Ever lost a key and felt that unsettling mix of panic and vulnerability? Knowing who might have access to your home or business is a genuinely uneasy feeling. Changing your locks is an option, but it can be expensive and time-consuming. Luckily, there’s a simpler, more cost-effective solution: rekeying your locks.
Rekeying a lock essentially changes the internal mechanism so that only a new key will work. This is a valuable skill for homeowners, renters, and landlords alike. It allows you to maintain control over who can access your property, whether you’ve just moved in, experienced a break-in, or simply want to ensure that old keys no longer grant entry. It’s a relatively quick process that can provide significant peace of mind and save you money compared to complete lock replacement.
What tools do I need, and how does the rekeying process actually work?
What tools do I need to rekey a lock?
To rekey a lock, you’ll primarily need a rekeying kit that matches your lock brand (Schlage, Kwikset, etc.), a key that currently operates the lock, the new key you want to use, a plug follower, a pinning tool or tweezers, and a screwdriver (usually Phillips or flathead) to remove the lock from the door.
Rekeying kits are essential because they contain the different sized pins needed to match your new key. These kits are brand-specific, so ensure you purchase the correct one for your lock type. The plug follower is a crucial tool; it’s a cylindrical device used to keep the lock cylinder’s internal components in place while you remove the cylinder from the lock housing. Without it, the springs and pins will scatter, making reassembly incredibly difficult. Tweezers or a dedicated pinning tool are invaluable for precisely handling and inserting the tiny pins.
The process itself involves removing the lock from the door, disassembling the cylinder, removing the old pins, and then inserting new pins according to the cuts on your new key. The included instructions with the rekeying kit are vital because they will guide you through these steps with detailed diagrams and explanations specific to your lock model. While seemingly simple, rekeying requires patience and a careful approach to ensure the lock functions correctly after reassembly.
How do I remove the cylinder from my lock?
Removing the cylinder from a lock generally involves first loosening a set screw, typically located on the side of the lock body, near the handle or lever. Once loosened (but not fully removed), you should be able to insert the key, turn the cylinder slightly, and then gently pull the cylinder out from the front of the lock. The specific turning direction and amount will vary depending on the lock type.
The set screw is critical to the lock’s security, so take care not to strip the screw head. Before you start, ensure you have the correct size screwdriver. A stripped set screw makes cylinder removal far more difficult. When loosening the screw, turn it just enough to free the cylinder; removing it entirely can make reassembly tricky. The key acts as a tool to retract the cylinder retaining pin, which would otherwise prevent the cylinder from sliding out.
Sometimes, the cylinder might be a bit stiff. Gently wiggling the key while applying steady pulling pressure can help. If it still resists, double-check that the set screw is sufficiently loosened. For some high-security locks, the process can be more complex and might require specialized tools or knowledge. If you’re unsure, consulting a locksmith is always a good idea.
Can I rekey a lock without the original key?
Yes, you can rekey a lock without the original key, but it typically requires more effort and potentially specialized tools compared to rekeying with the original key. The process will involve either disassembling the lock cylinder to understand its current keying or employing methods to manipulate the pins and wafers without the original key.
The primary challenge lies in determining the current key combination without a key. A locksmith can pick the lock open, allowing them to then disassemble the cylinder and read the pin depths. This is often the most straightforward approach if you don’t have the tools or expertise yourself. Alternatively, you can purchase a rekeying kit designed for locks without keys. These kits often include blank keys, pin tumblers of various sizes, and a decoding tool to help determine the existing pin configuration. Using these tools requires careful attention to detail and some trial and error.
Another method, though often more destructive and less preferred, involves drilling out the lock cylinder. This will destroy the existing cylinder, necessitating a complete lock replacement rather than a simple rekey. Therefore, seeking professional locksmith assistance or utilizing a dedicated rekeying kit are generally the recommended approaches. These methods minimize the risk of damage and ensure the lock is properly rekeyed to a new, functional key.
What is the correct pin configuration for my key?
The correct pin configuration for your key is the specific combination of pin sizes that, when inserted into the lock cylinder, align the shear line and allow the cylinder to turn. This configuration is unique to each key and lock, determined by the depth of the cuts on your key. Identifying this configuration requires either disassembling the lock and measuring the existing pins against your key’s cuts, or using a key decoder or specialized tools to determine the correct pin sizes needed.
