After many years of use, door locks usually get difficult to handle since they begin having friction inside them. We cannot say how much stress this puts on us. So, what do we do? Well, the first option that pops up into our minds is “do I need to get my locks replaced?” And it is not such a bad choice. However, you also need to know that it is possible to re-key the locks by yourself. Now that we know that is possible the next question that comes to our minds is “Should I attempt to re-key locks myself?” A professional residential locksmith technician is able to help you re-key your locks and should be contacted for all locksmith needs. However, if you are looking for a “Do-it-yourself” guide for re-keying locks, then keep on reading.

Locks Re-Keying Guide

You need to be aware that a lot of people usually try to accomplish this. A big part of them normally are stock and get frustrated since, we are well aware that it is not an extremely easy job; it is not impossible, though. It is easier than you believe, specially if you follow these steps carefully. You will find yourself doing it all these in no time. But of course, you need to follow these steps carefully; otherwise, you might get stock and frustrated and won’t be able to make a good job.

Furthermore, we suggest you to first ready this article before attempting to re-key your door locks. This way, you will see that is no rocket science and you will be able to do it more confortable if you read the guide first. Let’s get started!

1. The first thing you need to do is get all your tools set and ready. Try to plan everything out beforehand. This will make it a lot easier and you will be able to save a lot of time. I can tell you enough how frustrating is having to stop the process because you forgot to look for one specific tool. And if this happens with more than one tool, you will find yourself running around wasting more time on tool hunting than actually spending it fixing the problem.

So, for this case, our choice will be a new set of Z wave compatible devices because our goal is to set up our own automatic/security system in order to be updated with the new technologies. It is commonly known that Schlage lock series that were chosen are secure and they are also aesthetically appealing to the house. The idea is to have accessible technology and an easy-to-use system that can be managed by us as well as by any member of our families.

This is the list we will be using in this case:

• A clean and organized workplace
• A cup or bowl (small size)
• A pocket knife
• A set of tweezers (SE – Tweezers Set – Diamond, 6 Pc – TW2-407)
• The locks you can use (Schalge Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt with-built in Alarm, Satin Nickel, BE469NXCAM19 or Schlage F51A GEO 619 CAM Camelot Collection Georgian Keyed Entry Knob, Satin Nickeñ)
• The Re-keying set to rekey your locks

2. Choose your primary key: Select a key that you are going to use for all the locks and place it near hand since you will be using it for all the locks that you are going to re-key. Try to choose a key that has a copy just in case you lose it. If you lose it and you do not have a copy, you will have to call a locksmith and this is when it will get expensive. In order not to be confused you can use duct tape for marking the keys, this is very helpful when you are rekeying a lot of locks.

It is important for you to notice that there is a 5 digit code on each key. When replacing the ones in the tumbler, this code is very important since it matches the pins that you will use. You can reuse the pins from your lock when your keys have the same number. It does not matter because this is why the kit is so important.

3. Now, we have to choose a simple keyed lock.

Before beginning working on the deadbolts, it is recommended to star by using a simple keyed lock in order for you to get used to working the this system. All residential locks are usually based on the same design. In addition, people usually say that it is more complex to do the keyed lock than the deadbolt. The reason is that it has to be installed on the door before you can remove the tumbler in order to get to those pins that need to be changed. However, once you are able to get the cylinder number, the hard part is over.

1. Insert the existing key into the door from the outside
2. You need to turn the key clockwise (90 degrees)
3. Depress the release pin that is shown below, and then pull the cap off.
4. You need to remove the key from the tumbler
5. For extraction, push the tumbler into the cap.
6. Take your provided multi tool
7. Pull the C Clamp off but not all the way.
8. Proceed to slide the plastic pin replacement tool into the unit.
9. Remove the pins
10. Put the master key into the cylinder
11. The key has to match with the 5 digit code number
12. Put everything back using a reverse order

4. Choosing the keyed
   1. Begin by taking the keypad of the lock and turn face so you look into its back in order to remove the tumbler assembly.
   2. To slide out the tumbler, you need to remove the two screws that keep the cylinder from falling out.
   3. Now take this and depress the pin while unscrewing the nut with your hand
   4. You need to remove the nut and bar from the pin sleeve.
   5. Use the pin assist tool to keep pressure on the internal springs and we are able to access the pins for replacement.
   6. Then, replace the pins with the same set that are being used in your house
   7. Assemble again using a reversed order
   8. Install in your door.