To change a lock so that it fits an existing key, you simply work in the opposite direction: You change the pattern of the pins in the lock so that it matches the pattern of notches in the key. If the lock is designed with a universal keying system, any locksmith can re-key the lock in no time.
In many circumstances, rekeying your locks makes more sense than changing your locks. For example, if all of your locks are of the same brand or have the same type of keyhole but use different keys, you can have your locks rekeyed to operate from the same key.
Yes, the original key is necessary to use a rekey kit when rekeying a lock. If you do not have the original key, you can choose to hire a locksmith to make a new key or you can replace the lock.
Rekeying techniques (and key styles) vary from one manufacturer to another. For example, if all the locks on your house are Schlage, you can rekey all of them to fit the same key. If the locks are of various brands, you'll need to replace some to have all rekeyed to accept a single key.
Rekeying is usually cheaper, and it still provides you with a renewed sense of security. If you move into a new home or if your key is lost or stolen, rekeying your lock will almost always suffice. If your lock mechanism is beginning to deteriorate, however, consider changing the lock.
It is usually cheaper to rekey the existing door hardware than to completely replace it. A lock rekey is great if you already like your current door knob and want a cost effective safety solution. Rekeying your hardware is a simple way to keep your home and work place safe and secure.
We rekey Kwikset and Schlage locks at a fraction of the price of having to replace your locksets. We can also create a 'master key' for superintendents or landlords that need access to multiple units without carrying a hundred keys. We also key Masterlock padlocks to an existing Masterlock key.
Rekeying a lock generally takes about 15 minutes, but this depends on the type of lock as well as the skills of the person working on it. The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the lock from the door – the actual rekeying is much simpler. If it's simple, should you rekey your lock yourself?
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.
Schlage locks with a cylinder, whether a mechanical lock or smart lock, can be keyed alike or rekeyed according to your needs.
Keyed alike is the term used to describe multiple locks having the same cut so that one key can fit all the locks. Having your locks keyed alike is the most convenient way to handle and manage all your keys.
No two copies of keys are exactly the same, even if they were both made from key blanks that are struck from the same mould or cut from the same duplicating/milling machine with no changes to the bitting settings in between.
Although there are many different types of locks, today we're going to talk about rekeying a pin and tumbler lock. This is the most common and one of the easiest types of locks to rekey aside from old-school locks.
While you get the keys to your new home at the closing, you can't know how many copies of the keys the previous owners had made and how many might still be floating around. That's why it's important to have the locks changed out.
Am I limited to how many times a SmartKey lock can be re-keyed? A: No, you can re-key a SmartKey lock as often as you'd like.
Most locksmiths advise that a door lock should be changed once every seven years. However, this depends on a number of factors. If a lock is used rarely, it may remain fully functional for longer.
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.
All SmartKey cylinders feature ANSI Grade 1 security, are bump-proof and highly pick resistant while also passing the most stringent security standards, UL 437, par 11.6 & 11.7.
Reasons Not to Have Locks Keyed Alike
Another reason why you might not want to have all of your locks keyed alike is that someone could lose a key. If that happened, you would need to have all of your locks rekeyed to prevent someone who found the key from entering your house.
Installation and Labor
According to HomeAdvisor, a professional locksmith charges an hourly fee between $50 and $100 to change a lock, or $75 per hour on average. Other locksmiths may charge per project based on the number of locks, type of locks, and complexity of the installation process.
Unlimited amount of times. All you need is the Smarkey Security tool.