Schlage N523-223 - Inside Spring Cage

The N523-223 inside spring cage is a Schlage ND Series replacement part. It goes on the inside (non-keyed) side of an ND Series cylindrical lever lock, where it carries the springs that return the lever to horizontal. It is a genuine Schlage service part, so it is intended for ND Series locks specifically and not for other Schlage lock families.

A sagging lever on an ND Series lock is the classic symptom of a worn or broken return spring, and the N523-223 is the inside spring cage that houses that return mechanism. Replacing it restores lever return on the inside side without swapping the whole lockset. If the droop is on the keyed outside lever, you need the outside spring cage instead, not this part.

No. The N523-223 is built for the ND Series. The AL Series and the L Series mortise line use different chassis and different internal spring assemblies, so this cage will not drop into either one. Identify the series stamped on the lock before ordering a spring cage.

Many Schlage service parts are finish specific, so when you order an ND Series part, match it to the finish of the lock you are repairing. The spring cage itself sits inside the assembly behind the rose, but Schlage builds parts to finish where the component is visible, and ordering the wrong finish code is the most common mistake on a parts order.

Yes, and that is what this part exists for. Schlage sells the ND Series as a serviceable lock, and the N523-223 inside spring cage is one of the replacement components. For a property manager with dozens of matching ND levers, swapping the failed spring cage keeps the existing lever, rose, and cylinder in place, so keying and finish stay consistent across the building.