0

I have a Schlage smart lock with a key pad and a keyed lock on the outside so the lock can be opened using the keypad or the key. I would like to disable the key function so it can only be opened with the key pad. I would’ve thought there was some kind of blank replacement for the key slot but I haven’t found anything. Any ideas?

Improve this question
7
  • 6
    You do know that you will need to use the key the day after, in the worst rain/lighting storm you ever had, when all the electronics are shot.
    – crip659
    Mar 22 at 23:08
  • 1
    Some super glue or a structural adhesive forced into the key slot will do it.
    – SteveSh
    Mar 22 at 23:27
  • I like the "structural adhesive" suggestion, @SteveSh. With enough of it in there, it will probably totally disable the lock.
    – FreeMan
    Mar 23 at 13:29
  • 5
    Looks like an XY Problem to me. Why do you want to disable the key-access portion of the lock? Did you lose a key/your ex hasn't returned it? Something else? I'd imagine you'll get better answers if you ask about the root problem instead of your assumed best-option answer...
    – FreeMan
    Mar 23 at 13:30
  • 2
    Dip key in epoxy, insert into lock, allow to cure, hacksaw it off. Melt the entrance with a carbon arc or oxy-acetylene torch. Drive a suitably-sized nail into the keyway. There are many ways, and all involve cutting the lock off when the "smart" becomes "stupid" and won't work anymore, but you've smartly removed the backup key option. And cutting the lock off (or cutting a hole in the wall beside the door, or smashing a window, or hacking the "smart" function) is an option for whoever you think you're keeping out by removing the keyway - locks just keep honest people honest.
    – Ecnerwal
    Mar 23 at 15:43

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
5

If you really want to do this, a locksmith may be able to rekey the cylinder to an "impossible" key, or (probably better) disconnect the tailpiece that lets the cylinder operate the latch mechanism.

Doing that may or may not interfere with maintaining the lock in the future, and the details will depend on the cylinder and lockset, so I personally don't want to get into discussion of it as a DIY project.

An alternative can sometimes be to swap out the cylinder for a higher security one, or to install modifications to make it more secure. On the other hand, a high security cylinder in a Grade 3 lockset is a bit of a joke unless you are more concerned about tamper detection than prevention. You may be looking at the wrong part of the system.

As others have said, you probably want to consider how you will enter the building if the lock loses power or otherwise malfunctions.

Improve this answer
-3

Make it blank.

Buy a replacement cylinder for your lock.

Replacement so you can go back to keyed version.

Open it up and take a picture or more.

Take the first and last springs and the bolts out (and save for later)

Now it will maintain the appearance of a key and any key will go in but it will not unlock anything.

Certainly there are other probably better ways to do this, but this is one I know.

This is not your cylinder, it is just a example

key

key assambly

Improve this answer
7
  • 2
    Your suggestion of removing (I presume you mean) pins will WEAKEN security by essentially disabling the test on those cuts of the key. And there are other problems with this description and advice, not to mention that what you're showing is not a typical pin cylinder but one that is both more and less secure than standard .... Sorry, man; you're off base here. (O. R. K. Security Services, certified locksmith, full service but very part time, haven't done more than occasional jobs for friends in a decade or two.)
    – keshlam
    Mar 23 at 4:42
  • 2
    Not to mention that the user is probably dealing with a KIK-type cylinder rather than a mortise cylinder -- and that if it IS a mortise cylinder the easiest way to disable it is simply to replace the cam with a plug retainer that will not operate the mechanism.
    – keshlam
    Mar 23 at 4:44
  • 2
    @keshlam all those reasons sound like a good basis for a down vote. Passing along demonstrably bad advice needs to be flagged as such. Not everyone will read your comment, but just look at the post with a picture...
    – FreeMan
    Mar 23 at 13:27
  • 3
    Wanted to give Ruskes a chance to correct the problem first. He (presumed) has posted some good ideas but tends to go off half-cocked; I'd really like to encourage him to slow down and not overreach his knowledge. Potential good contributor not doing himself any favors.
    – keshlam
    Mar 23 at 20:24
  • @keshlam did you notice I am in 3d place this week, among thousands of contributors. Must be doing something right
    – asinine
    Mar 25 at 1:16

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.