Lock rekeying is a process that allows you to reconfigure the locks of your home or car so that you can use different keys without having to replace the lock. This method is usually used after a break-in, theft or vandalism. You may want to do this even if you lose your keys, if you think too many people have a copy, or if you want the convenience of being able to open the back and front doors with the same key. You could go to a locksmith at the hardware store, but you can do it yourself too. Read on to find out how to proceed.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Reconfigure the Home Lock
Step 1. Get a rekeying kit
You can find them at most hardware and home goods stores, as well as online.
- Kits are available for most lock brands and are equipped to work with different locks. Often, however, they are only suitable for locks of the same brand.
- Some kits contain only locking pins, others include special tools to remove the lock cylinder so that you can replace the old pins (cylinder puller, ring remover, cap puller).
- You can order additional pins if the ones contained in the kit are not enough for you. If you have old locks that are too corroded to hold, retrieve the pins and save them before throwing them away.
Step 2. Remove the outside handle or the outside of the lock
The handles are held in place by a clip accessible by inserting a thin object into a slot. Your kit may include a thin tool suitable for this purpose, otherwise you can straighten a paper clip and insert that.
Step 3. Pull out the lock cylinder
Using the appropriate extractor (a small brass tube), push the cylinder through the mount to remove the case covering it and then remove it.
Step 4. Remove the cylinder retaining ring
Use a wrench type tool to remove the retaining ring from the lock cylinder. Set it aside; you will need it later when you reassemble the lock.
Step 5. Pull out the cylinder cap
Insert the key of the current lock and turn it to separate the upper and lower pins. Push the extractor through the barrel using steady pressure to remove the cap.
By maintaining constant pressure, the upper pins and their retaining springs will remain in place when you remove the cap. If you drop them, you can still pick them up and reinsert them, but you'll need tweezers to put them back in
Step 6. Pull out the old bottom lock pins
They are indicatively shaped like a bullet, with the pointed ends in contact with the key and of variable length.
Step 7. Insert the new key into the cylinder
This will push the springs out of the way and serve as a partial guide for the new lock pins.
Step 8. Insert the new pins into the lock
They should be color-coded or numerically coded to match a graph showing where each goes into the lock. You will need tweezers or a small needle nose pliers to grab and insert them. The new pins must be aligned with the key when it is inserted into the lock.
If the pins are not coded, you will have to experiment, inserting and removing the key to make sure it fits into the lock with the new pins fitted
Step 9. Put the whole block back together
Replace the cylinder cap and retaining ring, then reinsert the cylinder into the handle (or the outside of the lock) and reinstall it in the door. Test the changed lock to make sure the new key works.
Method 2 of 2: Reconfigure a Car Lock
Step 1. Remove the lock from the car
The exact method depends on the vehicle and whether the lock is in a door, trunk or ignition mechanism. You may need special tools to remove it.
Step 2. Remove the internal lock cylinder
Remove the end cam and inner spring, then insert a wrench to push the pins away from the cylinder walls. At this point you should be able to pull the pin out from the back.
The key need not be the one that is normally used to open the lock
Step 3. Replace the pins
Replacement pins for the cylinder are available in sets. Each has a different length and may be labeled with a number. Insert the new pins in place of the old ones making sure they don't extend past the top of the cylinder.
If you are reconfiguring more than one lock, make sure the new pins are arranged the same way in all locks so that you can always use the same key
Step 4. Insert the cylinder into the lock and test it
Although they are replacement parts, the new pins may be too worn to function. The lock should turn smoothly with the new key.
Step 5. Refit the lock
It is a good idea to test the key one more time to make sure it works.
Advice
- To avoid losing the top springs and pins, work on a high-contrast surface or on top of a bowl or plate so they fall in there instead of hitting the floor.
- It is advisable to lightly lubricate the lock when replacing the pins; reduces friction, oxidation and makes the lock last longer.
- Reconfiguring all locks to have one universal key is not a good security measure because different keys will open the same door. For example, if you have a property with several apartments, make sure that each has its own key.
