pretty throughly...what changes on the mechanism? Is it really the spring at fault or Is it possible that the screw actuator is getting weak?
For my own brain I’m rephrasing your thought as “Does the motor that spins the spring not spin enough revolutions”… Great question. But more difficult fix. So far this spring adjustment has done enough to get it working again.
Hi Joe / others - I have the reverse problem. At the time of locking, I hit the 'Schlage' button and turn the knob right, clockwise. Deadbolt comes out just fine. HOWEVER, after the Schlage button stops blinking, the dead-bolt remains engaged to the knob. So now when I turn the knob anti-clockwise, the deadbolt actually goes in / unlocks - without having to put the code in. Any ideas?
Try repeating this with the door open as a test. My first suspicion is that the deadbolt is not able to extend all the way into the door jam for some reason. So testing with the door open will rule that in or out.
Dude that was so fucking helpful. I actually don’t have the physical key to mine cause the previous owner didn’t have one… but I just kinda jiggled it all together and got it
great video! thank you. like comment below mentions.....@tim Lalor. this solution worked a few times then comes back. I have to go with total replacement and different brand. very frustrated with Schlage design/manufacturing flaw on this. thanks for great video though. l like how you put solution in beginning with tools needed.
This was the help I was looking for but what if I don't have the physical key readily available? And what are you doing when you put the plastic piece back on the spring? Do you somehow push the spring down and then install the piece? I cannot tell what you are doing in the video and the narration does not explicitly say either.
Q: what if I don't have the physical key readily available? A: Turns out it actually doesn't matter if the slot is lined up for re-assembly! ...That slot lines up during keyed locking / unlocking, but is inconsequential during assembly. Q: what are you doing when you put the plastic piece back on the spring? A: I'm placing the notch of the plastic piece higher on the spring, that way the spring is pulling up on the plastic piece tighter. Q: Do you somehow push the spring down and then install the piece? A: Sort of. I place the plastic piece higher on the spring, and then I suppose I may pull down on the plastic piece a little to get it to sit in place if needed. Q: I cannot tell what you are doing in the video and the narration does not explicitly say either. A: Hope this helps!
This exact spring? Not sure. But I have an assortment pack from Home Depot I experimented with. I got one to work but ended up sticking with the original spring as there was no improvement. www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Spring-Assortment-Kit-84-Pack-13554/203133714
Sorry another question…what do you actually do to the spring? You said you moved it higher up? Can you explain? It looks like it’s on the same place as before. Sorry to bother! I just want to fix this thing! Thank you for the video!
The spring doesn’t need moved. Think of the spring as a coil that spins. The gray plastic piece “hooks” into the coil so-to-speak. So when I place the plastic piece back in, I make it sit a little higher on the coil. That way when the coil spins it will pull that gray plastic piece up tighter.
Great video. The only thing you have to do is lubricate all the moving pieces and check for something stuck. Forget about the position of the spring and the gray plastic. Not matter which position you put the gray plastic, it will always move up or down until the motor stop spinning due resistance. Try it, put the gray plastic at any position with the spring loose and you will see that after few turn of the motor up and down the spring automatically will be pre-loaded. I also recommend to get a better battery with more power, maybe a 9 Volts lithium (work better in cold weather) with 1200mAh. Good luck, and thanks for the video.
@@alvarodelsolar7967 Brilliant! It sounds like you may have a better solution. I’ll have to test this out and amend the video with credit to you if so.
After my lock began to slightly slip on some of the colder days I decided to clean and lube all the springs. Probably a good thing to do in general anyway. It operates about the same as before, still a random slip every once in a while. So I’ll leave the video as is for now. Thanks for that tip though!
At 1:45 of your video when you press the Schlage button you get a fair bit of travel activated by the solenoid. I get next to nothing. My solenoid is not activating.
Good point for clarification. I didn’t have to fix it 12 times. There was some step I was missing or screw that wouldn’t stay in place. I forget exactly what it was, but it wasn’t referring to the overall fix needing to be redone.
That means the deadbolt didn’t slide all the way to full extension. So either something is blocking it in the doorway (like the door not aligning with the deadbolt slot properly) or you have the slipping issue and turning the knob isn’t fully sliding the deadbolt.
@@someProject the problem is that the knob cover that goes over the key cylinder does not sit flush on the brass colored shape on the plate which the back of cylinder fits into. That part where the cylinder fits, and the shape under the knob that rests on it, are facing 2 different directions. So when placing the knob cover over the cylinder (same as in your video) it won't sit all the way down on the backplate so the key cylinder can fill out into the hole on the knob.
I’ve had the same issue numerous times. I would take apart the entire lock and adjust the spring and it would work a few times and then stop. But then I change the battery and now it works completely fine!
I actually just tested that myself. The cold weather brought on a new round a slipping. I changed the battery, didn't make a difference. (I also tested the old battery, it was getting full voltage). So I had to do the readjustment again.
I was focused on the spring as well and had my assistant manager try to source new motors without luck. I then took a look, and to overcome the lack of motor power, you need to reduce the resistance on the mushroom pin. To do this, remove it, cut off the top loop with small cutters and then replace the spring onto the pin and test. You will now find you have enough tension to disengage the pin, but not so much that the motor cannot bring the locking pin down.
