how do you rekey a door

Method 1.

• 1. Get a rekeying kit. Also called pinning kits, rekeying kits are available at most hardware stores and home centers, as well as online.
• 2. Remove the exterior doorknob or lock face. Door knobs are held in place with a clip accessed by inserting a wire into a tiny hole. Your rekeying ...
• 3. Take out the lock cylinder. Using a cylinder follower (a small brass tube), push the cylinder through the assembly to remove the sleeve covering it ...
• 4. Remove the cylinder retainer ring. Use a wrench-like ring remover to remove the retaining ring from the lock cylinder. Put the retainer ring ...

Full Answer

How do you rekey a door lock?

Search online or at your local hardware store for a rekeying kit that matches the brand of your lock to make sure all of the pieces fit correctly. Rekeying kits usually contain a catch tool, a spanner, a plastic follower tube, as well as precut keys you can use for your new lock.

Why should you get your house door locks rekeyed?

When you need your house door locks rekeyed, you can always buy entirely new locks and install them. But this is an expensive solution to a simple problem; it wastes locks and doorknobs simply for the sake of obtaining new keys. Plus, if you need to rekey multiple locks, you end up with multiple keys. The best solution is to rekey your locks.

Should you rekey or rekey your locks?

As mentioned, rekeying makes most sense for homeowners who prefer to have a single key that opens all of their door locks to the home or apartment. This process can lighten a full key ring to a few essentials, taking up less space in your pocket or bag as well as less time spent searching for the right one.

How do you take apart a door knob?

My door knob has a small hole between the part that rotates and the part that attaches to the door (refer to picture). All door knobs can be taken apart, yours will probably be different than the picture. When the door knob is turned the correct way there is a button that can be pushed to release the knob.

How many locks can you rekey with a kit?

How to keep pins and springs from popping out?

Do locksmiths charge for rekeying?

Is every editorial product independently selected?

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Can you rekey a door yourself?

You can re-key a lock like a pro at a fraction of the cost. Re-keying kits are available for most lock brands but they're not interchangeable. You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home.

How much does it cost to rekey a door lock?

Rekeying Home Locks Rekeying locks on your home typically costs $80 to $160. If you call the locksmith to your home, you might pay a trip fee of $50 to $100. The cost to rekey is $30 to $60 per lock, bringing you to that total. Rekeying is different and more affordable than replacing the locks.

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?

Rekeying your lock is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock. This is because of the cheaper price of the key pins inside the locks, whereas when you replace a lock, you are paying for all brand-new parts.

What does it mean to rekey a door?

When you rekey your locks, you're altering the lock mechanism so that the old key will no longer open it. Instead, a new key will be necessary. In many circumstances, rekeying your locks makes more sense than changing your locks.

What does Lowes charge to rekey locks?

In addition, Lowe's also provides its customers with a wide range of kits and keys that customers can use to rekey locks on their own. Going by the online reviews and statements of Lowe's shoppers, customers will have to pay around $5 to get their lock(s) rekeyed at a Lowe's store.

Can you rekey a lock without the original key?

Yes, it is possible for you to rekey a lock without the original key. A locksmith can change your locks even if you have lost or misplaced the original key. In general, it is possible to pick or shim the lock and unlock the door. Then, the locksmith will have a much easier time removing the lock cylinder.

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

Rekeying a lock generally takes about 15 minutes, but this depends on the type of lock as well as the skills of the person working on it. The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the lock from the door – the actual rekeying is much simpler.

Is it hard to rekey a lock?

If you have a traditional pin and tumbler lock, rekeying isn't as difficult as it sounds. First, you'll need to purchase a rekey kit for the brand of lock you have. The kit should contain various tools to aid in the lock's removal and a set of different sized pins.

How do I rekey my house?

0:043:18How to rekey a lock 101 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs you know it's a simple job that takes less than five minutes all you need is a rekey kit and aMoreAs you know it's a simple job that takes less than five minutes all you need is a rekey kit and a bit of training all keyed locks come case packed in multiples of three that are key - like. This way

Should you change locks after buying house?

When you move into a new home, you should change the locks on your house. You have no idea how many copies of the house keys are floating around out there from the previous homeowners, so changing the locks will keep your new house more secure. Tom recommends changing the locks whenever a new home is purchased.

How do you rekey a lock without a kit?