To understand this better, consider that locks are rekeyed by changing the pin sizes. Each pin stack (bottom pin and top pin) needs to perfectly bridge the gap between the cylinder and the housing of the lock when the correct key is inserted. The varying depths of the cuts on your key dictate the size of the bottom pin required at each position within the cylinder. The top pin then fills the remaining space, ensuring that only the correct key will allow the cylinder to rotate freely. If you are rekeying a lock, you’ll typically use a rekeying kit that contains various sizes of pins, typically measured in thousandths of an inch. You’ll insert the key into the cylinder and, using a follower tool, remove the cylinder from the lock housing. Then, you’ll carefully remove the old pins and replace them with the correct size, ensuring each pin stack (bottom and top pin) aligns with the key cut at that position. When done correctly, and with the correct top pins and springs, the key should turn smoothly.
How do I prevent accidentally locking myself out after rekeying?
The simplest and most effective way to prevent a lockout after rekeying is to test the lock thoroughly *before* closing the door. After rekeying, use the new key to unlock and lock the door several times, both from the inside and outside, while the door is still open. Ensure the key turns smoothly and the bolt extends and retracts fully without sticking.
A common mistake is to assume the rekeying process was successful after the first try. However, small adjustments to the pins might be necessary to achieve a perfect fit. By repeatedly testing the lock with the door open, you can identify and rectify any minor issues before committing to closing the door. This allows you to make further adjustments to the pins if needed without the stress of being locked out.
Furthermore, consider having a spare key made immediately after successfully rekeying the lock. Keep this spare key in a secure location outside of your home, such as with a trusted neighbor, in a lockbox, or hidden in your vehicle. Having a readily accessible backup key will provide peace of mind and a quick solution should you accidentally lock yourself out, even after taking precautions. This is generally good practice anyway, and a great supplement to being careful during the rekeying and initial testing phase.
What do I do if the new key doesn’t work after rekeying?
If your new key doesn’t work after rekeying, the most likely cause is an issue with the pin alignment or the pin depths selected. Double-check that the pins you installed match the cuts on your new key, ensuring the correct pin size is in the correct chamber. Remove the cylinder and carefully disassemble it again, paying close attention to the order and orientation of each pin, spring, and any spacers used.
A common mistake is accidentally mixing up the pin sizes or not fully seating the pins in the cylinder. Even a slight variation in pin height can prevent the key from turning smoothly or at all. Also, verify that the keyway is clear of any debris. Sometimes small particles can obstruct the key’s path and cause issues. If the pins are correctly aligned and the keyway is clear, try lightly lubricating the cylinder with graphite powder or a lock lubricant to ensure smooth operation. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dust and eventually gum up the mechanism. If you’ve rechecked everything and the key still doesn’t work, it might indicate a problem with the key itself. The key could be improperly cut or damaged. Try using a different copy of the new key, if available, or consider taking the cylinder and your key to a locksmith. A locksmith has the expertise and tools to diagnose the problem and provide a solution, which could involve recutting the key or further adjusting the lock cylinder.
Are there different rekeying methods for different lock types?
Yes, the specific steps involved in rekeying a lock vary depending on the type of lock being rekeyed. While the general principle of replacing the internal pins or wafers to match a new key remains the same, the tools, disassembly process, and specific components handled will differ.
Rekeying a pin tumbler lock, commonly found on doors, involves disassembling the cylinder, removing the old pins, and replacing them with new pins that correspond to the new key. This usually requires a plug follower to keep the internal components in place during disassembly and a pin kit containing various sizes of pins. Wafer tumbler locks, often used in cars and cabinets, require a different approach. These locks utilize flat wafers instead of pins, and rekeying involves removing and replacing these wafers to match the new key’s cuts. The tools and techniques are distinct from those used for pin tumbler locks. Beyond pin and wafer tumbler locks, more complex locks like disc detainer locks (often found on high-security applications) and magnetic locks have completely different rekeying processes requiring specialized tools and in-depth knowledge of their internal mechanisms. Trying to rekey these without the proper training and equipment can damage the lock rendering it useless. Therefore, understanding the lock type is crucial before attempting to rekey it.
And that’s all there is to it! Rekeying a lock might seem intimidating at first, but with a little patience and these steps, you can boost your home security without breaking the bank. Thanks for following along, and we hope you found this helpful. Feel free to swing by again for more DIY tips and tricks!