The Story Behind Schlage

This video tells the story of how a bright young German engineer, with an eye for the future and a passion for simplicity, created a door lock that would revolutionize an entire industry during the early 20th century.

[@Pyrolock]

Very Interesting. I remember having a job interview with Schlage Lock upon by graduation from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo getting a BSME. Unfortunately they didn't need a Mechanical Engineer at the time, but I have always had a passion for Locks and Schlage in particular. I have seen the exclusive locks that Walter Schlage created for Richard Nixon's estate in California -- an amazing mechanical marvel lock cylinder.

[@chparkjr]

A great story, told by talented documentary filmmakers! I rarely watch KZbin videos that are more than just a few minutes in length, but I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this!

[@SchlageSecurity]

Thank you for your comment! We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed the story.

[@aduniubaka4740]

I remember the Schlage lock sign could be seen from my friends window in SF. Such a great memory.

[@aduniubaka4740]

We had many Schlage locks and keys.

[@antoniogadong7223]

An excellent and complete documentary of the beginning of the Schlage Lock Company. All the people at Schlage were dedicated to its success. When I worked there it was a close family and we still get together yearly to reminisce of the good times. Moreover, when Schlage closed in San Francisco, we brought to other companies we moved on to, the management, development and interrelationship styles we learned at Schlage. In this way, Walther Schlage and Charles Kendrick legacy is carried on.

[@SchlageSecurity]

Mr. Gadong, thank you so much for your comment. It’s fantastic to learn that the Company’s legacy thrives even beyond its walls, thanks to the spirit and dedication of its employees. Thank you for preserving and upholding its values for all of these years.

[@MattGrossChannel]

I was the night watchman at the south San Francisco plant. I loved being there, and I took great pride in my job. And it did feel like a family. I live a fantastic life now, but there are times I wish I could take a time machine back.

[@SchlageSecurity]

What a wonderful comment Matt, thank you for sharing.

[@MattGrossChannel]

@@SchlageSecurity I can, to this day, recall where all the Detex keys were in the factory. The only intruder my partner and I encountered on the nightshift was a racoon on the rear loading dock. Thank you for uploading this video.

[@lowvoltageghost888]

Now here I am, 2021 still installing some of his locks which they now are electronic. It's good to know, where all this started from.

[@blackhawkdoors2405]

Tremendous story. Interesting how something as simple as a "lock" affects our daily lives and the amount of work and history behind it. Like many things, so easy to take for granted. Well done.

[@SchlageSecurity]

Thank you for your comment! We’re glad you enjoyed the story, and we agree - simple things do have an effect on our lives. Well said.

[@TransistionalMemories100]

A beautiful story and well made video. I remember walking past the Schlage Lock Co. every time I went to see my girlfriend back in the 70's and today I've always wondered what happened to the company since it closed it's doors and I still remember their signs for Pad Locks. Till this day the building structure is still there and it still brings back memories of the good ole days

[@SchlageSecurity]

That’s awesome oasis, thank you for sharing!

[@jackpestaner6925]

For many years I have been in search of some of the amazing Schlage handcrafted locks from the 60's and 70's. I recently bought a vintage Schlage Zodiac clock, replaced the clock mechanism, and love it; its a real work of art. I am still desperate to find a Schlage Haida lock, in my opinion, one of the most stunning locks ever made. I miss seeing the super high quality artistic locks from earlier times...

[@SchlageSecurity]

Thank you for your comment! We agree, Schlage’s custom and handcrafted era was astounding. Congratulations on your Zodiac clock!

[@donnieaish]

Hi Jack, Which lock is the schlage Haida I have never heard of this design. I am a huge collector who has a door hardware showroom and am building showcase of all the amazing schlage handcraft. Currently have the dragons, flowers, ming, the zodiac, and many more. I would love to search and find more designs.

[@jackpestaner6925]

@@donnieaish I will dig up my 1975 Schlage handcrafted catalog and post some photos in a couple of weeks, but on a project now. Would love to see what you have collected. I do have the Zodiac clock which i recently put a new movement in, and it is a very cool piece

[@donnieaish]

@@jackpestaner6925 Yes, I would love to see photos of that book. That would help me on my collection journey. I am not sure if there is a way to send messages on youtube but I would love to show you what I have so far.

[@mksyed]

Amazing story, Very well documented and interesting. I appreciate the revolutionary inventions which made the lock simple, reliable and available in mass production. Thanks for sharing!

[@sassafrasco.2630]

As an installer I never had in interest in the history of development of locks. Very enlightening

[@manfredsteffes8919]

Very well done, Makes one proud to be part of the Legacy of Schlage.

[@canzoman]

Nice job putting this together. Looks great Peter.

[@SchlageSecurity]

Thank you Anthony! We’re very glad you enjoyed it.

[@curlyq1269]

Interesting video. I like learning the history of mechanical devices and their development.

[@williambadge5305]

Great video!

[@FranzFerdinandVIII]

*07:02* Not so with any Kwikset. One must first manually unlock the interior handle before rotating it to retract the latch. And that is why I only use SCHLAGE locksets. 10.Dec.2021

[@andrewmattson3299]

Another note is that the raw material,brass bar stock the price made so that it was literally unaffordable.Most of the mechanical improvements like rekeying yourself,wafer locks and so on were developed in the 1980's there.Also,some of the eco tards complaining about the enviromental damage,well their wish came true now this part of Vistacion Valley has 4 vacant city blocks going on 15 years.Uh,what housing and mixed use...see the 7-11 on Bayshore is still there where I used to buy cigarettes.......

[@bellagio88]

Wow, that's my relative @17:54

[@andrewmattson3299]

!979-1990 management of plant actually got to meet Marrion Kedrick and Ernst Schlage.Price of raw material killed off the machine parts of the key in knob design.

[@1SingleT]

Shlatt