The Next Generation Schlaged D-Lock

Jan. 15, 2004

The D-Series lock was manufactured by Schlage Lock Company, beginning in 1940. The first major change to the D-Series lock occurred in 1989, when Schlage introduced the lever handle D-Series locks. In 2003, Schlage re-engineered the D-Series lock to improve life expectancy, operation and ease of installation. Re-engineering the D-Series locks has resulted in a 12 percent increase in the average lock weight due to the increased use of steel components.

The steel spring cages of the new D-Series locks are now integrated into the spindles. The spindles are attached directly to the spring cages, which in turn are permanently mounted to a 0.060" thick zinc-plated steel plate that has been deep drawn to create the shape. This eliminates the old style driver and the plastic insert. Rotating the new D-Series lever approximately 60 degrees retracts the retractor, permitting the door to be opened. The new latch bolt is powdered metal and the length has been increased to provide additional resistance to attacks.

The old mechanism, a steel hub with roller retractor secured together using two cotter pins, has been replaced. The new die-cast powdered metal and steel mechanism is screwed together with inside hub secured to the outside housing. The spring-loaded, powdered metal retractor slides against zinc plated steel insert. This new configuration is able to achieve tighter tolerances of + 0.005", reducing lever wobble and droop.

Another result of the re-engineering is improved operation and an average of 36 percent fewer parts. As an example, the old style Schlage D53PD has 17 parts when counting an assembled chassis as one. The new style Schlage D53PD has 12 parts. The D-Series locks are easier to install as a result in the decrease in parts.

Additional changes to the new D-Series locks for tamper resistance include:

  • The new locking lug is twice as thick as the old locking lug.
  • The spindle sleeve portion of the new levers is approximately .020" thicker, and the plastic insert cavity is closed and extended to accommodate the bible of the lock.
  • The new D-Series locks are using heavier gauge thru-bolt screws with fine threads.
The following features provide improved installation:
  • Adjustment plate markings are on the chassis at 1-3/4" and 2". The D-Series lock chassis adjusts for 1-5/8" – 2-1/8" thick doors without additional parts.
  • The steel spring cage housings eliminate the need for an add-on metal plate for fire resistance.
  • For locks equipped with pushbutton interior locking, the chassis spindle has a plastic sleeve for smooth operation. The outside chassis spindle is made of powdered metal to provided increase operational life and to resist attacks.

The new D-Series locks are visually very similar to the old style. The outer diameter of the roses is the same size. To compensate for the elimination of the drivers, the new style rose has been extended and is conical shaped along the spindle. The return on the new levers is approximately one-half inch longer.

For a new installation of the new D-Series lock, the three cross bore openings and one edge bore opening are the same as required by the old style lock. To install the new D-Series lock:

  1. Position the template onto the door at approximately 38" to 40" above the finished floor.
  2. Mark the locations for the cross bore and edge bore openings onto both sides of the door.
  3. If not using the Schlage D-Series Lever Drill Tool, first drill the two 5/16" diameter through bolt openings from both sides of the door.
  4. Drill the 2-1/8" diameter cross bore opening. Be sure to drill from both sides of the door to ensure accuracy and eliminate damage to the door face.
  5. Drill the 1"-diameter edge bore opening into the cross bore cavity.
  6. With the door closed, locate the center of the strike opening.
  7. Drill a 1"-diameter opening into the jamb to accommodate the latch bolt.
  8. Mortise the cutout for the latch.
  9. Install the latch.

    The D-Series chassis is factory set for a 1-3/4" thick door. If necessary, rotate the adjustment plate counterclockwise for thicker doors. The second mark on the chassis is for a 2" thick door. If the door is different than 1-3/4" thick, adjust the locking button by squeezing the prongs together and reposition the button in the correct location. Sliding the button into the lock is for a 1-5/8" thick door. Sliding the button out is for a 2" thick door.

  10. Install the outside lever and chassis, making sure the latch tail and prongs align with the retractor. Test the operation of the lock.
  11. Install the anti-rotation plate on the interior side of the door.
  12. Install the inside spring cage assembly using the two supplied through bolt screws. These step-down screws' threaded portion has been increased from 8-32 to 10-32. The upper portion of the through bolt screw is 1/4" diameter.
  13. Install the inside lever by aligning the lever catch with the access hole in the lever. Test the operation of the lock.
  14. Mortise the cut out for the strike and install plate.

The new style keyed D-Series locks will accept the same lock cylinders as the old style. These include classic keyways, Everest keyways and Primus, in conventional, full-size interchangeable core and small-format interchangeable core.

The new D-Series locks are convertible. The key cam, located on top of the chassis spindle, controls the functionality. The key cam is removable and can be replaced with a different key cam to change the functionality of a specific lock. For example, the key cam from a D53PD can be replaced with the key cam from a D70PD Classroom Lock or D80PD Storeroom Lock to create the new functions. To complete the conversion, remove the plunger assembly and install a closed-end lever.

Note:  Most lock parts are not interchangeable between the old style and the new style D-Series locks. The few interchangeable parts are the springs for the retractor, the strikes, latch bolts, combination screws and lock cylinders.

Four lever designs are available with the new D-Series locks: Athens, Rhodes, Sparta, and the new Omega. The flowing Omega lever is longer, coming to a more tapered return than the Sparta. The Omega lever has a closer sweep to the door face. The new D-Series locks are available in 605, 606, 612, 613, 619, 625, and 626 finishes.

Schlage Lock Company has a seven-year limited warranty for all D-Series lock functions including Vandlgard®.

For more information, contact your local locksmith wholesaler or IR Commercial Customer Service, 2315 Briargate Parkway, Suite 700, Colorado Springs, CO 80920. Telephone: 800-847-1864. Fax: 800-452-0663. Website www.schlage.com .