How to Rekey a Deadbolt Yourself
One of the essential components of home security is a deadbolt lock. However, situations may arise where you need to rekey your deadbolt. Whether you’ve moved to a new house, lost your key, or simply want to enhance your home’s security, rekeying a deadbolt is a cost-effective and efficient solution. In this article, we will explore the process of rekeying a deadbolt lock and how you can do it yourself.
Understanding Rekeying:
Rekeying a lock involves changing the internal pins or tumblers of the lock cylinder to fit a new key. This process renders previous keys useless, ensuring that only the new key can open the lock. By rekeying a deadbolt, you can maintain the same lock mechanism while changing the key that operates it.
When to Rekey a Deadbolt:
Rekeying a deadbolt is practical in various situations. If you have recently moved into a new home, it is strongly recommended to rekey all locks, including the deadbolts, as you cannot be certain who else might have a copy of the key. Additionally, if you have lost your keys, rekeying the lock prevents unauthorized access. Rekeying is also beneficial when you want to have multiple locks that work with the same key for convenience.
Tools Required:
To rekey a deadbolt, you will need a few essential tools such as a plug follower, a rekeying kit, a pinning tray, a key decoder, and a set of lock picks. These tools are widely available in hardware stores or can be purchased online.
Step-by-Step Guide to Rekeying a Deadbolt:
1. Remove the Deadbolt:
Start by removing the deadbolt from the door. Unscrew the screws or bolts that secure it to the door, using a screwdriver or an appropriate tool. Ensure that you keep all components organized and accessible throughout the rekeying process.
2. Disassemble the Deadbolt:
Next, disassemble the deadbolt to access the lock mechanism. Remove the screws or clips that hold the lock together. Carefully separate the outer cylinder, the plug, and the internal pins or tumblers.
3. Insert the Key Decoder:
Insert the key decoder into the cylinder plug to determine the new key’s unique combination. By following the instructions provided with the rekeying kit, you can align the decoder with each pin in the plug to record the corresponding pin lengths.
4. Remove the Old Pins:
Using a plug follower, gently push out the old pins from the plug, ensuring they do not mix with the new pins. Keep the pins organized in the pinning tray according to their sizes.
5. Insert New Pins:
Based on the pin lengths obtained from the key decoder, select the appropriate new pins from the rekeying kit. Insert the new pins into the plug, making sure they are aligned correctly and flush with the shear line.
6. Reassemble the Deadbolt:
Carefully reassemble the deadbolt by placing the plug and pins back into the outer cylinder. Ensure the keyway lines up with the keyhole. Insert the screws or clips to secure the lock components together.
7. Test the New Key:
Once the reassembly is completed, test the new key in the deadbolt lock to ensure smooth operation. Make sure the key can turn the lock and retract the bolt smoothly without any resistance. If the key is difficult to turn, disassemble the lock again and recheck the alignment of the pins.
Rekeying a deadbolt is a relatively simple process that can be done on your own, saving time and money. By following the step-by-step guide provided above, you can rekey your deadbolt with ease. Remember that each lock brand might have slight variations in their mechanisms, so it is always advisable to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional guidance if needed. By rekeying your deadbolt, you can enhance home security, gain peace of mind, and maintain control over who has access to your property.