How to Rekey a Lock: A Comprehensive Guide
Rekeying a lock is an important part of home and business security that involves the replacement of the existing keys with a new set. It is an affordable and smart way to keep your home, office, or commercial property safe without having to replace the entire lock. In this article, we will explore how to rekey a lock, covering all the necessary tools and steps. Whether you are looking to DIY or hire a professional locksmith, this guide will help you rekey your locks with confidence and ease.
Understanding the Need for Rekeying a Lock
There are various reasons why you may need to rekey a lock. Perhaps you recently moved into a new home, lost your keys, or a break-in occurred. Here are some reasons that may prompt you to rekey your locks:
Lost Keys
If you lost your keys or they were stolen, it’s a good idea to rekey your locks. This way, if someone finds or has your keys, they won’t have access to your home or business.
New Home or Office
If you recently moved into a new home or office, you don’t know how many sets of keys exist. To be on the safe side, it’s always recommended to rekey the locks to prevent any unauthorized access to your property.
Break-in
In the unfortunate event of a break-in, you may want to rekey the locks to prevent the intruder from gaining access again.
New Roommate or Employee
If you have new roommates or employees, it’s best to rekey the locks, especially if they have old sets of keys.
How to Tell if You Need to Rekey
If you’re not sure whether you need to rekey your locks, here are some signs to look out for:
- The key is difficult to turn
- The key is broken
- The lock is old and worn out
- You want to increase security
The Benefits of Rekeying a Lock
Rekeying your locks has numerous benefits:
Increased Security
Rekeying your locks ensures only you or those authorized can access your property. You can turn in the old keys and be the only one with the new ones.
Saving Money
Rekeying your lock is much cheaper than replacing an entire lock. If your lock is still functioning well, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on a new lock when rekeying can do the job just as well.
Convenience
Rekeying is a hassle-free process that doesn’t take too long to complete. It’s convenient and offers peace of mind knowing your property is secure.
Tips for Rekeying a Lock
If you’ve decided to rekey your locks, here are some tips to guide you:
Gather the Necessary Tools
You will need a few tools to rekey your lock. These include the original key, a plug follower, a pinning tray, a set of pins, a key decoder, and a rekeying tool.
Remove the Lock Cylinder
Remove the lock cylinder from the door. Remove the retaining clip with a ring remover tool or pliers. Turn the key to the “on” position and push the plug out with a plug follower tool. Be careful not to disturb the top pins and springs.
Re-key the Lock
Use a key decoder to get the right key pins and insert them into the plug. Make sure they are aligned correctly. Reassemble the lock cylinder and insert the new key. Test the key to ensure it works correctly.
Reassemble the Lock
After you have re-keyed the lock, you need to reassemble it. Place the plug back into the cylinder, and then add the retainer clip back on top of it, making sure it sits flush.
The Tools Needed for Rekeying a Lock
Here is an overview of the tools you’ll need to rekey a lock:
- Original key
- Plug follower
- Pinning tray
- Set of pins
- Key decoder
- Rekeying tool
How to Use the Tools
The plug follower is used to remove the cylinder from the door. The pinning tray is used to hold the pins when disassembling the lock. To remove the top pins, insert the key and turn it to the “on” position. The key decoder helps to determine the size of the key pins you need. The rekeying tool is used to remove the pins and springs from the lock.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Rekeying a Lock
If you’re considering rekeying your locks, here are some common mistakes you should avoid:
Using Incorrect Tools
Using the wrong tools can damage your lock, making it difficult to fix and requiring professional help.
Not Following Instructions
Rekeying a lock requires following the right steps in order. If you skip any steps or don’t do them correctly, you may not get the expected result.
Skipping Steps
Skipping steps can cause damage or make the lock malfunction, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Locksmith
If you’re confident enough to rekey your locks, doing it yourself is an excellent way to save money. However, hiring a professional locksmith has its advantages.
Pros of Doing it Yourself
- Cheaper
- Convenient
- You get to learn something new
Cons of Doing it Yourself
- Can be time-consuming
- May require practice to get it right
- Using the wrong tools can be costly
Pros of Hiring a Professional Locksmith
- Expertise and experience
- Fast and efficient
- Warranty on work done
Cons of Hiring a Professional Locksmith
- Can be more expensive
- You may have to wait for a locksmith to arrive
- They may not be available 24/7
Conclusion
Rekeying a lock is a smart way to improve home and business security. It’s much cheaper than replacing a lock and can easily be done at home. However, if you’re not sure how to go about rekeying your lock, it’s best to hire a professional locksmith. Choose what works best for you and keep your property safe.
Call to Action
If you need to rekey your locks, either do it yourself or hire a professional locksmith for peace of mind. Rekeying is an important security measure, and it should not be taken lightly. Feel free to contact a qualified locksmith if you need assistance.
