How To Change Door Lock Key

A key lock cylinder a deadbolt assembly an interior turn assembly a steel strike plate typically not necessary mounting hardware note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links.

How to change door lock key. Like all mechanisms with moving parts a lock eventually wears out. Take care to measure carefully as matching the size can be especially problematic in older homes. Most hardware stores with trained staff can change the pins and copy a key. Some lock manufacturers offer matching locksets making this process much easier than doing it yourself.

Re keying locks gives you the option of using one key for all the exterior doors. Measure the diameter of the holes currently cut out of your door so you can select a new door lock that fits those dimensions. If you are purchasing locks for your door you can buy them with matching keys. You ll probably have to replace the lock with a cracked or warped locking mechanism soon anyway so consider doing so first.

In both of these cases the latch or bolt is moved through rotating a key in a door lock cylinder or a knob to lock and unlock the door. Once you have the kit remove the lock cylinder from the door knob so you can change the pins inside. Before you learn how to change door locks measure the space where you ll install the replacement. Rekeying won t fix a worn or damaged lock.

Re keying locks prevents you from throwing away a lot of good locks that can still be fixed. To change the lock on a regular door knob first use a screwdriver to remove the door knob and the old latch. Learn to re key a lock. Jamming the wrong key into a lock or.

This does not change the cost of the item for you. Every editorial product is independently selected though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Each manufacturer will place a key code on the box and you just match all the locks and your keys will work right out of the box. How to re key a door lock change your locks yourself by removing the lock cylinder and changing the pins.

Alternatively you can buy a re keying kit for the lock you already have. However electronic locks also have parts known as actuators that are used to connect the cylinder or the bolt to a tiny motor set inside the unit. First replace the lock.