Roughly 95% of all locks are rekeyable. If your keys are lost or if you need to disable an old key. The most cost-effective method would be to rekey your existing lock.
Pin tumbler locks are the most common in homes and commercial buildings. To rekey a lock for your home or building, you need to take apart the lock to access the tumbler and pins. Once you access the tumbler, go ahead and dump out the old pins. You will need to pick out a new key and then install pins in the tumbler that match the new key’s ridges and valleys. Once your pins match your key you can reassemble the lock.
Another neat feature of rekeying a pin tumbler lock is the ability to create a master key, or to make multiple different keys work with one lock. A basic example of this would be a duplex with a shared entry door. The two units get their own unique key. Both separate unit keys operate the shared entry door. Another common example would be an office building where every office is keyed individually all while a single master key will open every door.
Master keying can be convenient. However, it is important to mention that convenience and security are always at odds with each other. The more unique keys you create for a single lock, the easier it will be to pick, and the more potential for security failure.
If you have any questions about rekeying please don't hesitate to contact me. Whether for a single door or an entire campus. For a free estimate on your next locksmith job, call 612-226-4635 or click here.