In this video we are going to cover how to replace the tailpiece on a Schlage B160 style deadbolt that was hugely popular from as early as the 40’s-50’s up until the mid-late 90’s.

Millions of these locks are still in use today and one of the most common problems has always been when the door gets misaligned and becomes difficult to lock the “tailpiece” or the part of the lock inside that engages the latch mechanism will twist and break. Often there is ample warning this is about to happen but every so often it will just suddenly break.

We will also cover what to do if there are cap pins in the heads of the screws, and briefly cover the three most common styles of Schlage locks that you will run across.

Everything in the video, has been videoed in the past and we include links to all of those older videos in this video.

If you cannot find a local locksmith with these parts we always keep them in stock, ship out products daily, and you may contact us at the email included in the video.

Note, there are different lengths of tailpieces. Most standard thickness doors 1 3/4" use the 1" long tailpiece. If the lock is mounted on a 1 3/8" older door it could possibly use the 3/4" long tailpiece and some of the older b100 "solid body" style even used 5/8" or 1/2" or even shorter tailpieces.
On thicker doors beyond 1 3/4" there are also 1 1/4" long tailpieces (that cost considerably more, btw) Always measure your existing tailpiece prior to ordering. If the tailpiece is too long it will bind the lock when you tighten the screws down! You can cut the tailpieces down with mini bolt cutters or a hacksaw if necessary