LOCAL REKEYING SERVICE AT 2071010218 | LOCK EXPERTS NEAR YOU
Rekeying the front door lock will help you avoid having to replace it. Many manufacturers of lever and cylinder locking devices provide for the possibility of changing the key pins for a new set. Before buying a door lock, you should inquire about the possibility of installing new pins. Specialists use a special tool kit to rekey a lock. In some types of door locks, the kit is provided with the product, while for others, it must be purchased separately. Contacting our locksmith company to rekey your locks will save you from expenses associated with the purchase of tools. On average, rekeying a lock takes up to 20 minutes and must be completed following the sequence of actions described by the lock manufacturer.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER REPLACING OLD PINS?
The most common case in which it is necessary to rekey locks is the loss of a set of keys. Many people believe that in case of loss, they need to get a replacement lock with a new key. But such work is expensive and time-consuming. It is rational to have the door lock rekeyed after completing home repairs. Often, the front door is purchased immediately with a locking mechanism installed, and workers will have access to the keys throughout the construction. It is impossible to make sure that some of the workers will not make a key duplicate for the subsequent unauthorized opening of the doors. In addition, rekeying is also necessary as a planned means of increasing security. Some customers want to rekey mechanisms so that multiple locks can be opened with the same key. Our crew has the necessary experience and equipment to change top pins on different types of locking mechanisms.
REKEYING OF DIFFERENT LOCK TYPES
- Lock cylinder is rekeyed using a special combination change kit purchased separately. It consists of a set of new keys and an element for changing the position of the lock pins. The original key is inserted into the keyhole and turned counterclockwise (this way, the bolts become fully retracted). A special key is used for rekeying by turning it clockwise as far as it goes (so that the bolts are fully extended). The lock is then returned to its original position by turning the tool in the opposite direction. The last step is to replace the plug with one key from those included in the kit. The principle of operation of the lock is quite simple. The tool, while rotating, changes the combination of pins. Please note, the procedure is not possible on all cylinder assemblies. The lock manufacturer must provide for such a function. The information may be found by the name of the lock model or by the instructions / packaging for the hardware, which always comes with the door. Do not worry that burglars will be able to remove the cylinder with a master key. After all, the lock can be rekeyed only when the door is open.
- In lever mechanisms, the main role is played by the so-called levers (metal plates). They have notches that determine the shape of the key head. Lock manufacturers provide an opportunity to easily insert the new combination for those who want to make sure that no one will be able to use lost or stolen keys for unauthorised entry. The factory key is turned counterclockwise as far as it goes to push the bolts inside the lock. A special tool for changing combination is inserted into the hole on the end plate under the crossbars, near the fixing hardware. Manufacturers allow changing the pins only with a tool of their own production. Therefore, a replacement kit must match the desired lock brand.
- Coded locking devices are often installed on doors in porches, commercial or industrial premises. If you need to rekey a lock, there is no need to purchase any tools. Rekeying is accomplished by manipulating the lock mechanism. The overhead decorative strip is removed by unscrewing the fixing hardware in order to gain access to the plates with the numbers of the combination. Having reached the elements for entering the code, it is necessary to determine those that lead to the opening of the lock (usually, there are notches on such plates, or their position is different from others). Metal elements are swapped, forming a new code combination. The last steps are to replace the cover of the lock and test the operation of the mechanism. Different lock models have a different design, and to access the plates, it may also be necessary to unscrew additional elements in the case.
- Rekeying electronic locks requires the highest level of expertise since it is impossible to change the combination of pins mechanically. The task can’t be completed without special software and relevant education. Some models are equipped with the function of changing the sequence of numbers to open the lock. The possibility is checked according to the instructions from the manufacturer for a specific model of the electronic locking device. In some cases, it is enough to enter the secret combination and change the code on the control panel. But in the absence of such functionality, the task becomes more challenging.
Our local company is ready to assist customers in all matters related to locks and keys at any time of the day and night. The call out of a locksmith is possible 24 hours a day. Feel free to call us with any questions regarding our services.