When you need to change the key of a lock, you can either purchase a key exchange kit specific to your brand of knob, lever, or bolt, or take it to a Locksmith in Kingston GA or hardware store. Key change kits allow you to change the key of a padlock to match the existing keys in the kit. You will receive several keys (often between three and six keys), all cut identically. To check if they are from the same keychain, take the key you want to use and check if it slips through the hole of the new lock. If you buy from a Locksmith in Kingston GA or hardware store, they will often change the key on the locks to match another existing key at no cost. If the key doesn't slide in, the cylinders (keyrings) are different and you can't make the lock work with that key.
To save money, always take them to a locksmith, don't install them (so the locksmith doesn't have to go to your location). They have two kits designed to change the key of some locks to a specific key included in the kit and larger kits that will allow you to freely change the locks with any old key. If you make a mistake, the pins will fly everywhere and a local locksmith will charge more to put it back together. Let's say you've bought a house, but there are one or two locks in the house that work with a different key than the rest of the locks (or you just don't have a key for one or two of the locks). For a key to turn the locking mechanism, the configuration of the pins must match the depth of the unique slots on that key.
If you want the lock to be opened with a different existing key, for example, and you no longer want to use separate keys to enter through the front, rear and side doors, you must dismantle the lock and remove the pegs, which are of different heights, and replace them with new ones that match the cuts and grooves of the new key. Rekeying your own locks can be an intimidating task for those who are not familiar with it. However, with some patience and practice, it is possible for anyone to rekey their own locks. To help make this process easier for those who are considering rekeying their own locks, here is an overview of what is involved in rekeying your own locks:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
The first step in rekeying your own locks is gathering all of your supplies. You will need a rekeying kit specific to your brand of knob, lever, or bolt.You will also need some basic tools such as pliers and screwdrivers. Additionally, you may need some lubricant such as graphite powder.
Step 2: Remove The Lock Cylinder
Once you have gathered all of your supplies, you can begin by removing the lock cylinder from its housing. This is usually done by unscrewing two screws located on either side of the cylinder. Once these screws are removed, you can pull out the cylinder.Step 3: Remove The Pins
Once you have removed the cylinder from its housing, you can begin removing all of its pins.This is done by using a small tool included in your rekeying kit. This tool is used to push out each pin one at a time until all of them have been removed.
Step 4: Insert The New Pins
Once all of the pins have been removed from your lock cylinder, you can begin inserting new pins into it. This is done by using another tool included in your rekeying kit. This tool is used to insert each pin one at a time until all of them have been inserted.Step 5: Reassemble The Lock Cylinder
Once all of your new pins have been inserted into your lock cylinder, you can begin reassembling it.This is done by placing it back into its housing and then screwing it back into place.
