The Process of Rekeying a Lock and When it’s Necessary

Rekeying a lock is a process of changing the lock’s internal mechanism to match a new key. It’s a cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire lock, and it can provide added security by rendering previous keys useless. In this article, we’ll explain the process of rekeying a lock and when it’s necessary.

The Process of Rekeying a Lock

1. Remove the lock cylinder: To rekey a lock, you’ll need to remove the lock cylinder from the door. This is typically done using a key, but in some cases, a tool may be required.
2. Remove the pins: Once the cylinder is removed, you’ll need to remove the existing pins. These are the small pieces inside the cylinder that correspond to the cuts on a key.
3. Insert new pins: After the old pins have been removed, insert new pins that correspond to the cuts on the new key. Make sure the pins are inserted at the correct depth to ensure proper function of the lock.
4. Reassemble the lock cylinder: Once the new pins are in place, reassemble the lock cylinder and insert the new key to test the lock.
5. Test the lock: Test the lock with the new key to ensure it works properly. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust the pin depths or reassemble the lock cylinder.

When is Rekeying a Lock Necessary?

1. Lost or stolen keys: If you’ve lost your keys or they’ve been stolen, rekeying your locks is a good idea. This will prevent anyone who may have found or stolen your keys from accessing your home or business.
2. Moving into a new home or business: When you move into a new home or business, it’s a good idea to rekey the locks. This will ensure that any previous keys will no longer work and that you have full control over who has access to your property.
3. Employee turnover: If you have employees who have access to your business, rekeying the locks may be necessary when an employee leaves the company. This will ensure that they no longer have access to the property.
4. Upgrading security: If you’re concerned about the security of your home or business, rekeying the locks can be a cost-effective way to upgrade your security. This can be especially useful if you’ve recently experienced a break-in or other security breach.

Benefits of Rekeying a Lock

1. Cost-effective: Rekeying a lock is often less expensive than replacing the entire lock.
2. Enhanced security: Rekeying a lock can provide enhanced security by rendering previous keys useless.
3. Convenience: Rekeying a lock is a relatively quick and easy process, and it can be done without removing the entire lock from the door.
4. Peace of mind: Rekeying your locks can provide peace of mind by ensuring that you have full control over who has access to your property.

Conclusion

Rekeying a lock is a cost-effective and convenient way to upgrade your security and ensure that you have full control over who has access to your property. Whether you’ve lost your keys, moved into a new home or business, or are concerned about security, rekeying your locks can provide added peace of mind. By understanding the process of rekeying a lock and when it’s necessary, you can make informed decisions about your home or business security.