How To Change Door Lock Key

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.

How to change door lock key.

Learn to re key a lock. Measure the diameter of the holes currently cut out of your door so you can select a new door lock that fits those dimensions. Jamming the wrong key into a lock or. Some lock manufacturers offer matching locksets making this process much easier than doing it yourself.

Take care to measure carefully as matching the size can be especially problematic in older homes. Re keying locks prevents you from throwing away a lot of good locks that can still be fixed. You ll probably have to replace the lock with a cracked or warped locking mechanism soon anyway so consider doing so first. Every editorial product is independently selected though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.

Most hardware stores with trained staff can change the pins and copy a key. This does not change the cost of the item for you. Re keying locks gives you the option of using one key for all the exterior doors. Alternatively you can buy a re keying kit for the lock you already have.

Like all mechanisms with moving parts a lock eventually wears out. To change the lock on a regular door knob first use a screwdriver to remove the door knob and the old latch. Next put a new latch in and replace the door knob. 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.

Once you have the kit remove the lock cylinder from the door knob so you can change the pins inside. 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. First replace the lock. Before you learn how to change door locks measure the space where you ll install the replacement.

I reinvest whatever proceeds i receive into making new projects. Rekeying won t fix a worn or damaged lock. 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.