Can you change key without changing lock?

Author: Mr. Walton Kassulke  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Rekeying Your Locks
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.

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?

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.

Can I change a doorknob and keep the same key?

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. Make sure the bolt is out and remove the screws holding the deadbolt to the door.

Can you make all the locks use the same key?

Keyed alike means one key fits all locks, for example your front and back door locks can both use the same key or every lock in an office can use the same key. Having your locks keyed alike is very beneficial if you want to open & close all your door locks with one key.

Is there a master key for all locks?

Is there a master key for all locks? For certain systems of locks, yes. A master key is specifically designed to unlock a given locking system. Having one key for safekeeping can help open a lock in case its paired key is lost or damaged.

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Can you rekey a lock yourself?

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.

Will Home Depot rekey a lock?

Home Depot will rekey locks such as Schlage, Kwikset, doorknobs, deadbolts, single and double cylinders for $5 to $15 per lock. If your local store does not offer the service, you may purchase a rekey kit or visit Lowe's or Ace Hardware. Home Depot does not rekey car locks as they often require specialized technology.

Can I use my old key on a new door lock?

Most brands of locks can be re-keyed, but it usually requires specialized techniques and sometimes tools. Many retailers will do it in-house free or for a small fee. Otherwise, any locksmith* should be able to help you out.

Can I rekey a lock without the original key?

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.

Is rekeying safe?

Rekeying a lock does not hurt the security of the lock, nor does it make it more secure. One of the factors that makes a lock secure is how many pins are inside of it. As long as the locksmith swaps the old 5 pins with 5 new ones, the lock will remain just as secure as it was before.

Should I change my locks after buying a house?

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.

What happens when you rekey a lock?

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.

Can Lowes rekey a lock?

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. If customers need additional keys cut, some Lowe's stores offer Minute Key kiosks to have keys cut.

How do you get a new key for a lock?

A lock impression allows a locksmith to make a key without decoding the lock. For a qualified locksmith this can be an efficient way to create a new key. A blank key is inserted into the lock and turned. The pins will press against the key leaving marks where cuts need to be made.

How do I change door locks after buying a house?

Now that you've got the right supplies, it's time to get to work.
  1. Step one: Remove the old deadbolt lock and hardware. This part is pretty easy. ...
  2. Step two: Insert your new deadbolt. Take your new deadbolt hardware and install it where the old one was. ...
  3. Step three: Insert your new lock. ...
  4. Step four: Test.

How much does it cost to change locks?

The average cost to hire a locksmith is $157. You can expect to pay between $98 and $217, depending on the type of service. For example, to change locks for your home, the cost can run anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on how many locks you have, the level of security, and the kind of lock you want.

Can Home Depot make a key from a code?

Unfortunately, Home Depot can not make you a new key with the original key. However, if you find yourself in this situation, you typically have options: Call a locksmith to decode your lock and cut you a new key. Use this as an opportunity to replace your lock and get a new set of keys.

Can I rekey a deadbolt?

You can re-key a lock like a pro at a fraction of the cost. 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.

How do you rekey all locks to one key?

Pick the key you like the best (or have the most of) and have all the other knobs keyed to it. Remove the locks that need to be rekeyed and take them to a locksmith or a hardware store. Bring a key that works each of the locks and the key you want all the locks keyed to and give us five minutes a lock.

How do you get all doors with the same key?

Benefits of a Single Key

When purchasing more than one lock, look for packages that have the same “key alike” number on the package. Alternatively, our store associates can key all of your locks to work with the same key. You can also purchase a rekeying kit to swap out pins and springs yourself.

How do I rekey a Kwikset lock?

How to re-key your SmartKey Security™ locks?
  1. Prepare your door. Make sure you lock is installed on your door and that your door is all the way open. ...
  2. Insert current key. ...
  3. Insert the SmartKey tool fully and firmly into the SmartKey hole. ...
  4. Insert the new key you wish to use with the lock. ...
  5. Remove your new key.

Are all Kwikset keys the same?

Kwikset locks have roughly 3,000 different possibility's , the chance of someone having the same key in your area is very slim. Regarding the rekey kits, its usually the same thing as the lock, the first couple keys are probably the same as each other. Most locksmiths wouldn't recommend Kwikset smartkey.

What rekey means?

Definition of rekey

transitive verb. 1 : to key (something) again There's no sense in rekeying data that you already have in your computer.— Richard O. Mann. 2 : to provide (something) with a new key rekeyed the house/room/door You can take your lock and key to a locksmith and have them rekey it, making it unique. —

Should I change my locks?

When You Should Change the Locks

Whenever safety and security are at risk, we recommend changing the locks or having the locks rekeyed. The most common situations requiring the locks to be changed include: When you have purchased a new house. When you have experienced a break-in or burglary.

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