Is rekeying safe?

Author: Prof. Kamille Wiza III  |  Last update: Thursday, June 30, 2022

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.

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.

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.

What is the difference between rekeying and changing 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.

When should you rekey your locks?

When To Rekey Your Locks
  1. Moving Into a New Home: If you buy a home that someone else has previously lived in, it's a great idea to rekey the locks. ...
  2. Changing Older Locks: If you've lived in your home for a while, or if you've recently bought an older home, rekeying your locks is a great way to improve security.

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks? | Mr. Locksmith™ Video

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.

Should I rekey new house?

Changing the locks (also referred to as rekeying the locks) on a new home is always a good idea, since you really can't be sure who has access to the property otherwise. The phrase for this is key control, which refers to the ability to be able to account for each of the keys to your home and who has them.

Is it hard to rekey a lock?

If you have a traditional pin and tumbler lock, rekeying isn't as difficult as it sounds. First, you'll need to purchase a rekey kit for the brand of lock you have. The kit should contain various tools to aid in the lock's removal and a set of different sized pins.

Can all locks be rekeyed?

Since most homes have multiple doors with multiple locks, re-keying can get expensive. 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.

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. —

How do locksmiths change locks?

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.

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 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.

How do you rekey a lock without a kit?

What to Do to Rekey a Lock Without the Original Key
  1. Step 1: Take out the lock face. ...
  2. Step 2: Remove the lock cylinder from the knob and take off the cylinder retainer ring. ...
  3. Step 3: Remove the cylinder plug from the cylinder. ...
  4. Step 4: Remove the old pins and put the new key in. ...
  5. Step 5: Put the new pins on the 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 much is a deadbolt?

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.

Can car door locks be rekeyed?

When you rekey your car, you make your lock work with a new key. After rekeying your car, your old keys won't work in the lock anymore. Rekeying a car requires you to replace the lock key pins, change the wafer, or change the tumbler setting in your current lock to allow you to open your door with new keys.

Can a locksmith make a key from 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.

Should I change my locks if I lose my keys?

A locksmith will recommend you change your door locks if you lose your keys as a security prevention. Changing your locks after losing your keys will stop anyone from accessing your home who does not have permission to.

How do I change door locks after buying a house?

Changing Locks on a New House in 5 Steps
  1. Take an inventory of all the doors with locks in the house.
  2. Purchase new door knob lock sets at a home center. ...
  3. To change the locks, unscrew the door knob from the inside and pull the knobs apart.
  4. Insert the new knobs into the door opening.
  5. Screw the new knobs into the door.

How do you get locks keyed alike?

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).

Can you replace a door knob and keep the same key?

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.

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