Rekeying a lock is the process of changing the internal pins of a lock cylinder so that a new key can operate it, while making the old key inoperative. It is a cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire lock mechanism. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding a lock rekey:
Rekeying is an excellent solution in various situations:
- Moving into a New Home or Business: If you're moving into a property that has been occupied by previous owners, tenants, or employees, you can't be sure how many copies of the existing keys are still floating around. Rekeying provides a fresh start with only the keys you possess.
- Lost or Stolen Keys: If you've lost your keys or believe they've been stolen, rekeying renders the old keys useless, preventing unauthorized access.
- Simplifying Key Management (Key Alike): If your home has multiple locks with different keys (e.g., front door, back door, garage), rekeying can consolidate them all to operate on a single key, making your keychain much smaller. This is also called key alike rekeying.
- Controlling Access: For businesses, if an employee with a key leaves the company on bad terms, rekeying the locks can quickly secure the premises.
- Securing a Room or Area: You can rekey specific locks to prevent access by certain individuals, even if they have other keys for the property.
- Cost Savings: Rekeying is almost always cheaper than replacing the entire lock, especially if the lock hardware is of high quality.
The Rekeying Process
Here's a general overview of what rekeying involves:
- Disassembly: We remove the lock cylinder from the door or the main lock body.
- Removal of Key Plug: The inner plug, which holds the pins, is extracted from the cylinder shell.
- Removal of Old Pins: The existing pins (bottom / key pins) are carefully removed from the plug.
- Insertion of New Key Pins: We select new key pins that are specifically sized to match the cuts of the new key.
- Reassembly: The plug, with its new pins, is reinserted into the cylinder shell.
- Testing: We test the new key in the rekeyed lock to ensure it rotates smoothly. We also test the old key to make sure it doesn't work.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks
It's important to understand the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock entirely:
| Feature | Lock Rekeying | Lock Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Changing internal pins | Installing a brand-new lock |
| Reason | Change keys, address lost keys, master keying | Upgrade security, change style, damaged lock |
| Hardware | Existing lock hardware is kept | New lock hardware is installed |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
When to Replace Instead of Rekey
While rekeying is often the preferred choice, there are times when replacement is necessary or better:
- Damaged Lock: If the lock mechanism itself is broken, worn out, or damaged, rekeying won't fix it.
- Security Upgrade: If your existing locks are old, low-security, or easily pickable, upgrading to higher-security locks is a better option than rekeying outdated hardware.
- Aesthetic Preference: If you want to change the style or finish of your door hardware, replacement is the way to go.
- Incompatible Locks: Some locks are designed not to be easily rekeyed or require specialized tools that a standard locksmith might not have.
In summary, lock rekeying is a versatile and cost-effective security solution. By understanding the process and knowing when it's the right choice, you can maintain control over your property and ensure that only those with the proper authority can access it.