Expert: James - 3/27/2005

Question
James:

Hi.  We just sold our house and the new owners asked me to
replace the locks.  I can't get these schlage locks off.  There are
no screws.  They are the kind that have a dead bolt and have key
locks on the outside and the inside.  I had a locksmith put them
on, so is the only way to get them off is to call a locksmith?  I
took the plate off of the edge of the door and was able to
remove the deadbolt and now I can't even lock my door.  EEEEK!  
I don't want to have to call a locksmith on Easter Sunday.

Please help!

Thanks,
Kelly

Answer
Hello Kelly,

Some Schlage deadbolts have a 'tack' in the head of the screws that hold it on the door.  Pry those off and you will find the screw heads.

Other types require removal of the faceplate and the insertion of an allen wrench to losen the set screw for each cylinder (inside and outside).  Then unscrew the cylinder from the door to remove it.

Other types of deadbolts require you to insert an existing key into the inside cylinder and turn it until you see the 'disc' turn out of the way revealing the screw heads.

If you have photos it may help.  I can take attachments at james@jmlock.com

James
www.jmlock.com