Rekey kits allow you to rekey a lock to match existing keys in the kit. You will receive several keys (often between three and six keys), all identically cut. A set of pins comes with the kit, numbered or color-coded to identify their positions in the plug. The new keys correspond to the new pins.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The most common locks to key alike are the front door, back door, side door, and garage door. However, it is also possible to key alike the rest of the locks in your home as long as they are within the same brand.
You won't have to hold multiple keys in order to access all of the different locks that you install on your property. Instead, one key will do the trick and that key is known as your Master Key. Negatives: While convenient, keyed alike locks are less secure than their keyed different counterparts.
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?
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.
A lock rekey kit is exactly what you might imagine. It is a kit that can be used to change the locks in an organization, without having to call a locksmith. There are no tools required, no hardware removal, and you do not have to have the expertise of a locksmith to perform a rekey.
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.
However, it's important to know which brand you have when rekeying a home or buying a new lock. As mentioned earlier, you may have accidentally tried to put the wrong key in a lock to find that the key won't even go into the keyway. This is because Schlage and Kwikset locks are not compatible with the same type of key.
In short, the answer is in the names. Keyed different locks are opened by their own unique, different key. Keyed alike means one key opens multiple alike locks.
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.
Toole's Ace Hardware duplicates a wide variety of keys, including house keys, padlock keys, motorcycle keys, commercial keys, and automotive standard and chip keys.
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.
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.
You'll pay from $40 to $300 to buy a new door lock, depending on design, materials, and whether it's a simple key-in-knob lock or a high-end lock-and-handle combo with smart technology features. Professional locksmith installation can add another $80 to $200, depending on the complexity of the lock.
Most locksmiths advise that a door lock should be changed once every seven years.
Many may even consider it an extra hassle on top of the moving process. As it turns out, changing locks is an easy DIY project that can take less than a day to complete.