Residential & Commercial Security - Locks, Keys & Dead Bolts - And another Schlage problem

I have a Schlage double-cylinder deadbolt on a back door. It's been there for 20 years (and has the old style rotating cover around the lock). One of the machine screws has come loose (from the inside). The screw is 3 inches long and tapered a bit at the end. It doesn't appear to be broken. I removed the cosmetic cap and tried to screw it back in (an Allyn wrench or Philips works) but it never catches, even when I move the lock on the other side of the door slightly. Am I doing something wrong? Would I be better off replacing this lock with a new lock? Please advise. Thank you!

Sounds like a stripped thread. If you remove the lock from the door and the same scenario occurs, you need to replace the lock.

If the lock is fitted to a primary entrance door, do yourself a favor and replace it with a single cylinder deadbolt. You will comply with building code, life safety codes and protect the interests of your family or coworkers.

It's for a back door (French door with small glass panes) so I need the added security of a double cylinder. (The front door has a single cylinder; it's a solid wood door.) I guess I'll do the safe thing and replace the lock. Thank you for your help!

I understand your motivation there because of the glass panels. The ability to break out a piece of glass to gain entry is too simple.

But building codes and life safety codes are of fundamental importance.

You could look into polycarbonate glazing. It is like a window film that will toughen the glass preventing breakage.

A double cylinder lock on a primary entrance door is a big problem in the USA.

Another consideration you should be aware of... your household insurance will likely not pay a claim if a fire or similar emergency occurred and escape was prevented by a double locked "primary" door (due to your ignorance of the law) and in all likelihood, you will also be charged with negligent manslaughter if someone was to die as a result of the emergency.

Jail time can be expected and also civil litigation is common. So You could go to jail and have to pay $$$ in compensation all due to a silly double cylinder deadbolt.

Is it worth taking the chance?

I appreciate your concern and understanding of the law, but I don't follow you. If my primary entrance (the front door) has a single cylinder lock (as does my door to the garage), I believe I am complying with the law (and good sense) as the back door (actually, one of two back doors) with the double cylinder is not a primary entrance, so I am compliant with code. Or am I misunderstanding the use of the term, "primary entrance?" Please let me know if I am.

The suggestion of polycarbonate glazing is a good one, too, and I will look into that. I certainly want to do whatever makes sense, is safe, and is legal.

Thank you.

If its a double paned glass door, with fake grilles..you'd be surprised how hard it is to get ALL they way though. Normally at least one pane is tempered (like a car side window)..and some even have one 1 side laminated (like a car windshield). Now, old wooden real divided light doors are something different. It's pretty simple to break out one pane and reach through.

Crack and meth heads won't care...but burglars and common thieves won't chance that much noise. Get some lights..trim back any shrubs..get an alarm or at least stickers for the windows and doors. They even have signs you can stick in the yard. The expert thieves know the fakes though.

If someone wants in..they WILL get in...no matter what kind of residential lock system you put on. You need to keep them from WANTING to even try.