You can always buy some new locks and replace them if you need your house door locks rekeyed. However, this is a costly option to a small issue, as it wastes doorknobs and locks just to get new keys. Moreover, you can also learn how to rekey a lock to match the existing key. You also wind up with many keys if you need to rekey multiple locks. Rekeying your locks is the best approach.
A locksmith’s job entails rekeying a lock on a regular basis. Locksmith services can be very helpful to rekey your old locks. Many householders are unaware that they can rekey their locks on their own. Rekeying your locks can save you a good amount of money, particularly if you have a lot of them. Furthermore, if you enjoy new challenges, rekeying a lock can be a low-cost task that teaches you how locks work.
Working of a Lock
Inside a plug, doorknobs, deadbolts, and levers normally have two pairs of pins: key pins and driver pins. When you insert a key into the slot, it forces the pins to change position at different heights.
All of the driver pins have the same size and are connected by springs. When rekeying the lock, locksmiths do not replace them. The key pins, on the other hand, come in a variety of sizes and will be changed throughout the rekeying procedure.
The two pairs of pins operate as hurdles while a closed lock, stopping the plug from turning. The pins contact the key when you insert it into the plug. The key pins then touch the driver pins at the shear line, bringing them into line and enabling the plug to turn and therefore unlock the lock.
How to rekey a Lock To Match Existing Key
You’ll need a rekey kit unique to your brand of doorknob, lever, or deadbolt if you want to rekey a lock yourself. You’ll get a bunch of keys, usually between three and six; all cut the same way. The kit includes a set of pins that are labeled or color-coded to indicate their places in the plug.
The new pins are matched with the new keys. All other parts of the lock, in most situations, remain the same. Typically, the package comes with a few basic tools.
Rekeying kit
Getting a rekeying kit is the first phase towards rekeying your lock. You can easily obtain them from any hardware store as well as from various online retailers.
Many kits have the capacity to function with numerous locks or heavy-duty door locks. As a result, you’ll need a rekeying kit that can readily fit into a variety of locks.
Exterior Doorknob
The very next step is to separate the outside door handle or lock the face of the door. A latch keeps the door handles in place that can only be accessed by inserting a cable into a tiny hole.
You may be fortunate enough to have this tool included in your rekeying package, or you may have to rely on paper. Now, insert the bent paper clip.
Lock Cylinder
After that, you’ll need to remove the lock’s cylinder. To accomplish so easily, you’ll need a cylinder pusher.
Simply push the cylinder through the mechanism and remove the cover protecting it, and the cylinder will be ready to remove.
Cylinder Retainer Ring
You should remove the cylinder holding ring after removing the lock cylinder. To remove the holding chain from the lock cylinder, use a tool similar to a ring remover.
Cylinder Plug
Now next step is to place the present lock’s key in the cylinder and crank it to split the bottom and the top lock pins. Pushing the plug follower through the cylinder with firm pressure is simple. Get key duplication services if you’re facing issues.
You must be more attentive during this step since you do not want the spring to come loose while removing the cylinder plug. If the pins fall off, you should pick them up and reattach them, although doing so without tweezers can be difficult.
Lower Lock Pins
Remove the bottom lock pins as another phase for you. The pins have a bullet-like form with a pointed end that touches the key.
They come in various lengths, which you must be aware of in order to operate them effectively.
Put New Key and Pin in the Lock Cylinder
By pressing the springs out of the way for the new lock pins, you should be able to put the new lock key into the lock cylinder.
To grab and insert the new lock pins, you’ll need small needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. When inserting the new pins into the lock, make sure to align them with the key.
Assemble All Parts of the Lock
Rekeying is complete once you’ve replaced everything you’ve removed, such as the cylinder and retaining plug.
Best Time To Rekey The Lock
When you lose one or more keys, you should rekey the locks. Rekeying the lock or locks assures that anyone who finds the key and matches it to the lock will be unable to open the lock and get access to the house.
People frequently rekey the locks when tenants, roommates, spouses, or friends leave the property but still have a key or have copied the key.
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