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 can be done relatively cheap. 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 It Mean by Rekeying?
Rekeying simply changes the pins inside a lock to match a new key. This process is usually done for security reasons. One of those is to prevent someone with a copy of the old key from accessing a locked area.
Rekeying a lock involves removing the existing pins and replacing them with new ones that correspond to the new key. This process can be a bit tricky. So it is important to follow instructions carefully to avoid getting locked out of the area. Preparing for the worst in advance is also best, especially when you need a rekeying service in a lockout situation.
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 the necessary supplies, follow these steps:
Step 1: Take the doorknob off
Remove the doorknob from the door as a first step. To do this, either spin the knob counterclockwise while holding it in place. You can also insert the key and turn it a quarter turn to the right. Depending on the maker, this process may differ.
When the holes are positioned correctly, insert the remover tool, press down, and pop the knob free of the shank.
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 cylinder’s back. 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
Test the lock after everything has been put back together and seems safe.
Locksmith Near Me
Are you locked out of your house because you have lost or misplaced your keys? Then, contact an emergency locksmith for a lock rekey service. Our locksmith DC experts from MacArthur Locks & Doors have the knowledge and experience to complete the job quickly and efficiently. We can help you in every door lockout situation or whenever you need an automotive locksmith during a car lockout or a key programming service. Call us today at (202) 760-4589 to learn more about what we do best!
