Rekeying CES Euro Profile Cylinders
How to Rekey CES Euro Profile Cylinders
Rekeying a CES cylinder to a Schlage key isn't simple. Schlage pins are about 15 thousands too long, and the spacing on the key is slightly off on the first cut, closest to the bow of the key blank. Using a 5 thousands pin kid, the standard pin number is one number too high. If a Schlage calls for a #6 pin, which is .255, it will use the next one down, or a .240 bottom pin. Also, because the spacing is slightly off on the first pin, you will need to reduce that pin by 5 thousands.
The Schlage key blank is about 1/32" shorter than the CES. The duplicate keys cut on Schlage SC-1 blanks work OK, but I did notice that the key needs to be pushed all the way in or sometimes the tail piece / cam won't engage.
The second option is to purchase a CES keying kit (All About Doors & Windows product #8785243). The small kit has enough pins, drivers and springs to rekey 10 locks; it doesn't include a key gauge.
Conversion Chart for Rekeying CES Cylinders to Schlage Keys
| CES Pins | Schlage Pins | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Length (mm) | Pin Number | Pin Length (inches) | Pin Number | Pin Length (mm) |
| 4.2 | 1 | 0.1654 | 0 | 0.1655 |
| 4.57 | 2 | 0.1799 | 1 | 0.1805 |
| 4.95 | 3 | 0.1949 | 2 | 0.1955 |
| 5.35 | 4 | 0.2106 | 3 | 0.2105 |
| 5.72 | 5 | 0.2252 | 4 | 0.2255 |
| 6.1 | 6 | 0.2402 | 5 | 0.2405 |
| 6.47 | 7 | 0.2547 | 6 | 0.2555 |
| 6.85 | 8 | 0.2697 | 7 | 0.2705 |
| 7.25 | 9 | 0.2854 | 8 | 0.2855 |
| 7.62 | 0 | 0.3000 | 9 | 0.3005 |
Steps to Rekey CES Cylinder with Schlage Key
- Remove plastic cap on the bottom side of the cylinder. It has small barbs on both sides that lock into the cylinder housing. The cap can be re-used if removed without damage. I found the best way to remove is to squeeze the sides in and use a thin shim on both sides; lift the cap.
- Remove spring—this is longer than normal.
- Remove all driver and bottom pins. Save driver / top pins.
- Decode Schlage key and load new pins into cylinder holes – remember the first slot is smaller.
- Re-load the driver pins and then the springs.
- Hold springs down with finger and try key.
- Snap plastic cap on after removing key; take care not to bend springs.
Troubleshooting: If having trouble keying, I would suggest pinning one cylinder at a time and continuing to the next when it works.
