Schlage Tips & Tricks

Dec. 3, 2009
The Schlage B500 and B600 series deadbolt inside thumbturn assembly features a “LOCKED” indicator that shows the user whether or not the deadbolt is extended.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make our jobs easier, such as knowing something about a product that others don’t. So, let’s go over some of the products or options that are available for Schlage locks with which you may not be familiar.

First off, consider the special option rose for the Schlage B500 and B600 series deadbolt. The inside thumbturn assembly features a “LOCKED” indicator that shows the user whether or not the deadbolt is extended. Where can this be leveraged? Think about a business that has a back door that leads to an alley or dark corridor. With it, employees could see at a glance if the door is locked.

The option is available for the following Schlage locks:

B560 Grade 2 single cylinder deadbolt

B571 Grade 2 occupancy indicator door bolt

B580 Grade 2 door bolt

B581 Grade 2 door bolt with outside plate

B6/7/860 Grade 1 single cylinder deadbolt

B6/7/880 Grade 1 door bolt

What about cylinders? How do you select the right tailpiece for a Schlage cylinder? Here’s one way. The Conventional Classic cylinder has the cap pin on the left side of the cylinder bible if you are looking at it from the back. A Primus or Everest cylinder will have the cap pin on the right side of the bible.

Why? Primus and Everest cylinders have the finger pins or check pins on the side of the cylinder where the conventional cylinder has its cap pin. Hence, it needs to be moved to the other side.

This brings up another consideration. What about the Full Size Interchangeable Core (FSIC) cylinders Schlage introduced in 1984?

Like the key-in-knob/key-in-lever cylinders, the core uses a cap pin and spring mechanism. However, the cap pin also serves to drive the cam or tailpiece. Housings and tailpieces manufactured before the Primus core was introduced only had clearance for the conventional cap pin. Now all FSIC housings and tailpieces are manufactured to accommodate both cap pin locations.

One more thing to know about cylinders is the orientation and length of the tailpiece. Levers are vertical, knobs are horizontal and there is a variety of lengths.

All of this information about cylinders and more can be found in the Schlage Primus Service Manual, available for download on the web at: http://professional.schlage.com/pdfs/pc/Security_and_Keying_Solutions/High_Sec_Cyl_Svc_Man.pdf