Have you ever given your key to someone else, whether it’s a roommate, family member, or contractor, and later worried that they might still have access to your home or mailbox? Or maybe you’re moving into a new place and want to ensure that you’re the only one with access to your new locks? In either case, re-keying your locks is a necessary step to ensure the security of your home or business.
Re-keying is the process of changing the key that operates the lock without replacing the entire lock. It’s an effective way to increase security without the expense of installing new locks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of re-keying your door and mailbox locks, and explain why it’s a necessity.
Why Re-keying is Necessary
There are many reasons why re-keying is necessary. If you’ve recently moved into a new home or apartment, it’s essential to re-key your locks to ensure that you’re the only one with access to your home. Likewise, if you’re leaving for an extended period or expecting a new roommate, it’s wise to re-key your locks to ensure your safety.
Re-keying your locks is also necessary if you suspect that someone else has access to your key. For example, if you’ve given a spare key to a contractor or housekeeper, it’s essential to re-key your locks when they’re no longer needed. Similarly, if you’ve lost a key, it’s crucial to re-key your locks to prevent unauthorized access to your home or business.
How to Re-key Your Locks
Re-keying your locks is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you re-key your locks:
Step 1: Remove the Lock
The first step in re-keying your lock is to remove it from the door. To do this, use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the back of the lock. Once the screws are removed, the lock should come off easily.
Step 2: Remove the Cylinder
After removing the lock, you’ll need to remove the cylinder from the lock. To do this, insert the key and turn it 90 degrees. You should then be able to remove the cylinder from the lock.
Step 3: Re-Key the Cylinder
Once you’ve removed the cylinder, you can re-key it by using a re-keying kit. The kit will come with instructions and all the necessary tools to re-key your lock.
Step 4: Re-Assemble the Lock
After re-keying the cylinder, you’ll need to re-assemble the lock. To do this, insert the cylinder back into the lock and turn the key to ensure that it works properly.
Step 5: Re-Install the Lock
The final step in re-keying your lock is to re-install it on the door. Simply insert the lock back into the door and use the screws to secure it in place.
Benefits of Re-keying Your Locks
Re-keying your locks offers several benefits, including:
Increased Security: Re-keying your locks ensures that only you and those you trust have access to your home or business. It’s an effective way to prevent unauthorized entry and protect your property.
Cost-Effective: Re-keying your locks is much more cost-effective than replacing them entirely. It’s a simple process that can be done quickly and easily.
Convenience: Re-keying your locks allows you to use a single key for all the locks in your home or business. This eliminates the need to carry multiple keys and simplifies your life.