How to Rekey a Lock

This is an introduction on how to rekey a lock.  When it comes to the locks on your home if you lose your keys you have options.  They can fall into the wrong hands. You could just not know if there are any extras floating around, but you do have options.  The locks don’t always have to be replaced with brand new hardware.  The locks can actually be taken apart and the pins and springs inside can be changed for brand new ones.  The lock can be pinned to a new key that now only you have. The process of changing the guts of the lock is less involved than actually changing out the entire lock and can be more cost effective. This process is known as rekeying a lock and as a locksmith who does rekeys in Wesminster and the entire Denver area, we wanted to explain more about the process.

Using a Lab Pin Kit

Our locksmiths use a lab pin kit with pins that are by the .003.  That is the size difference from pin to pin.  There are 5 top springs than 5 top pins, and then there are 5 bottom pins. Pins are in different sizes to fit the cuts on the key.  When the correct key goes into the lock it lines up the pins so that there is a sheer line where the lock housing and the lock cylinder meet.  When this sheer line is made the lock will turn open flawlessly.  If the lock opens but feels like it is catching a little or sticks it is one of a few reasons.  Either the key has been copied a few times and it has made the key a little too low, or the locksmith did a crappy job and didn’t rekey your lock 100% perfect.

Here at lock and key experts we make sure that every lock is rekeyed flawlessly.  Our technicians check and double check their work.  We always use brand new not duplicated starter keys to pin your locks too.  We always use the top of the line brass pins and springs to rebuild your locks.  Make sure you choose a reputable locksmith service.