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. Homeowners may not know that they can rekey their locks by themselves. Rekeying your locks saves considerable money, especially when you need to rekey multiple locks. Plus, if you like new challenges, rekeying a lock can be an inexpensive project that helps you learn how locks operate.

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.

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.

When to Rekey Your 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.

Is It Legal to Rekey Your Locks?

Generally, as long as you own the property to which the lock and key belong, you may rekey the lock. This assumes no other factors are involved. One notable set of factors may be landlord-tenant laws that limit or prohibit rekeying when the renter is still living on the property. Similarly, as a tenant, it is unlikely that you may rekey a lock without the landlord's permission.

As these can be complicated issues, consult a qualified attorney about this or any other question about the legality of rekeying your lock.

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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