SCHLAGE FE595 CAM 505 GEO Camelot Keypad Entry with Flex-Lock and Georgian Style Knobs, Bright Brass, Georgian Knob

This review is about the Schlage brand keyless locks that have "FE595" in their part number, such as this FE595 PLY 626 ELA. Note that there are quite a few similar-looking Schlage keyless locks that have other numbers such as BE365 or FE575, and I think most people would want this FE595 model, so be careful when shopping.I play big musical instruments, and was getting tired of searching for my front door key while carrying those big horns and other stuff as well. I finally got around to replacing the front door knob/lock with this keyless one. I selected the Schlage FE595 because it seems to be one of the better ones in terms of durability and reliability, has a nice look, a good combination of desirable features, and the physical key-type of the backup keys is compatible with my existing door locks on the house and garage (all are keyed-alike….I had the local locksmith change the tumblers in this FE595 lock to match my existing house key, this cost me $17 for the service and it took 15 minutes while I waited). For anyone who does not care to match this lock to their existing house key, that step is certainly optional and the new lock comes with two keys ready to be used. The keys are important, because they give you emergency entry if you forget the 'user code' for keyless entry, or if the lock battery is too weak, or if the keyless part of the lock should ever fail.Note that the way keyless locks such as this FE595 work, the mechanical part of the lock is ALWAYS locked by default. Entering the user code causes the electronic part of the lock to unlock the mechanical part for a few seconds, during which time the knob/lever can be moved to open the door. Inserting the key also causes the mechanical part of the lock to be unlocked. If the electronics should fail, or the battery runs down, the mechanical part of the lock remains locked, but you can still get in using the key. Failure of the electronics, or the battery, does NOT result in the lock opening by itself.The new lock seems to be very solidly made, nice heavy metal construction, the only plastic is on the hidden baseplate that exists to hold the 9V battery inside the inner half of the lock. Removing two screws gives access for replacing the battery, which Schlage recommends be done annually. Schlage recommends against using rechargeable batteries, and also against using lithium batteries; while they might have a longer life, they give no warning of failure and then will suddenly stop working. Use of a regular alkaline battery allows the lock to sense impending battery failure and warn you (by changing to color of the LED lighting for the keypad).The lock comes pre-programmed with two 4-digit 'user codes. The owner can easily and simply reprogram the lock to add or delete one or more ‘user codes’. For example, different members of the family might find certain 4-numbers easier to remember, and each can have their own preferred code programmed into the lock. Up to 19 user codes may be in the lock at the same time. Pressing the buttons for any of the user codes will open the lock.Each time a valid user code is entered on the keypad, the lock will open for a few seconds, then will re-lock itself. The secondary small knob on the side of the lock that is inside the house determines if the lock automatically re-locks or if it stays open once unlocked. This is equivalent to the little knob found on most keyed door locks. This feature (to keep the lock from automatically re-locking itself) is not present on most other Schlage keyless lock models.Above the keypad is a large button that is labeled "Schlage". The LED light in this button flashes during programming, but most of the time you can press this button to cause the keypad buttons to light up, such as when opening the door when it is dark so you can see which button is which.The lock can easily be programmed with user codes to allow guests or temporary contractors (workmen, maids, etc) to enter, and then easily defeat those temporary codes later on.A special code can be entered to defeat ALL user codes, for when you plan to be gone for a while and don’t want the lock to admit anyone, regardless of which user code they might try to enter. This ‘vacation’ mode can be cancelled either by using the key to open the lock, or by entering a longer code (sort of like the lock's unique serial number) that you could write down and take with you on the trip. This special code is provided on yellow stickers on the front of the manual and also inside the lock cover on the inside of the door (you would have to get into the house, then remove two screws to access that particular sticker). I just used a Sharpie pen to write this code on the inside of the door frame where it would not be seen unless specifically looked for; I expect to use it rarely.Nothing special is required to install the lock. It goes in exactly like any other door lock/knob, using only a Philips screwdriver. Doors with conventional dimensions for the hole positions and diameters, and door thickness, will require no preparation work to be compatible with this lock. There is no need to hire anyone to install the lock, but here are the basic steps:- Remove the old lock from the door.- Insert the new latch/bolt assembly and strike plate to the door (or if your old lock was a Schlage, those parts are identical to the same parts on the new lock, so you could optionally re-use the old parts). If desired, replace the old strike plate on the door frame with the new one that comes with the lock. Strikes and strike plates are provided in two versions, with or without rounded corners.- Place the outer part of the lock (the part with the keypad) against the outer face of the door, and adjust the so-called "hands free" screw so that it protrudes about 1/4" beyond the inner face of the door. Snap the 'baseplate' to the inside of the door (it has fingers that align with protrusions on the outer part of the lock, and a ratchet engages the 'hands-free' screw's threads, effectively holding the baseplate and outer lock to the door, so you don't have to struggle to keep those parts from falling off of the door while you work.- Plug the little cables from the outer lock and the baseplate together; they are already connected to the 9V battery connector.- Install the 9V battery onto the baseplate.- Place the inner part of the lock over the baseplate and use the included two long screws to attach the inner lock part to the outer lock part (just like with most door locks). When it comes time to change the battery once a year under normal usage, you just remove those same two screws, pull the inner lock part away from the baseplate, change the batter, screw the inner lock part back, and you are done.- The two handles (levers) attach to their shafts by pressing them on until they snap into place. The lock comes with a special wire key that can be used to remove the handle levers from their shafts. You would only need to do this if you mistakenly installed the levers facing the wring way, or if you wanted to relocate the lock to a different door that swings the other direction. If you lose the special key, any piece of stiff wire, like a piece of coat hanger wire, could be used instead.- If you choose to just use the pre-programmed user codes, there is nothing else to do.- If you wish to program your own user codes, the process is: enter the longer 'serial number' code, and the SCHLAGE button lights up and flashes three times; press the SCHLAGE button and the keypad lights up blue (your prompt to enter commands or codes), then press the '1' key to command the lock to accept a new user code, the SCHLAGE button flashes three times to acknowledge that it is ready to accept the new user code, then you enter the new user code twice, and once the lock accepts that both codes are the same and not duplicating an existing code, and the new code is not invalid due to wrong number of digits, the SCHLAGE button lights up green and the lock emits a long beep sound. The new user code is now programmed and ready for use. Doing the same steps but using the command '2' instead of '1' will cause the entered user code to be deleted from the lock.In general, the SCHLAGE button lights up in three colors: ORANGE means the lock is in programming mode, GREEN means that programming was successful, or an entered user code is accepted, and RED means that there was an error entering a code, if flashed once means low battery, or repeated flashing means dead battery (battery does not have enough power to open the lock, but still has enough power to flash the red LED).This lock appears to be a high quality product with good appearance and features. I only just installed it so I cannot comment on how long it will last, but Schlage's reputation suggests that the lock will last for a long time.

