Old Schlage handleset

[Joester]

I posted this on the "lock" board, but I'm not seeing my post there. Perhaps I'm doing something wrong. In any event, here's the original post. SOrry for hitting two boards, but I'm sort of perplexed...

Hello all. Former "professional" locksmith, now a hobbiest that occasionally helps friends with rekeys and other lock issues, unlocks a few cars as needed, etc. I was helping a buddy install some locks and I rekeyed everything for him...except one lock. On the front door there was an older Schlage handleset (I'm thinking early 80s, maybe older). On the outside there is a round cylinder similar to a deadbolt cylinder with a thumb latch/pitcher handle, all in a large oval plate. Regular deadlatch in the door. On the inside there is a knob toward the bottom of another oval plate. No exposed screws at all, other than at the bottom of the pitcher handle on the front. I was wondering how to remove this interior plate. I'm assuming there are screws underneath. It didn't pry off easily, and I didn't want to force it. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Squelchtone]

Hi,
Forum Admin here, your post was down below the Stickied posts, probably didnt scroll far down enough.. I locked it so folks will reply to this one instead.

here is your original post in Locks viewtopic.php?f=9&t=64943

Have a good day
Squelchtone

[Joester]

Thanks....I guess this is the more appropriate board for my post?

[Raymond]

Most people will respond with "SEND A PHOTO"
Does the thumb turn have a set screw at the bottom where it is not visible? Then the cover plate will slip off exposing the screws.

[stratmando]

Most people will respond with "SEND A PHOTO"
Does the thumb turn have a set screw at the bottom where it is not visible? Then the cover plate will slip off exposing the screws.

Don't know, but would look for a set screw as you mention, IF not, another thought is it is press fit, may just need too pull off, or try removing strike screws and see if it some how turns, exposes or releases something. Just guessing, bored

[Joester]

So, went back tonight. Turns out there was a single spring loaded retainer (just like the one that holds the knob on) at 6 o'clock on the inside trim. Very hard to see due to the thick patina on all the brass. The house was built in '62, and I think this handleset probably is original. What are the chances one of these crappy new F-line schlage knobs is still working in 56 years?

[billdeserthills]

So, went back tonight. Turns out there was a single spring loaded retainer (just like the one that holds the knob on) at 6 o'clock on the inside trim. Very hard to see due to the thick patina on all the brass. The house was built in '62, and I think this handleset probably is original. What are the chances one of these crappy new F-line schlage knobs is still working in 56 years?

What you have is an 'E' Series Schlage handleset, I rebuild the chassis units on these, the latches are still available
from distributors, as they are used on gatelatches, B-250PD & B252PD.

Wanna see something crazy, look up a Schlage E Series handleset on E-Bay, they go for $600 & up!

[cledry]

Most older locksmiths are well aware of this lockset. There is also a timing issue with the tailpiece depending on the door handing. Glad you found the retainer eventually.

[Joester]

Yep...it was a bit hinky going back together. A balancing act of manipulating the tailpiece, the thumb lever, and using a screwdriver to manipulate the INSIDE of the latch with the tailpipe engaged in the outsides of the latch. If I serviced one of those back in "my day", I don't remember it.

[billdeserthills]

Yep...it was a bit hinky going back together. A balancing act of manipulating the tailpiece, the thumb lever, and using a screwdriver to manipulate the INSIDE of the latch with the tailpipe engaged in the outsides of the latch. If I serviced one of those back in "my day", I don't remember it.

Really just depends on what part of town I'm in as to how many old Schlage E series handlesets I find-
I do really enjoy making them work, and the $$$ can be fantastic, especially when I sell one of my
hard to find new/old stock chassis units, along with a new latch