Moving into a house of your own is a thrilling experience — until you realize all the responsibilities that come with it. One of which is ensuring your home’s security. One of the most effective ways to boost security is getting your home locks rekeyed by a residential locksmith or on your own.
This guide will walk you through the process of rekeying your locks step-by-step, making it a manageable task even for beginners.
Understanding How a Lock Works
Before we get into the how of lock rekeying, it’s important to know the basics. How does a lock even work?
A typical pin and tumbler lock consists of a cylindrical plug containing a series of pins and springs of varying lengths. These pins align with the grooves in a key, allowing the lock to turn. To make a lock work with a new key, you need to replace the existing pins with new ones that match the new key’s cuts.
Sounds complicated? It’s really not.
How to Rekey a Lock
Rekeying a home lock might sound daunting and a job for a residential locksmith, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s a straightforward process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Remove the Doorknob
Start by removing the doorknob from the door. Align the holes in the cylinder by either turning the knob counterclockwise or by inserting and turning the key a quarter turn to the right. This will depend on the brand of lock you have, so make sure you have a look at the instruction manual. Insert the remover tool, press, and pop the knob off, separating it from the shank.
Also Read: Choosing the Right Locksmith for Your Home Security
Step 2: Remove the Cylinder
Next, remove the cylinder from inside the knob. If your knob has a cap on the back, use an appropriate tool to remove it. Push the cylinder out from the front to the back.
Step 3: Take Out the C-Clip
Remove the C-clip holding the cylinder in place. This small metal clip can be removed with needle-nose pliers or a flathead screwdriver.
Step 4: Attach the Key Plug
Using the follower tube from your rekey kit, attach it to the back of the cylinder. Insert the key into the lock and turn it 45 degrees. Push the cylinder plug out of the cylinder, leaving the follower inside to hold the pins and springs in place.
Step 5: Dump the Old Pins
Remove the key and dump out the old pins from the plug. Insert the new key into the plug.
Step 6: Insert New Pins
Insert new pins into the plug according to the instructions in your rekey kit. Make sure the pins are flush with the top of the plug.
Step 7: Replace the Plug
Push the plug back into the cylinder, slowly pushing out the plug follower as you go. Test the new key to ensure it turns the lock smoothly. Replace the C-clip until it snaps into place.
Step 8: Reattach the Knob to the Door
Reinsert the cylinder into the knob and reattach the knob to the door.
Step 9: Test the Lock
Once everything is reassembled, test the lock to ensure it operates correctly.
How to Rekey a Deadbolt Lock?
Rekeying a deadbolt lock follows a similar process. If your deadbolt and doorknob require different keys but are the same brand, you can rekey them to use the same key.
- Remove the Deadbolt: Extend the bolt and remove the screws holding the deadbolt to the door.
- Disassemble the Cylinder: Remove the cylinder from the housing and take off the endcap. Remove the retainer pin.
- Repin the Cylinder: Replace the pins as you would for a doorknob, ensuring they match the new key.
- Reassemble the Lock: Replace the cylinder into the housing, reattach the endcap and retainer pin, and secure the lock back onto the door.
When to Change Your Door Locks Rather Than Rekey?
Sometimes, rekeying isn’t always the best idea.
Here are a few scenarios where changing your locks might be more appropriate:
- Lost Keys: If you’ve lost your key and don’t have a spare, you can’t remove the home lock to rekey it
- Remodeling: If you’re replacing doors as part of a remodel, it might be a good time to update your locks as well
- Worn or Damaged Locks: Rekeying won’t fix a lock that’s worn out or damaged. In such cases, replacing the home lock is the best option
- Different Brands: To rekey multiple locks to use the same key, all locks must be from the same manufacturer. If you have different brands, choose one to match and replace the others
Where Locks Meet Their Match!
Rekeying your home locks is a cost-effective way to enhance your home’s security, especially after moving into a new place. It’s a manageable DIY project that provides peace of mind knowing you control who has access to your home.
However, if you’re not confident in your ability to rekey your locks, hiring a professional residential locksmith is always the safer and better option. Consider reaching out to NYC Locksmith for expert assistance in securing your new home.