Dexter Deadbolt

[Abbe]

I've got a Dexter deadbolt with a Kwikset keyway and I was hoping to learn a little more about it. It looks like, at least in the U.S. most Dexter locks are with Schlage keyways and I was wondering how old this lock might be and if Dexter still makes locks with Kwikset keyways. It seems to be well made although it wasn't that difficult to pick, it doesn't open with racking.

Thanks

[wa1ker00]

While it might be a kwikset keyway, it is more likely it is actually a Dexter keyway. A standard KW1 blank will fit into numerous other manufacturers locks including Dexter. The the easiest way to know for sire is to take the cylinder apart and compare the spacings between each cut as well as from the shoulder to the first cut. These measurements will be different for each brand.

[Squelchtone]

+1

Good post Wa1ker00, here's the Depth and Space info: http://www.locksafesystems.com/depth_an ... _and_Depth

[cledry]

Dexter used a DE6 keyway, then Master purchased them, and things changed several times.

[Abbe]

I really appreciate all the great information. So Master bought Dexter in 1986 and sold the Dexter subsidiary in 1998. Did Dexter use the DE6 keyway while part of Master Lock or did the changes start occurring after it was sold to Schlage?

I started looking on eBay for some of the older Dexter locks, but most of the offerings were with the Schlage keyways.

[Evan]

I really appreciate all the great information. So Master bought Dexter in 1986 and sold the Dexter subsidiary in 1998. Did Dexter use the DE6 keyway while part of Master Lock or did the changes start occurring after it was sold to Schlage?

I started looking on eBay for some of the older Dexter locks, but most of the offerings were with the Schlage keyways.

@Abbe:

Dexter has used the DE6 keyway since before I was born, I recently assisted a friend of the family upgrade locks in a restaurant they owned and removed some old Dexter deadbolts which were installed in the early 1970's... Man were the plugs in those things worn down and grooved... One of the bolts came apart in my hand as I removed it from the door...

Upgraded them to Arrow grade 2 deadbolts and new lever handle passage sets, and installed three Alarm Lock panic bar devices on two exit doors from the dining room and one from the kitchen which previously only had normal knob lock sets installed on them... The upgrades occurred to a long past due change in who was appointed the building inspector in their town -- they also installed a new fire alarm system, some battery operated emergency lighting to bring the restaurant up to current code requirements... The locks were replaced due to ADA accessibility requirements commercial business establishments and should have been done years ago but were either not noticed or overlooked/ignored by the former building official...

~~ Evan

[keysman]

The locks were replaced due to ADA accessibility requirements commercial business establishments and should have been done years ago but were either not noticed or overlooked/ignored by the former building official...

~~ Evan

or depending on the location " Grandfathered" until new owners took over.

[Evan]

The locks were replaced due to ADA accessibility requirements commercial business establishments and should have been done years ago but were either not noticed or overlooked/ignored by the former building official...

~~ Evan

or depending on the location " Grandfathered" until new owners took over.

@keysman:

Same owner, same location...

Nothing fire/life safety related in Rhode Island is "grandfathered" anymore... If the local fire/building inspector considers something a fire safety or life safety related issue, they can order it immediately repaired or improved... Since locking devices are life safety devices they can require door locks to be upgraded to current building and accessibility code throughout the entire building in question as several doors were not up to code...

To argue that 6 doors out of 20 aren't used by the general public and should be "grandfathered" is a waste of time and money when you are given 60 days to comply with the required repairs or have your building padlocked/shuttered until you are in compliance... It is not worth the business losses/litigation fees required to argue that point while your business license/occupancy permit is suspended for non-compliance while you wait several months for a hearing before the appropriate code authority...

You can thank the reaction to The Station Nightclub Fire back in 2003 and the laws passed in its wake for that concept...

To get away with just having to replace some door hardware is lucky, I have heard horror stories of condo complexes having to modify buildings by adding additional exit stairways because the local official determined that the "means of egress" was insufficient in buildings which were constructed 40 to 50 years and never had any issues before...

~~ Evan

[cledry]

I really appreciate all the great information. So Master bought Dexter in 1986 and sold the Dexter subsidiary in 1998. Did Dexter use the DE6 keyway while part of Master Lock or did the changes start occurring after it was sold to Schlage?

I started looking on eBay for some of the older Dexter locks, but most of the offerings were with the Schlage keyways.

Master kept the DE6 keyway but changed the bow of the key.