Rekeying is a cheaper and faster alternative to replacing locks. It also helps prevent unauthorized access to important information and assets. It’s ideal for new homeowners who don’t know who the previous owners gave key copies to, landlords changing locks between tenants, or businesses that want to stop old employees from accessing sensitive areas.
Reasons to Rekey
There are a number of reasons why you might want to rekey your locks. For example, you may have bought a new home and are concerned about how many keys the previous owners had floating around. Rekeying the lock ensures that only your key will open it. It’s also a good idea to rekey your locks after a break-in so that the thieves can’t reuse the same key to gain entry again.
Rekeying is also a way to make different locks from the same brand work with one key. To do this, the key must have a special shape cut into it to raise certain parts of the pins in the cylinder. When the correct key is inserted, these pins will rise and allow the cylinder to rotate. This shear line created by the raised pins is what opens the lock.
Rekeying is a less expensive alternative to changing the entire lock cylinder, but it’s not always possible. For instance, if the key is damaged or broken, it won’t be possible to rekey the lock. In this case, it’s best to change the lock entirely rather than rekeying the existing lock. Changing the lock also ensures that all of the parts are working correctly and are secure. It’s important to note that landlords cannot change the locks without the tenants’ consent.
Tools Needed
There are a number of tools that you will need to rekey a lock yourself. First, purchase a rekey kit that is specific to your brand of lock. It will contain various tools to aid in removing the knob from the handle and also a set of different sized pins to replace the existing ones in the cylinder.
Once the kit is in hand, remove the doorknob or deadbolt handle by compressing a wire tool that came with your rekeying kit into a small hole in the knob to release a retaining clip. This will allow you to slide the rekeying kit’s removal tool in and pop off the knob.
Using the key gauge that is included in your rekeying kit, test the new pins. Insert your new key and push it into the lock cylinder to see if the pins rise to the proper height. If the pins are too long, they will push out the driver pins in the cylinder and cause the lock to not turn.
You will also need a chamber pick, plug follower, and tweezers to rekey your lock. These are long, thin tools that have a variety of shapes that fit into the keyhole to push or pull pins up or down in the lock’s cylinder. You will need tweezers to hold and insert the new pins because they are very tiny. If you don’t have tweezers, you can use a pair of needle-nosed pliers.
Cost
It is often cheaper to Rekey Locks Washington DC rather than to replace them. This is because rekeying involves swapping out the pins, which are quite cheap and simple, while replacing locks involves buying new locks, which are typically more expensive.
When you buy a new home, it’s important to rekey all the locks in the house immediately. You never know who the previous homeowners gave spare keys to, such as a dog walker or house cleaner. This is the best way to make sure that no one else can get into your home.
The rekeying process involves disassembling the lock and swapping out the internal pins, which are of different heights. The new pins are then arranged in such a way that they match the cuts on the new key. This makes the lock open with the new key and keeps the old key from working.
Rekeying a lock is an easy DIY project, although it does involve handling tiny pins. You can purchase a rekey kit, which is a set of pins that fit the specific brand of lock you’re rekeying, at a local hardware store or lumberyard. You’ll also need a screwdriver and pliers.
It is important to note that you can only rekey a lock to work with a key from the same brand. The shear line must be in alignment to allow the lock to rotate, which is how it opens. For example, you can’t rekey a Schlage doorknob to open with a Kwikset or Sargeant lock, because the keyholes are not the same size.
Time Frame
Rekeying a lock involves changing the pins inside the lock cylinder. This ensures that the old key will no longer work and that new keys can be used to open it. The process can take a while because it requires the skill of a professional locksmith. It is a good idea to call an experienced locksmith and ask them what the estimated time frame would be for the job.
Generally speaking, rekeying locks is cheaper than replacing them. This is because you don’t have to install a brand-new lock. However, you might want to consider getting a replacement lock for aesthetic reasons, such as when you remodel your home. It is also a good idea to change your locks when you move in. This will help you avoid unauthorized copies of your key, which are easy for criminals to make.
Another reason to rekey your locks is after a break-in. If a thief has access to your home and has a copy of your key, it can be very difficult to secure your property and protect yourself against future break-ins.
Many people wonder who should pay to rekey their locks when they move in. This is a great question because it can be confusing for both landlords and tenants. Landlords are usually responsible for rekeying the locks between renters. This will ensure that the previous tenant and any other people they gave a key to will no longer have access to the apartment.