5:0116:56[44] DIY How To Easily Rekey Your Door Without A Key - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo all you got to do is you just got to just push it through. And then you're going to leave theMoreSo all you got to do is you just got to just push it through. And then you're going to leave the plug follower. Inside. And then inside here you have your key pins.

How do you make all doors the same key?

How Can I Make All My Doors Open With the Same Key?Prop the door slightly open. ... Repeat with all other doorknobs. ... Remove the two screws on the inside of the deadbolts. ... Take all of the knobs with their locks and keys to a home improvement store.More items...

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

Rekeying a lock generally takes about 15 minutes, but this depends on the type of lock as well as the skills of the person working on it. The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the lock from the door – the actual rekeying is much simpler.

How do I rekey a lock to match an existing key?

0:055:13How to Rekey a Pin and Tumbler Deadbolt - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRekeying a new lock to match an existing quick set key is simple and easy and all quick set locksMoreRekeying a new lock to match an existing quick set key is simple and easy and all quick set locks can be rekey to achieve convenient. One key operation across multiple locks. All you need is a quick

Should you change locks after buying house?

When you move into a new home, you should change the locks on your house. You have no idea how many copies of the house keys are floating around out there from the previous homeowners, so changing the locks will keep your new house more secure. Tom recommends changing the locks whenever a new home is purchased.

How much does it cost to replace a door lock cylinder?

When the locking/unlocking mechanism on your car door stops working, it usually means that the door lock cylinder will need to be replaced in its entirety, even if only a small component stops working correctly. A new car door lock can cost between $140 to $150.

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?

Generally, getting your locks rekeyed is cheaper than replacing them altogether. Replacing your locks is a good option if the old locks are falling...

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

It depends on your experience level and the kind of lock you’re dealing with. An experienced locksmith can rekey a lock in 2-3 minutes, but it migh...

How much does a locksmith charge to rekey a lock?

On average, it costs around $20-$50. Complicated locks with electronic components tend to be costlier than simple, old-fashioned locks.

What It Means to Rekey A Lock

A pin and tumbler lock—the kind of lock found on locking doorknobs and deadbolts—contains a steel cutaway that holds a cylindrical plug and a numbe...

When to Replace A Lock Versus Rekeying

Both replacing and rekeying a lock effectively change out a lock to limit access, but there are some cases in which you have to go through the moti...

Options For Rekeying A Traditional Lock

Call a locksmith. This is the most expensive option. A locksmith will usually charge a set rate for a service call (often between $40 and $100) and...

Rekeying Smart-Type Locks

Some people—including apartment managers, owners of large office buildings, even regular Airbnb hosts—find it necessary to rekey locks frequently....

How to Rekey a Kwikset SmartKey door lock without a locksmith!

Kwikset SmartKey allows you to easily rekey your entry doors in seconds. This is perfect for rental homes, homes with kids who lose their keys or any place y...

How To Match All Your Door Locks To One Key | YouRepair

A Friend asks how can he match all the locks to his exterior doors to one key. He has a situation where he needs to replace the lockset on his back door and wants to do the upgrade now while he is working on the door.

How to Re-key a Door Knob : 5 Steps - Instructables

Now comes the more confusing part. At least one of the pins has to be changed in order for the original key not to work, since you cant add metal to the key you have to add metal to a pin, there are two options; make a longer pin to go into the lock mechanism or "steal" a longer pin from a different part of the lock.

What is a pin and tumbler lock?

Before rekeying a lock, it helps to understand how locks work. The type of lock found on most doorknobs and deadbolts is called a pin and tumbler lock. It contains a cylindrical plug that holds a series of pins and springs. The pins are of varying lengths to allow a specifically cut key shape to insert and turn the lock.

How to remove doorknob from door?

To do this, you’ll need to align the holes in the cylinder by either turning the knob counterclockwise and holding it or inserting and turning the key a quarter turn to the right. (This step will vary by maker.)

What happens if you lose your key and don't have a spare?

If you’ve lost your key and don’t have a spare, and your knob is locked, you won’t be able to remove the lock to rekey it. You’ll need to replace it. You’re doing a bit of remodeling that includes replacing doors and you want an updated style. That would call for replacing your locks.

How do pins work on a lock?

