In the video above we show you how to easily remove or add the z-bar key retainer. The retainer prevents you from removing the key from the padlock when the shackle is in the open position. This can prevent you from accidentally leaving it unlocked or locking the key inside whatever you are securing.
Video transcript:
"We're going to go over how to eliminate the key retaining feature on this ABUS padlock that's keyed to a Schlege key. Right now, the way the lock functions works, you put the key in when it's unlocked. You can't turn the key back and remove it. That's a key retaining feature. So, the way that we eliminate that feature. Open the lock with the key. Take a Phillips screw driver. Remove the core and there's a little Z-bar in the bottom of the actuator well. I'll knock it out of there and you can see. This is the little Z-bar that is in there that's what retains the key. Without that we put the lock back together secure the core back in the lock remove the key insert the key unlock it and we can remove the key and lock it without the key. If we want to reinstate that feature, then we simply remove the core. Make sure that this little black dot is showing. That side goes up. And this goes in that little notch in the middle of the actuator. Then we slide the core back in. You may need to turn the key to seat that properly. You hear that click. Our screw is still in the shackle hole. Secure that then we can remove the key. See the key unlock it but it won't turn back to the home position and be able to be removed unless it's locked again, and it snaps back into that position.
And you're done."