When moving into a new home, one of the first things you should consider is rekeying the locks. Rekeying is changing the pins inside the lock cylinder to prevent old keys from working. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to enhance the security of your new home. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how home rekeying works.
Table of Contents
What is Rekeying?
Rekeying is a process that involves changing the pins inside the lock cylinder. This process ensures the old keys will no longer work on the lock. Rekeying is an alternative to replacing the entire lock and is typically more cost-effective.
Why is Rekeying Important?
Rekeying is important because it enhances the security of your home. It ensures that only authorized individuals have access to your property. If you’ve recently moved into a new home, it’s recommended that you have the locks rekeyed to prevent anyone who may have had access to the previous owner’s keys from entering your home.
The Rekeying Process
Rekeying a lock is a straightforward process that can be completed in simple steps. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to rekey your locks.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need a rekeying kit to rekey your locks, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. The kit should include new pins, springs, and a key decoder tool. You’ll also need the current key for the lock you want to rekey.
Step 2: Remove the Lock from the Door
Use a screwdriver to remove the lock from the door. Once the lock is removed, you must remove the cylinder from the lock housing.
Step 3: Remove the Old Pins
Use the key decoder tool to determine the size of the pins in the lock. Once you’ve determined the size, use pliers to remove the old pins from the cylinder.
Step 4: Insert the New Pins
Insert the new pins from the rekeying kit into the cylinder. Ensure the pins are inserted to the correct height, as indicated by the key decoder tool.
Step 5: Reassemble the Lock
Once the new pins are in place, reassemble the lock by inserting the cylinder back into the lock housing. Test the new key to ensure that it works properly.
When to Rekey Your Locks
There are several instances where rekeying your locks is necessary. If you’ve recently moved into a new home, it’s recommended that you have the locks rekeyed. Additionally, if you’ve lost your keys or had a break-in, you should consider rekeying your locks to enhance the security of your home.
Rekeying your locks provides several benefits, including enhanced security and peace of mind. By rekeying your locks, you can ensure that only authorized individuals can access your property. Additionally, rekeying is a cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire lock.
Rekeying your locks can be a DIY project for those who are handy with tools. However, it’s important to note that rekeying a lock requires a certain level of skill and expertise. If you’re not comfortable with the process, it’s recommended that you hire a professional locksmith to rekey your locks.
Conclusion
Rekeying your locks is an important step in enhancing the security of your home. It’s a simple and cost-effective process that can be completed in a few easy steps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can rekey your locks and ensure that only authorized individuals have access to your property. Whether you tackle the project on your own or hire a professional locksmith, rekeying is a crucial step in securing your home.
