Deadbolt lock sets usually come with two keys when you purchase them. Some deadbolts do not include keys because of the manufacturer or lock type. To unlock deadbolt locks, you will need to use a knob or a key.
To get your locks re-keyed, visit your local locksmith to have them do it for you. Or, just ask the store you're purchasing the locks from to re-key the lock to one you may already own. It's a process that should only take a few minutes.
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.
Not all door knobs come with keys. It would depend on the type of door knob that you're getting. Keyed entry, storeroom, and privacy door knobs come with keys while passage and half dummy door knobs do not.
They don't include a key, merely a lock on the knob itself. These locks are not secure enough to keep potential home invaders out though, so they should not be used for exterior doors.
A double cylinder door knob is a door knob that is keyed on both sides of the door, or in a place where the door that needs the option of locking on either side of the door.
What is a dummy door knob? Dummy door knobs are one-sided “fake knobs.” They're usually installed on the surface of a door or behind it. Some come in pairs so you can use them on double doors. These types of door knobs don't have any working parts.
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.
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.
Half dummy door knobs are non-locking door knobs that don't have to be rotated or turned when opening or closing a door. Instead, you simply pull on the door to open it. Half dummy door knobs are mainly used on double doors that close side-by-side, such as on cabinet and wardrobe doors.
To unlock a privacy lock you'll need a flathead screwdriver that is small enough to fit into the hole on the doorknob. Insert your screwdriver into the hole and push forward. If your doorknob is using a push-button type privacy lock, then you should hear a loud click and the door will open.
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.
You can pick any keyed deadbolt lock with two basic tools. The first is the pick itself, which is a long, rigid piece of metal or plastic that fits easily into the keyhole and won't bend easily when you push it against something.
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.
Negatives: While convenient, keyed alike locks are less secure than their keyed different counterparts. Keyed alike locks are optimal when locking indoor applications but they are not secure enough for exterior applications.
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.
All packages with the same key number use the same key.
So if you have 3 knobs and 2 deadbolts you all want keyed alike, buy 3 knob+deadbolt sets of the same number. Generally there are 3-8 lock packages in a carton (all with the same style/color/SKU).
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.
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.
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.
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.
The main types of door functions are Passage (doors that don't require locking), Privacy (a door that can be locked by a button on the inside), Dummy (has no mechanical latch and acts only as a pull), and Interior Mortise (door with an active latch with skeleton key lock).
July 27, 2018. The passage/hall/closet function is ideal for doors in hallways, closets, and other rooms where a key is not necessary. The lock is freely operational from both sides of the door at all times.