Tips on How to Rekey Your Door Locks

Doors are the first and most obvious line of security against burglars, trespassers, and other unwanted visitors. Rekeying your door locks offers added protection, as it effectively secures your home from unauthorized access. In this blog post, I’ll cover tips on how to easily rekey your door locks, including the supplies and tools you’ll need, as well as how to properly complete the job from start to finish.

To start, you’ll need a few specialized tools, which can be bought online or from locksmith supply stores. Specifically, you’ll want a screwdriver and a rekey kit. A rekey kit is essentially a variety of tools such as key blanks, pins, springs, and other specialty items as required by the lock manufacturer.

Once you’ve got your supplies, you’re ready to begin the rekeying process. First, unscrew the door lock and remove it from the door frame. Depending on your particular model, you may need to remove the entire lock assembly or just the plug. If you’re not sure, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the lock has been removed, you’ll want to observe how the original key is designed. Take a look at the pins and key blanks and make a mental note of their position and size. This will come in handy later.

Now, grab your rekey kit and begin to replace the pins and springs with the ones from the kit. Most rekey kits also come with key blanks, so you won’t have to purchase separate ones. If needed, you can use an awl or a small screwdriver to help remove the pins and springs. Again, pay close attention to how the original pins and springs were arranged for best results. Ensure that they’re snugly positioned in the lock before you close it back up.

Once you’ve got the new pins and springs in place, you’ll want to insert your new key blank into the lock and then move the pins up and down into the new positions. This is the most time consuming part of rekeying a lock, so take your time and make sure you’ve got the key fully seated in the lock. Once the key works smoothly, you’re ready to reassemble the lock.

Finally, reassemble the lock and remount it into the door frame. Make sure everything is secure and double-check for any loose screws or parts. Once everything is properly secured, test the lock by testing the new key multiple times.

Rekeying your door locks is a straightforward and easy process that can be done in just a few simple steps. With a few household supplies, specialized tools, and a little bit of time, you can easily increase the security of your home.

Tips on How to Rekey Your Door Locks

Rekeying locks is an important part of home security. From making sure that after a tenant moves out or a family member moves away, that no one else has access to your home, to quietly reinstalling a keyed lock after a break-in, rekeying provides a level of security that is often overlooked. Fortunately, it’s a fairly straightforward process if you know what to do.

First, make sure you have the right tools. Many of these you may already have lying around in your toolbox: a keyhole saw, a screwdriver, a thin rod (like a nail or the edge of a flathead screwdriver), an old key (for check purposes). If you don’t have all of these, you can usually buy a rekey kit with everything you will need.

Next, you’ll be ready to start removing and replacing tumbler pins. Start by putting the key that you’d like to use in the lock and turning it clockwise. This helps to line up the lock core for easy removal.

Using the thin rod, remove the small pin at the bottom of the lock core. This pin is what holds it into the frame of the door. Once it’s removed, grab the key and pull the lock core out.

At this point, you’ll want to take a look at the key you’ve removed. Make sure it looks just like the key that’s going to be inserted with the corresponding numbers or design. This is important so that your new key will fit the same way in the lock.

After that, pick up the new key that you’d like to use and insert it into the lock, turning it counterclock-wise. Then, using the thin rod, push the new tumbler pins into the cylinder of the lock, until they just show on the surface.

Recheck your work by re-inserting the new key. Make sure it turns both ways—clockwise and counterclockwise. And check the old key as well to make sure it no longer fits.

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You should be all done. Close up the lock, put some oil in it, and you’re ready to use it.

That’s it! Rekeying a door lock is a straightforward process; the only challenge is having the right tools on hand. Before taking on a project like this, make sure you have all the materials and guidance necessary to get the job done safely and correctly.

At Locksmith Columbus, we know how important it is to make sure your home is secure. That’s why we offer a number of rekeying services that will ensure your peace of mind. From helping you choose the right lock for your door to making sure the lock you already have is in prime condition, we can help you stay secure. Contact us today for more information.