How to rekey a lock

In the age of high security, rekeying a lock is becoming an essential task for homeowners, business owners, and other property owners. Rekeying a lock is a process of changing the lock so that the old key no longer works. Instead, you can use a new key that you provide in order for the door to open. Rekeying a lock is far less expensive than replacing a lock and it is an important security measure. In this article, we will cover the steps to rekey a lock.

Gather Supplies

Before you begin the rekeying process, make sure you have all of the supplies that you need. You will need:

A lock rekeying kit. These kits come with all the tools and materials needed to rekey a lock. They are usually available at home improvement stores.
New keys. You will need the number of keys equal to the number of locks you are rekeying.
Screwdriver. You will need a screwdriver for removing the lock from the door.
Old keys. You will need the old keys that open the lock.

Steps to Rekey a Lock

Start by removing the screws that secure the lock in place. Make sure to keep the screws in a safe place, as you will need them when you finish the job.
Remove the lock from the door and disassemble it into its individual pieces. Make sure to keep the parts in order for easier reassembly.
Find the part of the lock called the tumbler. This is the part that helps the lock move when a key is inserted into it. Depending on the type of lock, this may be a cylinder or a pin.
Remove the tumbler from the lock and insert the new key into the lock.
Use the rekeying kit to change the positioning of the pins or cylinders so that only the new key will work in the lock.
Reassemble the lock and insert it back into the door. Make sure to secure it with the screws you removed earlier.
Test the lock with both the new and old key to make sure it is properly rekeyed.

Conclusion

Rekeying a lock is a relatively simple process that can improve the security of any property. By following the steps above, you can rekey a lock in just a few minutes and make sure that no one else can access the property without your permission.