Frequently Asked Questions

Index
A. We do not stock the combo lock and deadbolt packages; since most of our customers require rekeying, we would have to cut the plastic packages apart, so instead we stock these items in individual contractor packages allowing us easy access to the lock and components.
A. Since our start many years ago, we have not had customer accounts other than local, state and federal government accounts. Our retail, professional, and trade customers pay either by any major credit card or wire transfer.
A. For locks keyed to a new key number, the keying charge is times the number of key cylinders - 1. We are keying the 2nd, 3rd, etc key cylinders to the first key cylinder.

When we key locks to a specific key number, then the key alike charge is times the number of key cylinders.

Double cylinder deadbolts have two cylinders, so these sometimes enter into the equation too.
A. We do ship regularly to Canada and several other overseas locations, generally by US Postal Service Priority Mail which seems to be the most cost effective way. Shipments get to most customers in about 5 business days. The cost however is weight dependent. All you need to do to indicate this is a shipment to Canada is change the country selection on our checkout screen. The system will compute your shipping charges on the payment screen.
A. Yes - you can order split finishes for most Schlage and Baldwin items. The procedure to follow is to order the outer finish and function first. As an example, you could order an Antiqued Pewter passage set and put it in the shopping cart. On the far right-hand edge of the shopping cart is a column that says 'Options' and one of the hyperlinks is 'Split Finish'. Clicking on the link will allow you to detail the inside finish and design of the lever or knob. There are also step-by-step instructions and a video example too.
A. For most Schlage items you can order different strikes and latches than those shown with the item. To do so, just place your items in the shopping cart and click on the link at the far left entitled "Latches/Strikes". You will then be taken to a screen that will allow you to select the strike and latch options for your product.
A. Schlage residential locks are now available with two types of key cylinders. The traditional key cylinder generally uses a 5 pin Schlage C keyway and requires you to take it apart to re-key it. The new Secure Key key cylinder uses a blue reset key to re-key the lock. Only blue reset keys that are cut to your current key number will work with your key cylinder. Also the Secure Key Cylinders are anti-pick and anti-bump. The Secure Key cylinders also use the Schlage C keys, so they are also backward compatible too.
A. The only difference between the F51 and F54 is that when locked, the inner knob on the F54 will not turn. The net effect is that you can't lock yourself out, since you can't get door open if the door is locked.
A. No - the F54 function is available only on the Schlage F/FA series knobs.
A. When there is no key number available, you can use the following procedure: * Enter 'Hold' in the 'Key Number' blank on our shopping cart page. * Complete your order * Print a copy of your emailed receipt. * Send your key and your receipt with your key taped securely to a file card or cardboard in a bubble envelope to us at: Factory Brands PO Box 35669 Canton, OH 44735 We can then size your key and send your order right along to you.
A. The FE575 is the auto-lock version of this lock and the outer lever or knob is always locked, except for the 5 seconds after the PIN code is entered. It is always a storeroom device.

The FE595 is the flex-lock version and the outer lever or knob can be unlocked by a turn piece on the inside of the lock. When in the unlocked position the device will act as a passage device, when in the locked position the device will act as storeroom device.
A. The Key Alike number that appears on many Schlage boxes is not the key number we seek. The key number we need is a five digit number found on the head of your key. The number on Schlage's box is a random number designed to allow retailers to group boxes by like key number for purchasing convenience.
A. For the most part, Schlage lever locks are no longer handed. The privacy, passage and entrance functions now come with reversible levers that allow you to change the handing in the field to accommodate the particular handing of your doors. To learn more about how to do this, you can view our service memo on this subject at http://www.factorylocks.com/PDFs/Service_Memo_Handing.pdf
A. Schlage dummy levers are technically half dummy levers that are applied to one side of a door. So in this case, when facing that side of the door, the hand is the side it is hinged on.
A. Schlage's Oil Rubbed Bronze (US-10B) is a living finish - it will react with its environment (humidity, heat, wear, etc). The finish is designed to oxidize and will turn darker and shinier than it is delivered, and will do so over a period of months. For customers who want variability in their finish and hardware with a distressed appearance, Oil Rubbed Bronze (US-10B) is a good choice. For customers seeking a fixed, factory finish, Aged Bronze (716) is a better choice. Aged Bronze is designed to look like Oil Rubbed Bronze (US-10B) after a year of oxidization and wear, and will not change appreciably over time.

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