7 Steps to Rekeying Your Own Locks

Rekeying your locks allows you to change the internal security of your locks without having to replace the entire unit. If you already have high security locks, but you have too many keys floating around, rekeying is an affordable solution. It is possible to re-key your locks on your own and we will explain how to do so in the steps that follow. However, you may find that it’s far more safe, convenient and effective to hire someone for the job.

7 Steps to Rekey your own locks

1. Buy a rekeying kit

Also known as pinning kits, rekeying kits can be purchased from online retailers and hardware stores. If this is your first time rekeying a lock, you will want to pay for a kit that includes all of the requisite tools. You should also be sure to check the capacity of the rekeying kit. Some kits are only capable of rekeying a few locks, which may not meet your needs.

2. Disassembly of the lock

Removal of your particular lock cylinder requires you to log on to the manufacturers website. To cover every type of lock is too broad a scope for the purposes of this article. All locks are assembled and disassembled differently based on the manufacturer, type of lock and model of lock.

3. Take out the lock cylinder and remove the cylinder retainer ring

You will need to use the retainer ring tool to pop the retainer ring off of the cylinder. Be careful that you do not have the working key inserted into the plug during this step. The plug could slide out unintentionally, resulting in pins and springs to go flying. A cylinder follower is another tool featured in most comprehensive rekeying kits, and you will need to use it to push the cylinder through the lock housing in the next step.

4. Remove the lock plug

This step requires particular concentration. You will want to separate the upper and lower lock pins by inserting the current key and turning it as if you were going to unlock the lock. While the key is in a turned position, guide the plug follower through the cylinder, using constant pressure to remove the plug.

5. Take out the old pins and insert the new ones

Remove the old pins and insert the new key into the cylinder. Now use tweezers to insert the new pins according to the color scheme laid out by the instruction sheet in the kit. Be sure that you have pinned the plug correctly. If the plug is pinned incorrectly and reassembled into the cylinder, special tools are required to remove the plug to address the mistake.

6. Reassemble the lock

After inserting the new pins, work backwards to reassemble the lock.

7. Hire a professional locksmith

One way to avoid the hassle of buying a rekeying kit and the inconvenience of doing this job yourself, is to hire a professional locksmith. Our team is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. When you do this job on your own, you risk damaging your door or the lock hardware itself. We guarantee that we will preserve the hardware and integrity of your lock. We can also provide key copies on site, and contrary to rekeying kits, there is no limit to how many locks we can rekey.