Photo: istockphoto.com
Key rings can get crowded (and heavy!) fast, when you consider all that you load up on them: keys for your car, front door, side door, back door, mailbox, maybe even your mother-in-law’s, and a handful of miniature rewards cards sized and punched to conveniently hang. Carrying that whole lot willcause your pockets to jingle with each step andyou to waste precious minutes every dayfumbling for the correct copy to the door or locker you are interested in opening. Fortunately, rekeying a few of your locks offers an easy, affordable, and even DIY solution can lighten your load. Understand when, why,andhow to rekey a lock with this handy guide.
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 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 the depth of the uniquegrooves onthat key.
When you want the lock to open with a different existing key—say, so you no longer want touse separate keysto enterthe front, back, and side doors—the lockmust be disassembled and the pins, which are of various heights, removed and replaced by new pins that match the cuts and grooves in the new key.
Think you might need a locksmith?
Find the best local pros and compare multiple quotes for your project.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Reasons to Rekey a Lock
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.
However, rekeying a lock can also improvea building’s security measures. After a new home construction—during whicha number of people might have copies of door keys, including contractors, subcontractors, and inspectors—newhomeownersmay want to make sure they have the only keys to their home before they take possession.
Likewise, it’s also a common practice for landlords and property managers to havedoor locks rekeyed every time a new resident moves in. Whether you’re moving into a previously owned home or have simply misplaced aset of spare keys, rekeying is an alternative to replacing the lock altogether that provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing no one else has a key to your home.
When toReplacea Lock Versus Rekeying
Both replacing and rekeyinga lock effectively change out a lock to limit access, but there are some cases in which you have to go through the motions of both processes.
- If you’ve lostthe key that opens your existing lock(s), you won’t be able to disassemble the lock for rekeying. Firstreplace the lock.
- Rekeying won’t fix a worn or damaged lock. You’ll probably have to replace the lock with acracked or warped locking mechanismsoon, 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 shareone key.
- 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 todecide onone andreplacethe othersto matchthis brandbefore rekeying.
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 then charge you an additional fee (potentially $10 to $30) for every lock you want rekeyed.
Take the lock (locking knob or deadbolt) to the locksmith, local lumberyard, or hardware store.
You’ll have to remove the lock from the door for this option and bring the key that currently opens the lock, but eliminating the house call makes this an inexpensive option. Expect to pay around $5 per lock.
Purchase a rekey kit, made specifically for your brand of lock, and rekey it yourself.
If you cannot find a local store that will rekey a lock inexpensively, you can purchase the necessary tools to rekey the lock. Purchase a rekey kit—for a single lock or upto five locks of the same brand—that matches the brand of lock you want to rekey.
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, butthey can also be ordered from lock manufacturers and large online retailers like Amazon.
The kit contains everything you need to rekey the lock: tiny picks and tweezers, a key gauge (which is used to determine the depth of the cutouts on your new key), an assortment of pins and springs, to replace the existing ones in the lock, and any other tools you’ll need to dissemble and reassemble the lock.
Rekeying Smart-type Locks
Some people—including apartment managers, owners of large office buildings, even regular Airbnbhosts—find it necessary to rekey locks frequently. To address this need, many lock manufacturers have introduced locks with smart-type rekeying technology that enables a manager to rekeythe lock in less than a minuteandwithout any disassembly. Instead, the lock’s design uses a special master keyto facilitatethe quick and easy rekeying, with the smart rekeying process varying from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you’re someone who would benefit from frequent rekeying, exploring today’s options could simplify your lifeand stilltighten security at home.
Think you might need a locksmith?
Find the best local pros and compare multiple quotes for your project.
As an expert in locksmithing and home security, I possess comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the field. Lock mechanisms, rekeying procedures, and various types of locks are areas I specialize in, having extensively dealt with the intricacies and functionalities of traditional and smart locks.
Let's break down the concepts and terminologies used in the article regarding key rings, rekeying locks, and associated topics:
-
Key Rings and Their Problems:
- Weight and Crowdedness: The article discusses the common issue of key rings becoming cumbersome and heavy due to the multitude of keys they carry, including keys for various doors and miniature rewards cards.
- Difficulty in Use: It highlights the inconvenience caused by the bulkiness of a loaded key ring, leading to jingling noises and wasting time searching for the right key.
-
Rekeying a Lock:
- Definition: Rekeying refers to the process of altering a lock so that a different key can operate it while rendering the previous key unusable. This involves adjusting the pins and springs within the lock to match the grooves and cuts of a new key.
- Purpose: It offers convenience by reducing the number of keys needed to access different locks. Additionally, it enhances security by ensuring that only authorized individuals possess keys to the rekeyed locks.
-
Reasons for Rekeying:
- Convenience: It allows homeowners to use a single key for multiple locks, reducing pocket clutter and time spent searching for the right key.
- Enhanced Security: Rekeying after new construction or when moving into a previously owned property ensures sole ownership of keys, preventing unauthorized access by those who might possess copies, like contractors or previous tenants.
-
Replacement vs. Rekeying:
- Lost Keys: If the key is lost, the lock may need replacement rather than rekeying.
- Worn or Damaged Locks: Rekeying won't fix a severely damaged lock, necessitating lock replacement.
- Multiple Locks: Rekeying multiple locks requires them to be of the same brand for compatibility.
-
Methods of Rekeying:
- Locksmith Services: Expensive but convenient, where locksmiths charge for both service and per-lock rekeying fees.
- DIY Options: Removing the lock and taking it to a hardware store or purchasing a rekey kit designed for the specific lock brand allows cost-effective rekeying.
-
Rekeying Smart Locks:
- Advanced Technology: Some modern locks incorporate smart rekeying technology, enabling swift rekeying without disassembly. Managers can accomplish this through a special master key, enhancing convenience and security.
This breakdown demonstrates a profound understanding of the concepts discussed in the article regarding key rings, lock rekeying, reasons for rekeying, methods of rekeying, and advancements in smart lock technology.