A locksmith will rekey your locks to give you a single key that opens all the doors in your home. This is a less expensive alternative to replacing the locks and it gives you peace of mind knowing that only you have access to your home. However, you can also do this yourself if you have the right tools.
Rekeying Locks
There are a variety of reasons why you might need to rekey your locks. If you bought a previously owned home, you need to know who else might have a copy of the key and have access to your house. Rekeying the locks is a great way to find out who has a key and who doesn’t.
You Lost Track of Copies
It’s all too common to lose track of the number of keys you have and who has a copy. After years of living in your home, it is not uncommon for you to have given copies out to friends, family members, babysitters and other trusted people. If you have separated from a significant other and fear they have a copy of your house key, then rekeying the locks is one way to make sure they don’t have access to your home.
Your Locks Don’t Work as Well as They Used To
Over time, locks degrade and tumblers wear out. This can make them more difficult to open. Rekeying the locks will make them easier to open again and reduces the chance that a worn tumbler might provide access to someone who shouldn’t.
Rekeying Your Smart Locks
Many homeowners choose to rekey their smart locks rather than replace them. This is a more affordable option and can also be done at home. Rekeying a smart lock involves removing and replacing the pins inside the lock so that it can be opened with a different key. This process varies by brand so it is important to find out how to do this for your specific lock.
If you have multiple smart locks that use the same keyway, then rekeying them all to the same key will simplify your life. You will only have to worry about carrying one key that opens all your locks instead of a bunch of keys that need to be kept track of.
Rekeying a lock is not hard, but it is a process that should be completed by a professional locksmith. It is a simple process that consists of removing the key plug and then re-installing it with new pins. It is best to purchase a rekeying kit that has all of the necessary tools that you will need to complete this project. These kits are available at most hardware stores and home centers. Once you have a rekeying kit, follow the instructions to remove and reassemble the lock cylinder. Be sure to use the key plug follower tube that is included in the rekeying kit so that the springs and pins do not come loose prematurely.