I own 3 of these for varying reasons. I keep my liquor in a closet and use one to keep teenage kids away from it. I keep one on my garage entry door for easy access to the house and I gave one to my son for his house. I also have the deadbolt style.They install super easy and have great instructions. The two most recent purchases were 4 years ago and the battery is still going strong. We use simple codes like old addresses or birth month and year or whatever for the codes. I also program a few extra or use the two that came with it so I can give it to Amazon driver or whoever needs access to the house. These codes can be removed after a while.Always keep the instructions, they have the two factory codes and the programming codes. You can remove or unprogram the factory codes but will need the 6 digit programming codes for the future to add or remove codes. I keep the factory codes for the delivery drivers or plumber or whoever.The one on my garage entry receive the most use and I gave the code to Amazon to place packages inside my door. But lately the when the code is entered you have to flip the lever twice to get the latch to open the door. AFinally it got to where it wouldn't always open. This causes the driver to leave the package outside the door, not even on my porch.The assistance from Schlage for issues like this is zilch, they want you to call a locksmith or to dispose of the product and buy more. I saw a review where the customer paid a locksmith a small fee to repair it. They were not clear what the locksmith did to fix it, but said it was a small fee, which is good.For the errors I was getting I disassembled the lock and noted the solenoid and plastic piece it moves to unlock the door were lose. It took three times of adjusting the plastic piece that slides with the solenoid and reassembling to get it working every time but it works like new now. All I can say is I think the lock worked loose a little and wobbled some while on the door and something inside moved and got out of kilter. There was nothing broken inside.When disassembling be careful of the small pin with spring that gets moved into the turn gear, this pin is what gets pushed down into the arm when activated and allows the outside door knob to turn the latch momentarily. There is a video on a popular video site that shows what these locks look like inside, see the 4:00 minute mark to identify this pin and spring. It's very small. I lost the spring on a rug in my garage and spent 30 minutes looking for it. It is about 3/16' diameter and 3/8" long, very small. I doubt you find this part for sale on any Schlage parts lists. I used a magnetic parts tray and slid it across the rug several times before finding the spring.The same thing happened to my deadbolt, something worked loose and it started failing. Disassembly and putting back together tightened it all up and works fine now, that lock is 15 years old and gets used daily.

