What is Rekeying a Lock?
Rekeying a lock refers to working on the internal pin elements of a lock so that a new key will work while the old one does not. This process retains the lock hardware, essentially changing the combination on the inside for added security.
When Should You Rekey a Lock?
You may want to consider rekeying locks after moving into a new house, in case keys were lost, or if a break-in was experienced. Rekeying can also simplify many keys into one for convenience and security for door locks.
Tools and Materials Needed to Rekey a Lock
For rekeying a door lock, you will need a rekeying kit with new pins and springs, tension wrenches, a screwdriver, tweezers, shims, key decoders, cylinder cap removal tool, and perhaps a plug follower. Such tools are needed to accomplish proper lock rekeying without impairing the mechanism.
How to Rekey a Lock?
Knowing how to rekey a lock is something every homeowner should grasp as a way to achieve slightly above-par home safety without a replacement of the hardware. To understand what is rekeying a lock?, we have to go through the steps ranging from removing the lock to testing it with a new key, and is a practical solution for everyday security upgrades.
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Remove the Lock From the Door
To start, the lock must first be in the open condition. Once that is established, the person attempting to rekey the lock removes the exterior knob or lock face generally using a screwdriver, with the screws coming from the usually visible interior side of the lock. This gives access to the inner rekeying elements.
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Take Out the Lock Cylinder
After both screws have finally been taken care of, grab the key and while holding it, turn and pull the lock cylinder straight out. On some locks, you may need to press back a clip or ring. This is the important part wherein you start functioning on how to rekey a door lock correctly and safely.
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Remove the Cylinder Plug
Turn the key slightly and gently push the cylinder plug out using the plug follower. Caution should be taken not to drop any of the springs or pins at this point in the rekeying of a lock, as they are important to the functioning of the lock.
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Insert the New Key
Now, once the old pins are out, insert the new key and put the corresponding pins from the rekeying kit into the plug. Pins must align with the shear line, allowing smooth rotation. This step is key in mastering how to rekey a lock.
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Reassemble the Lock
Slide the plug back into the housing using the plug follower. Check for free rotation with the new key inside. Replace any clips or screws. This phase finishes the technical side of the lock rekeying and secures your new door lock system.
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Test the New Key
To verify that it is locking and unlocking smoothly, insert the new key in and out several times. If you experience some friction, check to ensure that the pins are aligned. If the cylinder is properly rekeyed, it operates as intended, in addition to giving you peace of mind against the danger of getting locked outside.
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Reinstall the Lock on the Door
Position the rekeyed cylinder inside the door lock in alignment with the latch. Secure it with the original screws and check that the knob or lock face is secure. This concluding step marks the end of the doorkeying procedure.
FAQs
1) What is rekeying a lock?
Rekeying a lock refers to working on the internal pin elements of a lock so that a new key will work while the old one does not. This process retains the lock hardware, essentially changing the combination on the inside for added security.
2) What are the steps to rekey a lock?
The procedure comprises taking off the lock from the door, taking out the cylinder, taking out the plug, changing the pins with a key using the new one, reassembling the lock, testing the new key, and finally placing the rekeyed lock back on the door.
3) What tools and materials are needed to rekey a lock?
You will need a rekeying kit complete with new pins, keys, and springs as well as tools such as a screwdriver, just tweezers, and plug follower for safely getting the cylinder plug in and out.
4) When should I call a locksmith?
You should call in a professional locksmith if you are doubtful of doing the rekeying process, do not have the right tools, have a jammed lock, or just need a professional to take care of things when your security is of the utmost importance after a break-in or key loss.
