Home lock rekeying can be a very confusing process. There are many different types of locks, and it’s not always clear how to go about changing the key for your home. Re-keying your door is an easy way to increase security without having to buy new locks, but there are so many companies out there that offer this service that it’s hard to know who you can trust.
What is Re-keying?
Re-keying is the process of changing the lock to re-key your home locks. This is different than re-pinning or re-constructing, which means rewiring each pin in the lock to make it secure again. Rekeying is a much simpler and more cost-effective alternative, especially for home users.
Rekeying cannot be done to all types of locks, but many Kwikset and Schlage residential home lock brands can rekey. You should check with your local locksmith to see if rekeying is a service they provide for you.
Here are the 5 basic steps to re-keying your home locks:
1. Identify Your Locks
There are many different types of locks, including deadbolts, internal knobs, and levers.
Make sure rekeying is available for the type of lock you currently have. You may need to rewire or rework your lock.
2. Get A New Key
Give the rekeying process a fresh start. Resetting will reset all of your lock information and rekey your home locks to work with a new key.
3. Remove Your Lock
Take apart the lock mechanism and remove everything that is on or in the door except for the lock cylinder itself.
4. Remove The Existing Pins
Several pins need to be rekeyed, and the lock rekeying kit has different sized pins for each of them, along with a rekeying tool.
Insert the right pin into its correct place in the rekeying tool, then insert the rekeying tool back into the cylinder. This is re-pinning your lock, as rekeying does not rewire each pin-like rewiring would.
5. Reassemble Your Lock
Put everything together and reattach it to the door or frame, then test it out with your new key!
Locksmith rekeying is a much simpler process than rewiring or reworking your lock, and only takes a bit of time to go through. If you have any questions about re-keying your home locks, make sure to call your local locksmith today!
Facts about Rekeying
- If a rekeying kit is employed then it must be from the same manufacturer. If you rekey using a rekeying kit from another manufacturer, the lock would likely remain functional but cannot be guaranteed. In this situation re-installation of a new cylinder is required.
- Different types of rekeying kits are available for rekeying. The rekeying kit should be from the same manufacturer as your lock.
- If you rekey with a rekeying kit from another manufacturer then the rekeyed lock would likely remain functional but cannot be guaranteed. When rekeying is completed, duplication of all working components must be possible for re-installation to be successful.
- In rekeying, all working components need to be in place for re-installation to be successful.
- It is not always necessary to rekey when rekeying locks using a rekeying kit from the same manufacturer, but it is recommended that you do rekey your lock if possible.
The reason for this is rekeying rekeys your lock to work with a new key only. Changing the lock rekeys it so that it will also rekey or re-key other locks on your door.
- If you don’t rekey, re-installation of a new cylinder may be necessary which is more time-consuming and costly.
Re-keying FAQ’s
Why should you re-key your home locks?
Re-keying makes sure only those who should have access to your home do. It’s also an easy and affordable way to ensure that no one can get into your house without having the right key. Plus, re-keying is quick and easy for us! We’ll rekey your locks in just about an hour, so you don’t have to worry about being locked out of your own home for too long.
What is rekeying?
Rekeying is a term used to describe the process of changing the internal components of a lock cylinder. When rekeying your home locks, you are making changes to the tumblers inside the lock so that it opens with a different key than before. In rekeying locks, each tumbler is re-positioned into a new position within the lock. There are two rekeying options: rekey or replace.
What does Rekey vs Replace mean?
When rekeying your home locks, there usually comes a time when you need to rekey locks instead of replacing them together. Rekeying is more cost-effective and can be done quickly and easily in most cases. If rekeying your home locks makes the most sense for you, a rekey is a less expensive alternative to replacing all of your locks.
How much does rekeying cost?
Our rekey service starts at $19 per lock cylinder, with an average cost of around $25-$35 per rekey. While rekeying is less expensive than replacing your locks, it’s still a worthwhile investment to keep your home safe and secure. For $25-$35, we can rekey as much as 10 to 15 door locks in just an hour or two, making rekeying one of the best ways to protect your home without breaking the bank.
How do I rekey my locks?
Rekeying your home locks is a piece of cake with our rekeying service. Here are the 5 basic steps to rekey your house lock cylinders:
1.) Choose Your Locks – You must have a completed key or keys for each lock you’d like rekeyed.
2.) Go Online – contact us to schedule an appointment!
3.) Pick Your Key: We ask that you pick a key so we can rekey your lock cylinders to match it. You can do this by either picking the same brand of lock for each rekey or bringing a working key in with you.
4.) Our rekey specialist rekeys your locks right before your eyes! We rekey the lock cylinders while you wait to make sure everything looks good and is secure.
5.) Your rekeys are complete! Enjoy knowing that your locks will always open with the same key from now on.
Did you know?
Lock rekeying is a necessary service for homeowners. As locks are used, they get worn down. The key starts to get shallow grooves because it’s being turned so many times. When rekeying your home locks, eventually rekeys will become inevitable because of the rekeying process.
To re-key or not to re-key? Rekeying your house lock cylinders can be an ideal way to avoid having to replace all of your locks in the future and save you money at the same time! Since we rekey each lock cylinder with brand new parts and equipment, you won’t have to worry about any faulty parts shortly.
Since rekeying already costs less than replacing all of your locks, rekeying is the ideal way to rekey and save. Plus, rekeying can be done quickly and easily!
Do you need to re-key your locks?
If so, we can help! We are a professional locksmith service that provides fast and reliable key cutting services. Our technicians will come to your location and cut the key for you right away. They will then replace your existing lock with a new one of our quality products. This is an affordable solution for all types of residential and commercial customers in Maryland, Washington DC, Baltimore, or any other area in the United States.
You don’t want just any old locksmithing company coming into your home and messing around with your security system – especially not after hours! That’s why we offer 24/7 service 365 days a year-even on holidays! We know how important it is for people who live in busy neighborhoods like yours to feel safe at all times. Let us help protect what matters most to you!
