Your Schlage Keypad Lock Keeps Spinning? Let’s Fix It! (Deadbolts Included)

Imagine you are all set to drop your kids off at school. You grab your car keys and try to lock your house, but the cylinder of your keypad door lock keeps spinning without locking. You try to lock the door once more without success. And since the door won’t lock, you’ll have to deal with the kids’ temper tantrums all day long in addition to your WFH duties. What a nightmare, right?

My sister had a similar experience last week when she contacted me to inquire as to why her Schlage keypad lock was rotating. Thankfully, with my assistance, she was able to quickly resolve the problem and resume her normal day.

If your Schlage Keypad door lock keeps spinning, change the batteries as low battery is the main reason behind the problem. Also ensure that the lock is properly installed before calling a professional. If your home has a Schlage deadbolt lock, worn-out internal parts or keys could be the reason why your Schlage keypad deadbolt just spins but won’t unlock.

In this article, we will discuss the possible reasons and resolution to the issue of Schlage lock cylinder spinning.

Why Does Your Schlage Lock Cylinder Keep Spinning?

Despite the reputation, it is usual for a Schlage lock to act faulty at times. If your Schlage keypad lock keeps spinning, this section of the article may help you identify the reason and assist you in resolving it.

Your Schlage Lock Batteries Are Low

One reason why your Schlage keypad lock may be spinning but not opening is that your lock batteries are extremely low, and hence, the lock is not able to perform the functions as usual. In such cases, the lock usually accepts the code, blinks green but won’t open. Instead, you will notice the lock cylinder spinning repeatedly. To fix the issue, you will have to replace the batteries in your Schlage keypad lock.

Here’s how you can change the batteries of your Schlage lock in a few minutes.

• Step 1: Remove the screws of the Schlage door lock using a Phillips-head screwdriver securing the cover inside the door.
• Step 2: Locate the screws that secure the battery cover of the Schlage lock. Depending on the model, you will find either one or two battery covers.
• Step 3: Use the screwdriver to unscrew the screws.
• Step 4: Now, pull the battery covers out from the Schlage smart lock.
• Step 5: Remove the old batteries from the lock and install new batteries keeping in mind the placement of the negative and positive terminal of the batteries.
• Step 6: Place the battery cover back in its place.
• Step 7: Secure the battery covers with the help of screws.
• Step 8: Position the lock over the lock cover attached to the door. Once the lock fits properly, secure it using the screws.

Your Schlage Lock Is Not Installed Properly

Another reason why your Schlage lock may be spinning is that the lock is not installed properly. If you are trying to unlock your Schlage lock, but it keeps spinning instead, reinstalling your lock by resetting it is something you should try before calling a locksmith for help.

Changing the batteries of your Schlage door lock does not reset your lock; therefore, if you wish to reset your smart lock, you will have to remove the batteries and perform some additional steps. 

Here’s how you can reset your Schlage door lock.

• Step 1: Disconnect the batteries of your Schlage smart lock following the steps given in the article.
• Step 2: Press and hold the Schlage button on the door lock.
• Step 3: Then reconnect the batteries of your lock while holding the Schlage button.
• Step 4: Release the Schlage button once the batteries are reinserted. You will notice that the lock will perform a setup process. Wait until the bolt of the lock stops moving.

Resetting your door lock will set the programming code of your door lock to default and helps you in case you have forgotten your programming code. So, once the lock bolt stops moving and the reset process of the lock is complete, you can program your door lock using the default programming code. To read more about how to program your Schlage lock, you may refer to one of my past articles.

If the cylinder was spinning due to improper installation, you should not face the issue now.

How To Fix A Deadbolt Lock That Spins?

The issue of a Schlage lock key spinning in the lock is not limited to a keypad lock. The issue may also be seen in a deadbolt when its internal parts or the key gets worn out.

Here is how to fix a deadbolt lock that spins but does not unlock.

You May Be Using A Badly Cut Or Worn Out Key

In case you use a worn-out key or a duplicate key that is badly cut to unlock your Schlage deadbolt; the lock may exhibit trouble like the lock cylinder spinning multiple times. This is more common in the cases when you have a duplicate key made from a copied key or got a duplicate key made by an untrained locksmith. However, the same is also likely if you have been using the same key for a very long time and your key is worn out.

Hence, the first thing to try if you notice your Schlage deadbolt cylinder spinning is using a spare key to unlock the lock. It usually comes with a spare key kit. You can use the key from the kit to open the lock. If you do not have the spare keys stacked up, I recommend getting a new key made by the locksmith using the lock. However, while carrying out the process, ensure opting for services by a licensed locksmith to ensure a good quality key is made.

The Interior Of Your Schlage Deadbolt Is Jammed

Like any other mechanical device; it is usual for locks to get jammed at times. This is the reason it is often recommended to lubricate your deadbolt periodically so that the jamming of the internal parts of the lock can be avoided. In case the lock surrounding the lock cylinder of your lock assembly is worn out, you will notice that your Schlage keypad deadbolt just spins, but the lock won’t unlock.

Follow the steps given below to learn how to fix a deadbolt lock that spins.

• Step 1: Check the deadbolt for any screw caps and get rid of them. You may use a flathead screwdriver for the same.
• Step 2: Now unscrew the deadbolt using a Phillips screwdriver.  
• Step 3: You can see a disc in the deadbolt just outside the keyway slot. There should be two little teeth on this disc.  The latch mechanism won’t function if the teeth of the disc are worn out.   It is preferable to replace that disc in this instance
• Step 4: Once you change the disc, simply put everything back together, and your lock should work fine without the lock cylinder spinning. However, if you cannot find the same model of the disc, you may need to replace the lock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can a Schlage deadbolt that won’t spin be opened?

Answer – If your Schlage deadbolt lock doesn’t spin at all, there may have been some disengagement or jamming. Just get a tiny hammer and tap the body just outside the keyhole. Now tap the lock with that hammer while turning the key back and forth.

Q2. I recently moved to a new apartment and noticed that the main door’s lock turns twice while unlocking. Is it normal, or is my lock faulty?

Answer – Turning the lock twice to unlock it is usually a security feature of some locks. These locks are pretty hard to pick and hence, are more secure than other locks.

Conclusion 

Like any other device, your door locks acting faulty is normal. If you have a Schlage lock installed at your home, you will face issues less likely. But if the issues arise, they are self-resolvable in most cases. 

If your Schlage lock keeps spinning, the article must have helped you fix the issue. If you are facing any other issue with your Schlage lock, read about how to troubleshoot a Schlage lock.

Please write me a comment in the comment section if you have any further concerns about home security.