schlage electronic lock with key over ride lever handle

[funkyfox]

The previous thread was full of insightful posts thanks guys! I decided on buying another lock, but it just now crossed my mind that it too could be unsafe. I covered the keyhole to prevent bumping, but removing the lever exposes some internal parts. As I said previously I'm not mechanically inclined, but could those parts be used somehow to unlock the door? Mainly want to know about non destructive ways to do so. Here's the lock in question. http://www.schlage.com/content/dam/sch-us/documents/pdf/installation-manuals/P515-859.pdf

[Squelchtone]

[Moved to Questions from the Public - What Lock Should I Buy?] [title changed to reflect question being asked]

[GWiens2001]

There are tools to remove the handle, and there is always a risk. Personally don't like any lock in which the key cylinder is inside the handle. Use a normal handle to open the door and a deadbolt/deadlatch to secure the door.

Gordon

[funkyfox]

There are tools to remove the handle, and there is always a risk. Personally don't like any lock in which the key cylinder is inside the handle. Use a normal handle to open the door and a deadbolt/deadlatch to secure the door.

Gordon

With said tools would an intruder remove it discreetly? Could you link to them?

[GWiens2001]

Could I? Yes. Will I? No. Sorry, too risky.

You may be just fine, but someone else may not be such a good person. They find the link using Google, and then they can get into places they should not be accessing.

Gordon

[nite0wl]

With said tools would an intruder remove it discreetly? Could you link to them?

An intruder with a reasonable knowledge of the base design (eg Schlage, Yale, Kwikset handle retainer) and the right tool (or all too often, some bits of debris/common office products) could likely remove any handle that allows itself to be removed from that outside. A handle set with the knob/lever crimped or otherwise permanently retained by an exterior cover plate where the cover plate is then secured by catches or screws only accessible from the inside face of the door prevents such surreptitious attacks.
Lever/handle sets which contain the lock cylinder in the knob/lever but include a disassembly catch for the outside handle/lever would allow an intruder to surreptitiously (and technically, non-destructively) gain access to the latch components.

Any handle set which involves removing (or attaching) the lever/knob/handle separately from the escuton/housing cover during the installation or field service process is likely to present this type of vulnerability.

[Squelchtone]

I covered the keyhole to prevent bumping, but removing the lever exposes some internal parts

funkyfox: I want to get some clarification on this quote.. did you take the lever handle off and then use something to cover the opening in the door, or did you put something like superglue or a metal plate over the keyhole of the cylinder that is still installed in the lever handle attached to your door currently?

Thanks
Squelchtone

[cledry]

Most levers, knobs require the key to be turned before removing the lever. There are special tools that will defeat this but so will picking the lock. You can't just walk up and poke the retainer with a paperclip and make your way in. The lever is there to meet a requirement for ADA or just appearance but they aren't the most secure thing.