How to Rekey a Lock: A Step-by-Step Guide

The lock on your home helps you feel secure - or, that is the job that it is supposed to do, anyway. You should know who all has keys to that lock and you should trust in the security that it provides. If you have had an attempted break-in at your Hawaii home, you have recently moved and don't know who has keys to your locks, or you want to set up a master key system, consider completing a lock rekey job. Rekeying locks allows you to make your place more secure without going out and purchasing a new set of locks for each of your doors. This is something that you may be able to tackle on your own, too, if you are willing to learn and you have the patience needed to get the job done. The following guide can help with that.

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What Is Lock Rekeying?

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To rekey a lock is to do just what that sounds like, it is taking a lock that is already in place and making that lock work with a new key. Anyone can change key lock to make an old lock work like a new one. This is a great option when you aren't sure how many keys have been created for a specific lock and you don't know who has access to them. The process of rekeying a lock requires you to take apart the lock and access the components that are inside of it. You change key lock by changing the lock's components so that a new key fits inside of it, and you are provided with all of the security of a new lock without spending money on purchasing that when this job is done.

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When Should You Rekey a Lock?

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One of the most important situations that requires you to rekey a lock is when you have moved into a Honolulu, Hawaii home that was previously lived in by someone else. If you own the new home, you want to either replace or rekey all locks so that you know who has access to them. If you are renting the property, you may be able to get permission from the landlords to rekey the locks so that the previous renters cannot get inside. Another situation where you will want to rekey locks is after a break-in attempt or if you have lost a copy of your keys. If you're wondering how much does it cost to rekey a lock, the answer is that it is usually more affordable than replacing the lock.

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Tools and Materials Needed

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• A phone or computer you can use to look up video guides and more information if you get stuck
• Screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Rekeying kit from your lock brand
• Patience

Step-by-Step Process Rekeying a Lock

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When it is time to start the actual process of rekeying the lock, take in a deep breath and make sure you are calm. The work you are about to do can be a little difficult, and you want to start in a good head place. Also, take a moment to consider the type of lock on your door, as a smart lock rekey will put you through a different process than a traditional lock rekey.

• Step One: Remove the doorknob from the door
• Step Two: Remove the retainer from the lock so that you can get to the cylinder
• Step Three: Turn the key to remove the cylinder
• Step Four: Use tools from your kit to remove the c-shaped clip
• Step Five: Push the key plug free of the key housing
• Step Six: Remove the old pins and put them aside
• Step Seven: Insert the new key and then the new pins
• Step Eight: Put the key plug back in place
• Step Nine: Attach the c-shaped clip again
• Step Ten: Insert the cylinder back into the doorknob
• Step Eleven: Reinstall the doorknob
• Step Twelve: Try it out! Use your new key and make sure it works to unlock your door. If it does, you're set!

When Should You Call a Professional Locksmith?

While you might be up for rekeying a lock on your own - and you might feel good if you can get the job done without outside help - there is no shame in reaching out for assistance if the job is too much for you. If just reading through the process you'll have to undertake overwhelms you, consider getting help. If you don't have the tools you need and you don't know where to get them, you have tried doing work like this in the past and it hasn't turned out well, or you're simply too busy, call a professional locksmith. We can handle a smart lock rekey job or a traditional lock rekey, and we'd be happy to step in as your emergency locksmith if you start the rekeying work and don't know how to finish it. Honolulu Locksmith is here to help if you don't know how to rekey a lock and you're not interested in learning, if you're locked out and you need assistance, or if you have other lock needs at your home. Call to talk with our team today!

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