For this to work, the length of the pins must match the depth of the grooves in the key. To make a lock work with a different key, you need to disassemble the lock, remove the pins, and replace them with ones that match the cuts in ...

Do you need to change locks when you rekey?

It’s time to replace the locks. If you don’t feel confident rekeying your lock and can’t find someone to do it for you, then you’ll need to change them. To rekey locks to use the same key, all of them must be from the same manufacturer.

Can you rekey a deadbolt?

If your deadbolt requires a separate key from your entry doorknob, you can rekey it if they are the same brand. To rekey the deadbolt, remove it from the door and repin as you do a doorknob . Make sure the bolt is out and remove the screws holding the deadbolt to the door. Remove the cylinder from the housing and the endcap from the cylinder.

Do you need a rekey kit for pin and tumbler locks?

If you have a traditional pin and tumbler lock, rekeying isn’t as difficult as it sounds. First, you’ll need to purchase a rekey kit for the brand of lock you have. The kit should contain various tools to aid in the lock’s removal and a set of different sized pins.

How do I rekey a house lock?

To rekey a house lock, remove the exterior doorknob by inserting a wire into a small hole in the doorknob. Then, take the lock cylinder out of the knob using a cylinder follower, and remove the cylinder retainer ring so you can take out the cylinder plug.

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer. It depends on your experience level and the kind of lock you’re dealing with. An experienced locksmith can rekey a lock in 2-3 minutes, but it might take 10-15 minutes for someone who’s new to the process. Getting the lock out of the door can take longer.

How to push pins out of cylinder?

Take off the end cam and inner spring, then insert a key into the lock tumbler to push the pins away from the cylinder walls. You should then be able to push the tumbler out from the back. The key does not have to be the one that is normally used with the lock.

How to prevent springs from falling out?

To prevent losing springs and upper pins if they fall out accidentally, work over a high-contrast surface or over a bowl or dish that will catch the lock components if they fall out.

Where can I get a rekeying kit?

Get a rekeying kit. Also called pinning kits, rekeying kits are available at most hardware stores and home centers, as well as online. Kits are available for most lock brands and come equipped to do multiple locks, but frequently work for only locks of the same brand.

Do pin tumbler locks have the same pins?

Community Answer. When rekeying a pin tumbler lock, yes, generally the top pins are all the same size. If a locksmith had rekyed the lock previously, at times they will match shorter top pins to longer bottom pins. This is especially true if the lock is part of an established master key system.

Can you rekey your locks if you lose your keys?

You may also wish to rekey your locks if you lose your keys, if you feel that too many others have copies of your keys or if you want the convenience of being able to lock and unlock your house's front and back doors with the same key. You can go to a locksmith to rekey your locks or you can do it yourself.

How much does a rekey kit cost?

A rekey kit for a single lock typically costs between $12 and $25 dollars, depending on the brand and type of lock. Hardware stores carry rekeying kits for some of the most common lock brands, but they can also be ordered from lock manufacturers and large online retailers like Amazon. Advertisement.

How much does it cost to rekey a lock?

A locksmith will usually charge a set rate for a service call (often between $40 and $100) and then charge you an additional fee (potentially $10 to $30) for every lock you want rekeyed.

What is a pin and tumbler lock?

A pin and tumbler lock—the kind of lock found on locking doorknobs and deadbolts—contains a steel cutaway that holds a cylindrical plug and a number of springs and pins that allow a specific key shape to turn in the lock. In order for a key to turn the locking mechanism, the configuration of the pins must match ...

How to replace a lock?

When to Replace a Lock Versus Rekeying 1 If you’ve lost the key that opens your existing lock (s), you won’t be able to disassemble the lock for rekeying. First replace the lock. 2 Rekeying won’t fix a worn or damaged lock. You’ll probably have to replace the lock with a cracked or warped locking mechanism soon, anyway, so consider doing so first. Then, if your goal was to change the locks so that you have the only key, you’re set; you only need to rekey if you want multiple locks to share one key. 3 When rekeying multiple locks to fit a single key, all locks must first have been made by the same manufacturer. For example, if your front door lock is a Schlage, the other locks you want rekeyed to match must also be made by Schlage. You cannot rekey a Kwikset or Sargeant lock to open with the same key as a Schlage lock, because different brands of locks have different size keyholes that only accept their own keys. If you’re dealing with multiple lock brands, you’ll need to decide on one and replace the others to match this brand before rekeying.

