Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever with Flex Lock Review
Schlage FE595 is a model that can’t be categorized as smart lock because it doesn’t have any smart capabilities. It is simply a well designed keypad lever with flex lock function. Flex lock means you can lock/unlock the door from interior unit by turning thumbturn with your hand when needed.
This is the first time we are reviewing a keypad lever on our blog so we are very excited to share what have experienced with Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever with our readers. Let’s continue to our review and share all details before you decide to buy Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever.
Keypad of Schlage FE595
Schlage FE595‘s keypad is very similar to our recently reviewed another model Schlage Keypad Deadbolt as appearance. Keypad is working very stable as expected. Buttons are covered with silicone to prevent wear off so it is almost impossible to face with wear off problem. Key whole still exists on it in order to use your key in case you need for emergency or battery drain issues.
Pressing the button on the top with Schlage logo will have 2 functions. One of them is to activate the backlit to use at night. Brightness of the backlit is good enough to use at day and night. As the second function, Schlage logo is used to start re-entering your code if you press a wrong number while you are trying to enter your code.
Auto Lock
After you enter a correct code you will have 5 seconds to use the lever and open the door. Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever has auto locking function which will be activated after 5 seconds. Unfortunately, you can not change time setting for auto lock.
Passage Mode
You might want to disable auto lock but this will activate passage mode. Passage mode means anybody can open your door just by using the lever without any codes needed. To activate passage mode just rotate the thumbturn to vertical position. If you want some more flexible auto lock options then you can have a look at some other models as Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt or Kwikset 913 Smartcode Electronic Deadbolt.
User Codes
Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever comes with 2 pre-programmed codes to start using immediately. You can find these codes on the stickers, on the back of the keypad assembly and on the front of the user manual in the box. You can delete these codes and add new ones if you wish.
Schlage FE595 programming can be done only on the keypad as it has no smart capabilities. 19 user codes can be programmed at the same time. User codes allowed to be with 4 digits only. You should use Schlage FE595 programming code which is specially set for your lock to add or delete new user codes. FE595 programming codes can be found on the stickers, on the back of the keypad assembly and on the front of the user manual in the box.
You can also find the Fe595 programming manual at here.
Weather Conditions
Cold and hot weather conditions are generally causing problems on these kind of electronic devices. We have looked at the structure of Schlage FE595 and we think that it will not have big problems as touchscreen keypads. We believe it will work under cold weathers but might have some problems if it exposes to direct sunlight too much.
Security of Schlage Keypad Deadbolt
Security is the most important subject no matter if the lock is smart or not. Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever is Grade 2 ANSI/BHMA Certificated. It is graded as best in Security, Durability, and Finish categories. However, it is not bump proof so if you want something with bump key protection you can have a look at our review for Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt.
Grade 2 is great but you might still want to make your lock bump proof completely. You can achieve this by disabling the key part via filling it. Disabling the key usage will also bring risks when your battery drains or you need to open the lock with key in an emergecy case.
Schlage Rekey
Schlage can be rekeyed but it is not as simple as Kwikset SmartKey Rekey. Rekeying is needed when you want to use 1 key for all of your locks in the house. When compared about rekeying we can easily say that Kwikset is better and much easier. As a similar product with SmartKey Rekey option you can have a look at Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt review for more details.
Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever can be rekeyed by yourself with rekeying kits bu we suggest you to have your key rekeyed by a locksmith. If you still want to try it on your own you will need Schlage 40-134 Rekeying Kit and Schlage Rekeying manual with some patience. You can expect to finish rekeying process in 30-40 minutes if everything goes well.
Battery Life of Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever
Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever is powered by 9v battery. This battery will come to you inside of the box. As you may already know, battery life can change depending on some factors as condition of the door, usage frequency, weather conditions, enabled features etc.
Depending on what Schlage says, batteries will last in 3 years. This is a very pretentious usage time. Due to lack of our time we can not test if this is true or not so we had contacted with some of the users of this lock. If we take the avarage of the replies, we can easily say that you can expect 1,5+ years battery life for this product. Very long and satisfactory battery life.
Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever has a low battery indicator to alert you before battery drains completely. After entering a valid code if you see a red light blinking with warning tone and then light turns to green, this means you should change the battery soon. Key still can be used to unlock the door if you forget to change the battery till it drains completely.
Battery changing is simple and anyone can do it easily. All you have to do is to remove 2 screws on the cover of interior unit and slide it up. After that, you will see the battery. Whole process will finish around 2 minutes.
Installation process
Please make sure that your door has the following specs before installing:
- Door is either 1- 3/8″ or 1- 3/4″ (35 mm or 44 mm) thick
- Backset either 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches wide
- Hole in door is either 2-1/8 inches wide
- Hole in the door edge is 1″
Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever is one of the easiest models to install. Phillips Head Screwdriver, tape measure, and a pencil will be needed for installation process. In some rare conditions your door you might also need flathead screwdriver, wood block, and hammer. We have finished installing under 15 minutes. If your door needs drilling you can use the templates inside the box to make sure everything is correct. You can watch the installation video below or you can have a look at Schlage Fe595 installation manual at here.
Technical Details Chart
| Item Weight | 1.5 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 3 x 3 x 6.8 inches |
| Voltage | 9v |
| Batteries | 9v battery ( included) |
| Style | Flex-Lock |
| Material | Metal |
| Included Components | Exterior keypad, interior assembly, bolt, 9-Volt Battery, user manual, reinforcement plate, screws, drilling templates |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Warranty Description | Lifetime Limited Mechanical & Finish Warranty and 3-Year Electronics Warranty |
Cons and Pros of Schlage Keypad Deadbolt
Schlage FE595 Keypad Lever is a very ideal solution for most of the houses. It does’n have any smart capabilities but user’s of this lock will be expecting for simple and electronic usage with keypad so they won’t be disappointed. It is very heavy-duty product with quality materials. Additionally, it gives you very long battery life without changing it. Can we suggest this lock? Yes, we can definetely suggest without any hesitations. Here is the list of cons and pros:
Pros:
Beautiful and simple design
Easy installation
Heavy-duty design
Backlit on keypad
Metal and solid structure
Long battery life
Battery drain indicator
Easy to program/add/delete codes
Easy to change battery
Schlage Rekey
Grade 2 ANSI/BHMA Certificate
19 code memory
Silent working
Silicone covered buttons
Cons:
No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Z-Wave connections
No smart capabilities
