Schlage A-series

' 30 years old'

--Shiva--

Originally, many years ago, (35?), the A series Schlage locks were sold as the lowest grade they offered, Grade 3, and they had a five pin cylinder. If you needed a grade 2 lock they had different knobs that would take a six pin cylinder. Fewer years ago, (20?), they decided that the A series would only be grade 2 and did away with the five pin version. It is likely that you can buy just the knob for your lock in a six pin version and convert it since that was what they did way back then.

You may notice that your older A series lock is a lot closer to the D series lock you might buy today than the A series you would get today. BBE.

SPAMTHIS wrote:

Actually, Schlage invented the key in the knob lock in the 20's. This pre-dated the grade 1, 2 and 3 designations. The A lock is substanmtially unchanged.

Fewer years ago, (20?), they decided

Yes, the six pin knobs will fit any pin tumbler made since the 50's.

No way Billy, I think you might be thinking about the AL series. An A lock chassis and latch with the same kind of backup spring cages as the D lock.

D, locks have the roller latch retractors and are stamped from heaver grade steel.

I haven't noticed this, what appears lighter to you?

Seems to me the only changes have been really minor like modifying the outside spindle so a spindle wedge won't work and making the latch longer. Seems to me the steel is the same gauge but now I am going to have to measure, Grrrrr.

Thanks everyone for your insight into this. Apparently it is wiser to keep old A-locks and reuse them than to replace if considering durability issues. Where can one buy A-series at the retail store today? Nothing but F-series in the DIY centers.

SOME LOWES....

the series starts with A(number number) , like A53 for example... if it says F on the model number, RUN...

Payless Cashways did sell them as well...

--Shiva--