This is the 3rd separate time I've purchased this exact lock for my house. I've just kept adding more to my house over the years as I have the need. The first one i purchased is about 4 years old and i use it on my front door and it still works flawlessly. I change the battery out once a year and, besides remembering my door code, I never have to think about it. It just works.The auto lock and unlock override are nice features so if I'm going to be around the property i can leave it unlocked in case im back and forth in and out of the house. Once the lock switch is turned, it stays locked and only unlocks with the code.There is a manual, regular key override for the lock in case the battery dies but i've never had to use it. The lock gives plenty of warning that the battery needs to be replaced.Install the first time, depending on how handy you are, can take 10-30 min. Again, it just depends how used to doing home projects you are but the install process is easy overall. All you really need is a phillips screw driver.Programming the lock is pretty straight forward as well. You can add and remove codes at will and it takes about 30 seconds when you are used to the process.If you are looking for a key code lock, look no further. This is durable, functions well, and it looks good to boot. Can't go wrong with this one!

Surprisingly, batteries last a long time with this product. Even with regular outdoor usage for over 5 years now, and through 5 cold winters, we are still using the original batteries we installed.It was easy to install, and is easy to use, and works every time without any glitches.Definitely, recommended.

Easy to install, works very well.

Product was easy to install and works flawlessly day in and day out. Would definitely purchase again!

Excellent, everything is good. I love it.

I was looking for nice keyless locks to replace my 10-year-old Weiser locks. After a lot of research, I found this one to be one of the best option out there. After using it for more than 6 months now, I am extremely pleased with these locks. Going keyless was a great relief.BUILD QUALITY:Schlage FE595 is very well designed and looks very attractive. It is built like tank and finish and built quality is extra-ordinary. Overall construction and metal finish looks premium. Actually, now my door looks little outdated in comparison of this beautiful lock.INSTALLATION AND PROGRAMMING:I am not handyman kind of person at all. After few people quoted over $150, I thought to give it a try myself. Provided manual and instructions were easy to understand and it took only 20 minutes to install first lock. Once I figured it out, I installed second lock in less than 10 minutes. Lock comes with one programming code and two pre-programmed user access codes. Programming was fairly easy. I set up two new user codes and deleted pre-programmed codes in minutes. Programming password is 6 digit while user access code is 4 digit. You can program up to 19 passwords.FEATURES:I like the fact that keypad can be illuminated. Just press the Schlage button to illuminate the keys. Keys are soft and they do not stick at all.Lock features Grade 2 Higher Residential security rating which gives me good peace of mind.Though lock is keyless entry, it comes with a key which can be used in case of emergency if battery is completely dead. This scenario is quite unlikely because, lock features Low-battery indicator. Lock also comes with battery so you do not need to run to get the one while installing. Battery is the same as what you use in Fire and Smoke alarms.It should be noted that this lock features “Flex Lock”. What it does is when you keep thumbturn knob horizontal, it is always locked from outside. When you put knob in vertical position, it can be unlocked from outside.IMPORTANT:This lock is for doors with one deadbolt. If your current door has two deadbolts or two latch/lock points, then it will fit, but you have two options: (1) Either you keep older lock, but do not use it (install this lock in place of older knob) or (2) you keep older door knob and remove older lock (install in place of old lock). But in the later case, you need to now turn knob (from old lock) as well as lever (from this lock) to open the door. This is not desirable for one handed operation. I did not know this when I ordered and what I did is I removed old knob and used that holes to install this lock. I kept older lock which we do not use typically, but we lock both when we go for long trips for extra security.Overall Highly Recommended product.