Can you rekey a Schlage lock?

You cannot rekey a Kwikset or Sargeant lock to open with the same key as a Schlage lock, because different brands of locks have different size keyholes that only accept their own keys. If you’re dealing with multiple lock brands, you’ll need to decide on one and replace the others to match this brand before rekeying.

Can you rekey a Kwikset lock?

For example, if your front door lock is a Schlage, the other locks you want rekeyed to match must also be made by Schlage. You cannot rekey a Kwikset or Sargeant lock to open with the same key as a Schlage lock, ...

Step 1: Remove the Knob

My door knob has a small hole between the part that rotates and the part that attaches to the door (refer to picture). All door knobs can be taken apart, yours will probably be different than the picture. When the door knob is turned the correct way there is a button that can be pushed to release the knob.

Step 2: Remove and Examine the Lock

On my particular brand of door knob the lock mechanism is only held in by a decorative ring and is easily slid off to remove the lock. Also remember how it came out although it should only fit one way. Once its out, test it and see how it works.

Step 3: Decide

Now comes the more confusing part. At least one of the pins has to be changed in order for the original key not to work, since you cant add metal to the key you have to add metal to a pin, there are two options; make a longer pin to go into the lock mechanism or "steal" a longer pin from a different part of the lock.

Step 4: Modify the Key

All you have to do to the key is make it work in the lock. If you followed the last step only one ridge on the key has to be modified, I drew an example. In the picture the red vertical on the key is the highest ridge and the green vertical is one of the lowest ridges.

Step 5: Put It Back Together

Now you can test it and put it back together. If you can't seem to get the key to turn, move the pins back to their original places except the the contents of the hole that you disposed of. If it works congratulations you have successfully re-keyed your lock. Just put it all back together and your all set. Check out my website.

How many keys does a rekey lock have?

You will receive a number of keys (often between three and six keys), all identically cut. A set of pins comes with the kit, numbered or color-coded to identify their positions in the plug.

How does a door lock work?

Door knobs, door levers, and deadbolts with keyed locks usually have two sets of pins set within a plug: driver pins and key pins. Pushing a key into the plug forces the pins up and down at varying heights. Attached to springs, the driver pins are all the same length.

What is rekeying a lock?

Rekeying a lock involves handling tiny pins. If you have poor vision, you may need to use glasses or a magnifying lens for the procedure. Do not throw away the old key until you are certain that the new keys work with all of the rekeyed locks. If you are rekeying multiple locks, you can expedite the process by doing all of them at once.

What happens when a lock is locked?

When a lock is locked, the two sets of pins act as obstacles, preventing the plug from rotating. When a key is pushed into the plug, it contacts the key pins. The key pins, in turn, contact the driver pins and bring them within alignment at the shear line, allowing the plug to turn and thus open the lock.

What is a set of pins?

A set of pins comes with the kit, numbered or color-coded to identify their positions in the plug. The new keys correspond to the new pins. In most cases, all other pieces of the lock stay the same. A few simple tools are usually included with the kit.

When to call a locksmith?

When to Call a Professional. You will need to call a locksmith if all of the keys are missing. At least one working key is required to rekey a lock by yourself.

Can you rekey a lock?

Generally, as long as you own the property to which the lock and key belong, you may rekey the lock, as long as no other factors are involved. One notable set of factors may be landlord-tenant laws that limit or prohibit rekeying when the renter is still living on the property. Similarly, as a tenant, it is unlikely that you may rekey ...

How many locks can you rekey with a kit?

You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home. (If you’re lucky, they’ll all be the same brand!) Each kit will re-key six locks, but you can order extra pins if you need to do more. The kit will work on entrance and deadbolt locks, and it comes with two keys and all the tools you’ll need except a screwdriver.

How to keep pins and springs from popping out?

Make sure to keep constant pressure between the plug and follower so the pins and springs don't pop out. You must keep the plug follower tight to the cylinder plug until it's completely removed so that the pins and springs don't pop out of the cylinder.

Do locksmiths charge for rekeying?

Locksmiths typically charge a fee to re-key an individual lock, even when you bring it to their shop. Since most homes have multiple doors with multiple locks, re-keying can get expensive. You can re-key a lock like a pro at a fraction of the cost.

Is every editorial product independently selected?

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.