Replacing Schlage SecureKey Cylinder

[MyrddinWyllt]

Hey guys,

I've got 2 doors with schlage securekey knobs, and 1 with the equivalent deadbolt. I've been reading about them and have learned about their terrible reliability. I'd like to replace the cylinders in them, if possible, with something a) more reliable and b) a bit more secure. I'm not looking for medeco or other high security locks, the glass around my door would make a really high security lock kinda silly. I'm basically just looking for something that'll frustrate the average punk kid with a rake/bump key/jiggler/etc, and maybe make it slightly harder to pick. I'm in the US. I'd really like to have all 3 locks keyed the same, but I wouldn't mind taking them to a locksmith to have this done or just buying from a 'smith altogether (if repin kits are fairly reasonable, I'd be willing to do it myself, as well).

Any favorite suggestions?

Thanks

[MBI]

I'd like to replace the cylinders in them, if possible, with something a) more reliable and b) a bit more secure.

With that model and price range of lock, there is no point in just replacing the "cylinder". Just buy a whole new lock.

If you want something that can't be bumped, the Kwikset Smartkey is probably the most reasonably priced option. The Schlage SecureKey is basically a ripoff of the SmartKey, that failed. The Smartkey has more vulnerability to forced entry than a regular lock, but with the window next to the door, that's pretty much a moot point as it's easier to break the window than break the SmartKey.

If you want something bumpproof and stronger than that you're probably looking at the various high-security options.

[MyrddinWyllt]

Thanks, I'll look into the SmartKey. What's the least expensive high security option? Anything in the ballpark of the SmarkKey, or are they all in the hundred dollar or more range?

[MBI]

What's the least expensive high security option? Anything in the ballpark of the SmarkKey, or are they all in the hundred dollar or more range?

You won't get a high security lock anywhere near the price of a Smartkey, they tend to start a little under a hundred bucks for a basic rim or mortise cylinder (no latch or other hardware) and go up from there depending on brand and style of lock. A deadbolt will start around a little under $200 and go up from there. Check out http://www.securitysnobs.com for some of the best prices on high security locks you'll find online.

I think it's worth it to go with high security. They provide a great deal of additional protection from entry via picking or other surreptitious means, as well as from destructive entry means. No one can make unauthorized copies of your keys. The locks tend to last MUCH longer, even the keys are much stronger and less likely to ever break off in your lock like sometimes happens with regular locks if you're not careful. I've seen a LOT of $15 residential deadbolts from the hardware store wear out in only a year or two, but I've seen good quality high security locks last several decades and still work smoothly with only basic maintenance. But everyone needs to weigh their own needs and budget to decide what's best for them, whether they look at the short term or look at it from a long term perpsective.

I have high security locks on my house. Yes, they were expensive, but they provide much better security and a lot of peace of mind. If I ever move, I'm going to go spend $50, buy crappy hardware store deadbolts to install back on my doors and take my good locks with me to my new house. Frankly, these Abloy locks I have will outlast any residential structure I put them on. It's a long term investment.

But that's just me. Opinions will vary.

[MyrddinWyllt]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, and for the good info.

I'd love to put the Abloys on my house. Unfortunately, the $500 in parts kinda kills it, particularly when there are sufficient other methods of getting in. Also, that'd never get past the wife

At this point, I'm looking at either the SmartKey system, or getting a Schlage lockset keyed up with security pins.

It's a shame that the SecureKey locks tend to break so easily, I think I like their method of rekeying better than the SmartKey method.

[cledry]

Why not buy a generic grade 2 deadbolt in SFIC and get a keyway like the Best L, put in a heavy duty strike with long screws. Save money by using passage knobs. The tight tolerances and very difficult keyway will frustrate picking for most people. Bumping is probably not going to happen because nobody except a locksmith is likely to have a key blank. Later you can swap the core to a Medeco keymark if you like without buying a new lock.

[Eula5136]

Thanks for sharing.

[miles47]

hey,
i have also find out that I'm looking at either the Smart Key system, or getting a Schlep locket keyed up with security pins. so were you see share her also

[Squelchtone]

hey,
i have also find out that I'm looking at either the Smart Key system, or getting a Schlep locket keyed up with security pins. so were you see share her also

yeah, those Schlep lockets are always fakakta out of the box..



... I'll be here all week, please try the veal.

Squelchtone

[lucysmith]

I sometimes thought of going for a non smartkey system.

[Laddielock]

Why not buy a generic grade 2 deadbolt in SFIC and get a keyway like the Best L, put in a heavy duty strike with long screws. Save money by using passage knobs. The tight tolerances and very difficult keyway will frustrate picking for most people. Bumping is probably not going to happen because nobody except a locksmith is likely to have a key blank. Later you can swap the core to a Medeco keymark if you like without buying a new lock.

This is a really great way to go. If price is an issue, you can get them online at http://www.clksupplies.com/shop/commercial-locksets-commercial-deadbolts-c-109_228_237.html for quite a bit cheaper than retail. You could also try purchasing a non SFIC deadbolt and swap the SC4 core out for a Schlage Everest keyway http://www.clksupplies.com/shop/key-in-knobleverdeadbolt-cylinder-schlage-everest-c123-us26d-p-2423.html for now. The Medeco non-IC core could be installed later.