Rekeying locks is an alternative to replacing locks completely – it’s also a more affordable option. However, is this a job for a locksmith or can you take care of it yourself?

Rekeying a lock is something you can do yourself, provided you have permission as a tenant, or you own the home. However, just because it is possible to rekey a lock yourself doesn’t mean you should attempt it yourself.

To rekey a lock, you need to purchase a rekey kit that works with your specific lock brand. This can easily become a costly exercise if you need to rekey multiple locks from different brands. A locksmith already has all the necessary tools available for the job.

Then there’s the know-how. To rekey a lock yourself, you’re going to need to do some reading or watch a few YouTube videos. Again, a locksmith already has this knowledge, which means rekeying is quick and easy.

If you do want to give rekeying a try and you have the right tools, you would start by removing the exterior knob. From there, you need to remove the cylinder lock from the knob and push off the ring clip.

Next, remove the key plug from the housing kit as well as all the old pins.

Lastly, you would insert the new key and pins to complete the process.

If you are not familiar with the internal workings of a lock, this process may take some time the first time around. Keep in mind that if you have different locks around the house, they could look slightly different inside.

If you would prefer to save time and money and get the assistance of a professional locksmith instead, contact The Security and Lock Corp on (305) 846-9360.