How to Rekey a Lock

When you need your house door locks rekeyed, you can always buy entirely new locks and install them. But this is an expensive solution to a simple problem; it wastes locks and doorknobs simply for the sake of obtaining new keys. Plus, if you need to rekey multiple locks, you end up with multiple keys. The best solution is to rekey your locks.

Rekeying a lock is a common task for a locksmith, and this simple project only takes about 30 minutes to complete. The only tools you'll need to rekey your lock yourself are a rekey kit and the current key to the lock. This saves considerable money, especially when you need to access multiple locks with the same key. Plus, if you like new challenges, rekeying a lock can be an inexpensive project that helps you learn how locks operate.

Below, learn how to rekey a lock cylinder yourself using a rekey kit to keep your home secure without replacing the locks altogether.

How a Lock Works

Door knobs, door levers, and deadbolts with keyed locks usually have two sets of pins set within a plug: driver pins and key pins. Pushing a key into the plug forces the pins up and down at varying heights.

The driver pins are all the same length and attached to springs. These will not be changed out when rekeying the lock. The other set, the key pins, are of different lengths and will be removed and replaced during the rekeying process.

When a lock is locked, the two sets of pins act as obstacles, preventing the plug from rotating. When a key is pushed into the plug, it contacts the key pins. The key pins, in turn, contact the driver pins and bring them within alignment at the shear line, allowing the plug to turn and thus open the lock.

How Rekeying a Lock Works

When you rekey a lock by yourself, you will need to purchase a rekey kit that is specific to your brand of doorknob, lever, or deadbolt.

Rekey kits allow you to rekey a lock to match existing keys in the kit. You will receive several keys (often between three and six keys), all identically cut. A set of pins comes with the kit, numbered or color-coded to identify their positions in the plug.

The new keys correspond to the new pins. In most cases, all other pieces of the lock stay the same. A few simple tools are usually included with the kit.

Should You Rekey Your Lock or Replace It?

While rekeying your lock is considerably cheaper than replacing it, there are a few situations that require all-new locks. Here's how to tell when to rekey your lock or replace it.

Rekey the Lock

• Locks are most commonly rekeyed when one or more keys have been lost or stolen. Rekeying the lock or locks ensures that someone who might find the key—and can match the key to its lock—cannot open the lock and enter the home.
• Besides protecting against potential thieves, locks are often rekeyed when renters, housemates, spouses, or partners leave the home but still have a key or may have duplicated the key.
• If you want to make all the locks in your home fit the same key, it's best to rekey rather than replacing. This is a common first step for homebuyers when moving into their new home.

Replace the Lock

• If you do not have the lock's current key, you'll have to replace the lock. If you've lost the key that fits multiple locks on your home or you don't want a new lock for other reasons, you can also call a locksmith to make you a new key for the existing lock.
• When your lock becomes damaged or broken, the entire lock needs to be replaced.
• If you'd like to update the door lock style, it will also require a new key. For example, if you update your front door knobs from knobs to handles, the new lock will come with its own key.
  

Before You Begin

If all of the keys are missing, you'll need to call a locksmith. At least one working key is required to rekey a lock by yourself.

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