How Does A Locksmith Rekey A Lock?

Locks are a fundamental aspect of security for homes, businesses, and vehicles. Sometimes, rather than replacing a lock entirely, it becomes necessary to rekey it, which is a more cost-effective and efficient solution. Rekeying a lock involves altering the lock mechanism so that a new key can operate it while the old key will no longer work. This process is essential when there is a change in ownership, a lost key, or any other reason requiring restricted access to an area. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process a locksmith follows to rekey a lock.

Understanding the Basics of Lock Rekeying

Rekeying a lock is fundamentally different from replacing a lock. When you replace a lock, the entire locking mechanism is removed and replaced with a new one. Rekeying, on the other hand, involves changing the internal components of the lock so that it works with a new key. This is achieved by altering the arrangement of the pins inside the lock cylinder.

Tools Required for Rekeying a Lock

A locksmith utilizes specific tools to rekey a lock effectively. These tools include:

Rekeying Kit: This kit contains various pin sizes, new keys, and special tools required for the rekeying process.

Plug Follower: This tool is used to push the plug out of the cylinder without losing the top pins and springs.

Pinning Tweezers: These are used to handle the small pins during the rekeying process.

Key Gauge: This measures the key cut depths to match the corresponding pin lengths.

Screwdrivers and Pliers: These are used to disassemble and reassemble the lock.

Step-by-Step Process of Rekeying a Lock

Step 1: Remove the Lock from the Door

The first step in rekeying a lock is to remove it from the door. The locksmith uses a screwdriver to unscrew the lock from the door. For deadbolt locks, this typically involves removing the screws from the faceplate and then pulling the lock mechanism out of the door. For knob or lever locks, the locksmith will often need to remove a mounting plate to access the lock cylinder.

Step 2: Disassemble the Lock

Once the lock is removed from the door, the next step is to disassemble it to access the cylinder. The locksmith will use the appropriate tools to remove any retaining clips or screws that hold the cylinder in place. After the cylinder is free, the plug (the part of the lock that the key inserts into) is removed from the cylinder housing.

Step 3: Extract the Plug

To extract the plug from the cylinder, the locksmith will use a plug follower. The plug follower is inserted into the back of the cylinder, pushing the plug out while keeping the top pins and springs in place. This step is critical as losing these components can make reassembling the lock difficult.

Step 4: Remove the Old Pins

With the plug extracted, the locksmith will then remove the old pins from the plug. These pins are what make the lock work with the old key. The locksmith will empty the plug by turning it upside down, allowing the pins to fall out. Each pin corresponds to a specific cut on the old key.

Step 5: Insert the New Pins

Using the new key that will operate the lock, the locksmith will use the key gauge to determine the appropriate pin sizes. The new key is inserted into the plug, and the locksmith then places the new pins into the plug’s chambers. Each new pin matches the cuts on the new key, ensuring that the plug can only turn when the new key is inserted.

Step 6: Reassemble the Lock

After the new pins are in place, the plug is reinserted into the cylinder using the plug follower to ensure that the top pins and springs remain undisturbed. The locksmith then reassembles the lock by replacing any retaining clips or screws that were removed earlier.

Step 7: Test the New Key

Before reattaching the lock to the door, the locksmith tests the new key to ensure it operates the lock smoothly. The key should turn the plug without any resistance, and the lock should function as intended. If there are any issues, the locksmith may need to adjust the pins or check for any debris inside the lock.

Step 8: Reinstall the Lock

Once the new key is verified to work correctly, the locksmith reinstalls the lock into the door. This involves reversing the initial disassembly process, ensuring that the lock is securely fastened and properly aligned with the door hardware.

Why Rekey a Lock?

Rekeying a lock offers several advantages:

Enhanced Security: If you’ve moved into a new home or lost a key, rekeying ensures that old keys no longer work, preventing unauthorized access.

Cost-Effective: Rekeying is generally cheaper than replacing the entire lock, as it only involves changing the pins inside the cylinder.

Convenience: Rekeying can make all locks in your home or business operable with a single key, simplifying key management.

When Should You Rekey a Lock?

Rekeying is recommended in several situations:

After Moving: When moving into a new residence, it’s crucial to rekey the locks to ensure no previous occupants or strangers have access.

Lost Keys: If you lose a key, rekeying prevents anyone who finds it from entering your property.

Tenant Changes: For landlords, rekeying locks between tenants enhances security and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Rekeying a lock is a precise and methodical process that enhances security and offers peace of mind. Locksmiths use specialized tools and expertise to change the internal components of a lock so that it operates with a new key. This process is cost-effective, efficient, and a practical solution for ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to a property. By understanding the steps involved in rekeying, property owners can make informed decisions about their security needs and take appropriate actions to safeguard their premises.

If you’re looking for a reliable locksmith in Kanata area then give Locksmith Kanata a Call at (613) 707-1910.