I've done minor lockwork before including repining on (my) cheap residential knobs & picking discarded locks for parts so I was not intimidated when I found two D70PD Rhodes 626 locksets at the local swap meet with no keys. I had no idea what they were when I got them, only that they looked nice, seemed complete, & were inexpensive.
What I found: It turns out the no-key problem was easy as both still had construction keying with the 3 pin key-stub still in the plug. The latch has "Schlage" "Ff" stamped in it. The inner "housing" (cover) has "M-40" stamped into it. "Inside Spring Cage" has "C604-390" cast in. "Outside Spring Cage" has "C604-391" cast in.
A few questions:
1) Date/Mfr Code: All four of the "spring cages" & both latches have the same code stamped on the inside - "Made in Mexico *04/03/SAU". Got any idea of the meaning (OK - I know "Made in Mexico" haha)? I am asking because the D-Lever Service Manual pdf from Schlage.com seems to show a new & somewhat redesigned lock.1a) Anyone know of an online pdf for D-Levers that is older that the "new" 12/20/03 version available at Schlage.com?
2) Plug: The little triangle on the front & the "check pin" makes it a Everest keyway. The Dxxx on the back means it is a "end user restricted keyway". No way to get blanks huh?This leads to -
3) I can replace the cylinder with a standard C or whatever keyway by buying the whole cylinder (plug, hull, pins, springs & keys) as a drop in replacement. Could I also just get a C plug & use the same hull repining it myself or does a plug & hull need to be matched? & about missing parts -4) One lock is missing the inside "lever driver" & its satin chrome cover. Where can I find the p/n of these two pieces? Would a locksmith possibly have one from a older/defective lock? Schlage OEM parts maybe (probably $$$)? Maybe call around or go visit a few locksmiths & ask? Ideas/source? It probably got lost because the inside levers were not locked onto the spindles. This is why I was asking about the date code earlier - to get an idea of how long this design was manufactured. Seems any "inside lever driver" from this same design should interchange?
Any corrections to my terminology or ideas is welcomed. Before I got these locks I never even knew that the Schlage on my front door was a F series. Searching Schlage.com, Google.com & lots of lock/supplier web sites I have gained the information I used to ask these questions.
and - alt.locksmithing seems to be a OK place compared to most!
Thanks - Kim :)