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FAQ

Q: How is a lock re-keyed?

Most home or commercial owners don’t even realize that locks can be re-keyed instead of costly replacing all the locks. Below is an example of the re-keying process for a Schlage knob.

Step 1

Photo 1: First we remove the knob by inserting a wire tool into the knob hole and depress the knob's retaining clip. Pull the knob off the door. Deadbolts are completely removed from the door and re-installed once re-keyed.

Step 2

Photo 2: Remove the lock cylinder by removing the collar and then pushing the lock cylinder out the back of the knob assembly.

Step 3

Photo 3: We want to remove the retainer ring that holds the cylinder plug by pushing the retainer ring tool against the retainer ring to pop it off the cylinder. Deadbolts and commercial levers have a cylinder cap that is removed instead.

Step 4

Photo 4: We remove the cylinder plug from the cylinder by inserting the old key and pushing it out with a special follower. We remove the plug by pushing the plug follower through the cylinder casing. Then we dump out the old pins, insert the new key, and re-pin the lock to our fresh new key*.

*Re-keying a deadbolt, rim or mortise cylinder is accomplished in the same manner with a few minor differences. Locks in the pictures above are for demonstrative purposes only. Actual lock re-keying procedures differ by brand and type.