Some locksmiths may tell you that you should change your locks. But in many cases, you can just rekey them, which means changing the existing lock system so a new key operates it. A locksmith simply replaces the tumblers and pins to create a lock that can be opened by a brand-new key.
Rekeying your lock is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock. This is because of the cheaper price of the key pins inside the locks, whereas when you replace a lock, you are paying for all brand-new parts.
Rekeying Home Locks
Rekeying locks on your home typically costs $80 to $160. If you call the locksmith to your home, you might pay a trip fee of $50 to $100. The cost to rekey is $30 to $60 per lock, bringing you to that total. Rekeying is different and more affordable than replacing the locks.
If your deadbolt requires a separate key from your entry doorknob, you can rekey it if they are the same brand. To rekey the deadbolt, remove it from the door and repin as you do a doorknob.
Home Depot does rekey doorknobs, cylinder, and deadbolt locks at selected store locations. Customers can expect to pay $5 to $50, and Home Depot will rekey locks purchased from the store or other retailers/brands, including Schlage and Kwikset locks, provided you can offer the correct keys.
Lowe's are able to rekey locks in certain stores. Customers can bring in their locks (if an eligible brand to be rekeyed at Lowe's) and have their locks rekeyed for around $5. Lowe's also offers rekeying kits so customers can rekey their own locks at home.
When you move into a new home, you should change the locks on your house. You have no idea how many copies of the house keys are floating around out there from the previous homeowners, so changing the locks will keep your new house more secure. Tom recommends changing the locks whenever a new home is purchased.
Yes, it is possible for you to rekey a lock without the original key. A locksmith can change your locks even if you have lost or misplaced the original key. In general, it is possible to pick or shim the lock and unlock the door. Then, the locksmith will have a much easier time removing the lock cylinder.
Some locksmiths may tell you that you should change your locks. But in many cases, you can just rekey them, which means changing the existing lock system so a new key operates it. A locksmith simply replaces the tumblers and pins to create a lock that can be opened by a brand-new key.
It takes about 10-15 minutes to rekey a single lock, multiply that by the number of locks and you have got the time it should take to rekey your house.
A locksmith will use something called a pinning kit to change the pins inside the lock. Keep in mind that to quickly do so, the locksmith needs a copy of the original key. If you don't have a single copy of the key, the locksmith will have to pick the lock, which can result in higher labor costs for you.
One of the best-known ways to unlock a deadbolt without a key is by using two bobby pins. Start by inserting the closed "looped" side of one bobby pin into the bottom portion of the lock. Use the second bobby pin, broken in half, toward the top of the lock and move it back and forth.
Most deadbolt locksets come with keys when purchased new. If not, you can rekey these locks to fit the current keys you already have. But keep in mind that rekeying cannot be performed on all types of door locks. For older locks, check their condition to see if they can be rekeyed or if they should be replaced.
When you rekey your locks, you're altering the lock mechanism so that the old key will no longer open it. Instead, a new key will be necessary. In many circumstances, rekeying your locks makes more sense than changing your locks.
Deadbolt Type
You can typically purchase a single cylindrical deadbolt for $20 to $70, while keyless deadbolts can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 or more depending on the type you purchase.
Re-keying kits are available for most lock brands but they're not interchangeable. You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home. (If you're lucky, they'll all be the same brand!) Each kit will re-key six locks, but you can order extra pins if you need to do more.
Tape a coin over the door's strike plate.
Use thick tape, like masking tape or duct tape. You may want to place the coin over the door's latch. This can hold the door handle at an open angle, allowing you to push the door open and closed without turning the knob. This will also prevent the door from locking.
Unfortunately, you can not unlock a deadbolt with a credit card. Credit cards will only work with slanted-latch-style locks. Furthermore, the slant of the latch must be facing you so that you may press it in using your card.
Basic cylinder changes can take between 10/20 mins. Full upvc door locks around 20/40 mins. Lock changing on a timber door 30/45 mins.
It's easy to pick a deadbolt lock. In fact, when you find out how easy it is, you might want to replace all your keyed locks with electronic ones. This isn't to say that lock picking doesn't require skill and practice — it does — but the technique is so simple that anyone can understand it.
Find a suitable object for picking the lock.
Ideal choices include a small screwdriver or hex wrench, a hair pin, or a heavy-duty paperclip. You can even use a bamboo skewer from the kitchen, or a cotton swab with the fluff removed from one end.