There are many reasons for rekeying a door lock. Many homeowners tend to take their door locks and keys for granted. However, you may have encountered situations requiring a professional lock rekeying service. For instance, you may need a residential locksmith service if you have recently moved into an apartment. You may also need to rekey your locks if you have misplaced or lost your keys.
To help make things easier for you, think of these things about rekeying locks. Rekeying can help prevent lockouts and protect your property from theft. It can be a great way to improve security or make things easier for yourself. Rekeying a front door lock is surprisingly easy and will not break the bank. At MacArthur Locks & Doors, we know when it is best to rekey your locks. In this article, we will guide you on how to do it yourself.
What Does Rekeying Mean?
Rekeying simply changes the pins inside a lock to match a new key. A lot of homeowners usually do this process for security reasons. One of those is to prevent someone with a copy of the old key from accessing a locked area.
In simple terms, rekeying a lock involves removing the existing pins and replacing them with new ones that correspond to the new key. While it might sound simple, the process requires precision. So, it is important to follow instructions carefully to avoid getting locked out of the area. That is why calling a professional locksmith can save you the stress of DIY mistakes or accidental lockouts.
How Is Lock Rekeying Done?
There are a few easy steps to rekeying a pin and tumbler lock. First, you will need to buy a lock rekey kit for the brand you have. This kit should include various tools for removing the lock and a set of different-sized pins. Once you have this kit ready, follow these steps:
Step 1: Remove the doorknob
Start by taking the knob off the door. Depending on the brand, you can either:
- Turn the knob counterclockwise while holding it steady, or
- Insert the key, turn it a quarter-turn clockwise, and then use the remover tool.
Once the holes align, press the remover tool to release the knob from its shank. Keep all parts in one place for reassembly.
Step 2: Take the cylinder out
You must remove the cylinder from the inside after taking out the knob. Then, using the proper tool, remove the cap off the back of the knob if it has one. Finally, to release the cylinder, push it from front to rear.
Step 3. Remove the C-clip
After removing the cylinder, unfasten the C-clip that is holding the cylinder in place.
Step 4. Attach the key plug
Using the follower tube from your kit, remove the key plug from its housing. Put the key in the lock after attaching it to the back of the cylinder. You may need to rotate the key 45 degrees to open some locks. To retain the pins and springs in place, push the plug follower into the housing while removing the cylinder plug.
Step 5. Remove and replace the pins
Remove the plug’s pins. Then, as stated in the kit’s manual, insert new pins. Check to see if they are flush with the plug’s top.
Step 6: Change the plug
Replace the plug in the cylinder while gradually removing the plug follower. Make sure the key turns after being inserted. Replace the C-clip after removing the follower until it snaps into place.
Step 8: Replace the doorknob
Reattach the knob to the door after inserting the cylinder once more.
Step 9. Check the lock
After you put everything back together, it is time to test the lock.
While DIY rekeying is possible with the right tools and DIY skills, it can sometimes be tricky for first-timers. For hassle-free and precise rekeying, it is always best to call a DC locksmith.
Locksmith Near Me
Have you recently lost your keys or need to secure your home after moving into a new place? Rekeying your locks is a practical solution to regain control of your home’s security. At MacArthur Locks & Doors, our locksmith DC experts provide efficient and reliable lock rekeying services to ensure your property is secure all the time. Whether it is a door lockout, a need for rekeying, or even a new lock upgrade, we have the expertise to handle it all. Call us today at (202) 760-4589 to learn more about what we do best!
