Are Kwikset bottom pins the same as Schlage pins?

[tomwhite]

I was wondering if kwikset bottom pins are the same as Schlage bottom pins meaning can I re-key a Schlage lock using kwikset bottom pins and vise-versa ? Thanks

[Robotnik]

I was wondering if kwikset bottom pins are the same as Schlage bottom pins meaning can I re-key a Schlage lock using kwikset bottom pins and vise-versa ? Thanks

Kwikset and Schlage have different pin depths, so if you're keying them to code, the two aren't interchangeable. Also, Kwikset OEM pins have a flat, beveled tip, while Schlage OEM are more pointed.

That said, the diameters are the same, so each manufacturer's pins will fit the other's locks.

[MBI]

Also, if you're careful to make sure you have the correct pin lengths, as Robotnik cautioned, you can use Schlage pins in Kwikset and it'll work. And by "correct pin length" I don't mean a #1 cut, #2 cut, etc. I'm talking about the actual measurement because a Kwikset #1 and a Schlage #1 aren't the same thing.

You probably shouldn't use OEM Kwikset or Weiser pins in a Schlage because of the flatter ends of the pin that they use. They may not rest properly in the bottom of the cuts on a Schlage key, holding the pins above the shear line. The bottom of the cuts on Kwikset and Weiser keys are wider to accommodate the pins with flatter ends.

The bottom pins in the LAB "universal" pin kits all have the pointier style of pin ends, like in a Schlage kit, so they'll work in a wider range of locks, including Kwikset and Weiser. The older kits have a .005" increment in pin lengths but the newer kits have a .003" increment so no matter what specification of pin length you need you can get to within .0015" of the exact proper length for smoother working locks than you might get with a .005" kit. In the lid of those kits there are charts for the most common lock brands showing you which pin measurements go with the corresponding cut number for each brand of locks.

[tomwhite]

Thanks

[billdeserthills]

I was wondering if kwikset bottom pins are the same as Schlage bottom pins meaning can I re-key a Schlage lock using kwikset bottom pins and vise-versa ? Thanks

Actually kwikset sizes are quite close to schlage now I'm doing this from memory but you can see it elsewhere
kwikset ---- schlage
#1-175b #1- 180b
#2-195b #2-195b
#3-220b #3-210b
#4-240b #5-240b
#6-285b #8-285b

Thing bad about using kwikset pins in a schlage is mostly the difference in spacing, the kwikset pins may not reach the bottom on a schlage key, but the schlage pins
work fine in a kwikset, the sizes that correspond do anyhow

[fritzthecat52]

I read this thread and I find it useful as I am re keying a Schlage padlock . I only have kwikset pins from a collection of tools my son boughtm aside from the pins in the lock. I was wondering what NBI means by bottom on a Schlage key ?

Quote:
Thing bad about using kwikset pins in a schlage is mostly the difference in spacing, the kwikset pins may not reach the bottom on a schlage key, but the schlage pins
work fine in a kwikset, the sizes that correspond do anyhow

[jeffmoss26]

Kwikset pins are more squared off on the bottom, Schlage and 'normal' pins have a pointed bottom.

[prevariikation]

Very late bump: for fun, I put together a reference page for swapping Kwikset and Schlage key pins. It's got dynamic highlighting and everything

[stratmando]

Don't to wake the Dead, just want to keep info in one place. Feel free to make a new thread.
Over time we accumulate pins, and they could be measured with a Caliper or Mike.
Another way could be to cut 2 keys for Schlage, with a 0,1 ,2,3,4 cut. Then have second key cut to a 5,6,7,8 and 9. Then place the unknown pin in position 1. Insert each key til is flush with plug to determine which cut it is. Do same for Kwikset. This is not for a professional as it may be a waste of time?
A local Hardware store rekeys locks for their Customers, then they throw the pins and extra keys away. I would place the Bottom pins and keys in a Small plastic bag to be sold for rekeying. Thought about seeing if they would sell for 1 or 2 dollars. Not sure the Volume they do. 100 in a week would get them $100 or more, just for not throwing away?

[BlueLock]

Personally, I now toss any pins I remove from a cylinder when re-keying. For Schlage, I do splurge and buy Nickel Silver Original pins that cost ~$.058 each. LAB Pins are ~$0.016 each. I would rather not take the time to measure them. Besides, if an old pin is worn from lots of use, the old pin size may not work great in a re-keyed cylinder. Further, if I mis-measure just one pin and put a "4" in the "5" bin and re-key a cylinder wrong, it is really a pain to correct that wrong pin in the cylinder and will cost more in time than the six cents I saved.

[GWiens2001]

Not exactly what is being asked, but LSDA uses Schlage C section with Kwikset depths. It gives a larger range of master keying possibilities.

Gordon

[Evan]

Not exactly what is being asked, but LSDA uses Schlage C section with Kwikset depths. It gives a larger range of master keying possibilities.

Gordon

Gordon:

Those keys are also cut according to Kwikset specs not Schlage.

~~ Evan

[smithromanholiday]

No, Kwikset and Schlage bottom pins are not interchangeable. Each brand has its own unique pins and sizes. You will need to use the specific pins for your brand of lock in order to re-key it.