Rekeying a Kwikset lock and not using a key might appear to be a frightening process, however it’s a comparatively easy course of that may be accomplished in a couple of easy steps. Whether or not you have misplaced your key or wish to improve the safety of your house, rekeying your lock can present peace of thoughts and forestall unauthorized entry. On this complete information, we’ll stroll you thru the mandatory instruments and supply step-by-step directions that can assist you rekey your Kwikset lock and not using a key effortlessly.
Before everything, you have to to collect the mandatory instruments for the job. These embrace a small flat-head screwdriver, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a brand new Kwikset key. After getting your instruments prepared, you possibly can start the rekeying course of. Begin by eradicating the faceplate of the lock utilizing the flat-head screwdriver. Subsequent, find the C-clip that holds the cylinder in place and take away it with the needle-nose pliers. Now, rigorously pull out the cylinder and insert the brand new key into it.
With the brand new key inserted, align the pins contained in the cylinder to match the important thing’s cuts. To do that, use the flat-head screwdriver to softly faucet on the pins till they’re flush with the highest of the cylinder. As soon as all pins are aligned, reinsert the cylinder into the lock and safe it with the C-clip. Lastly, exchange the faceplate and check the lock with the brand new key to make sure it operates easily. Congratulations! You may have efficiently rekeyed your Kwikset lock and not using a key, offering an additional layer of safety to your house.
Collect the Vital Instruments
To rekey a Kwikset lock and not using a key, you may want a couple of important instruments:
- Hex key or Allen wrench: A hex key, also referred to as an Allen wrench, is a small, L-shaped device with a hexagonal head. It’s used to insert into the set screw that holds the cylinder in place.
- Rekeying equipment: A rekeying equipment comprises a set of latest key pins and comes. You’ll use these to switch the present pins and comes within the lock cylinder, creating a brand new key mixture.
- Flathead screwdriver: A flathead screwdriver is used to take away the screws that maintain the lock’s faceplate in place.
- Punch or paperclip: A punch or paperclip is used to depress the springs within the lock cylinder, permitting you to take away the outdated key pins.
Along with these instruments, you might also wish to have a small hammer, a pair of pliers, and a towel or material available.
Examine the Lock and Determine the Rekeying Sort
Earlier than rekeying a Kwikset lock and not using a key, it’s essential to find out the kind of rekeying mechanism it makes use of. Kwikset locks usually make use of certainly one of two rekeying strategies:
SmartKey Rekeying
Kwikset SmartKey locks characteristic a patented rekeying system that enables customers to rekey the lock with out disassembling it. This technique makes use of a rekeying device that inserts into a delegated slot on the lock’s faceplate. By turning the rekeying device, the lock’s pins are reset, creating a brand new key mixture.
Conventional Rekeying
Conventional rekeying includes eradicating the lock cylinder from the housing and disassembling it to entry the lock’s pins. This technique requires the usage of a lock-picking equipment or a devoted rekeying equipment. The pins are then eliminated and rearranged to create a brand new key mixture. Conventional rekeying is often used on older Kwikset locks that should not have the SmartKey rekeying system.
To find out the kind of rekeying mechanism your Kwikset lock makes use of, seek the advice of the lock’s packaging or person guide. If the lock has a rekeying slot on the faceplate, it doubtless makes use of the SmartKey rekeying system. If the lock doesn’t have a rekeying slot, it makes use of conventional rekeying.
| Rekeying Sort | Identification |
|---|---|
| SmartKey Rekeying | Rekeying slot on the faceplate |
| Conventional Rekeying | No rekeying slot on the faceplate |
Take away the Door Knob or Lever
To take away the door knob or lever, first take away the screws which might be holding it in place. These screws are often positioned on the within of the door, close to the sting. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you possibly can gently pull the door knob or lever off of the door. Watch out to not injury the door or the lock.
Take away the Retainer Plate
The retainer plate is a small metallic plate that’s positioned behind the door knob or lever. It’s held in place by two screws. Take away these screws after which pull the retainer plate off of the door.
Take away the Cylinder
The cylinder is the a part of the lock that comprises the pins. To take away the cylinder, first insert the important thing into the lock and switch it to the unlock place. Then, use a small screwdriver or a pair of tweezers to push the discharge button on the facet of the cylinder. As soon as the discharge button is pushed, the cylinder may be pulled out of the lock.
| Cylinder Sort | Launch Button Location |
|---|---|
| Single-cylinder lock | On the facet of the cylinder, dealing with the skin of the door |
| Double-cylinder lock | On the facet of the cylinder, dealing with the within of the door |
Take away the Cylinder from the Lock
4. Take away the cylinder from the lock
As soon as the screws are eliminated, the cylinder may be pulled out of the lock. It could be essential to make use of a screwdriver or a pair of pliers to softly pry the cylinder out. Watch out to not injury the cylinder or the lock when doing this.
If the cylinder remains to be caught, there could also be a small set screw on the again of the cylinder that must be loosened. Use an Allen wrench or a small screwdriver to loosen the set screw after which attempt to pull the cylinder out once more.
As soon as the cylinder is eliminated, you will note a small gap behind the lock. That is the place the brand new key can be inserted.
Realign the Pins and Springs
The fifth step includes rigorously realigning the pins and comes inside the lock mechanism. This course of requires precision and a focus to element. Here is a three-part information that can assist you by means of this important step:
Step 5a: Take away the Plug
Utilizing a screwdriver or decide device, gently take away the plug from the lock cylinder. Watch out to not apply extreme power, as it may well injury the fragile inside elements.
Step 5b: Align the Plug and Key Pins
As soon as the plug is eliminated, insert the important thing into the lock cylinder. This can make it easier to find the place of the plug and key pins. Gently rotate the important thing to align the important thing pins with the corresponding positions on the plug.
Step 5c: Elevate the Driver Pins
Utilizing a decide device, rigorously raise every driver pin till it’s flush with the highest of the plug. Take your time and be sure that all pins are raised to the proper top.
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 5a | Take away the plug |
| 5b | Align the plug and key pins |
| 5c | Elevate the driving force pins |
Exchange the Cylinder and Reassemble the Lock
After getting extracted the plug from the housing, it is time to exchange the cylinder. This can be a easy course of, however you want to watch out to not injury the cylinder or the housing.
- Insert the brand new cylinder into the housing. Be sure that the keyway is aligned with the keyway within the housing.
- Push the plug again into the housing. Be sure that the plug is totally inserted and that the pins are correctly aligned.
- Reassemble the lock. Observe the steps in reverse order to reassemble the lock.
Extra Suggestions for Changing the Cylinder
- If potential, use a brand new cylinder, even when the outdated one remains to be purposeful. This can assist be sure that your lock is safer.
- If you’re utilizing a used cylinder, guarantee that it’s in good situation. The cylinder should have no cracks or different injury.
- Watch out to not injury the cylinder or the housing when inserting and eradicating the plug.
- Shorten the Binding Pin: Use a pin cutter to barely shorten the offending pin by roughly 0.005 inches.
- Sand the Binding Pin: Alternatively, gently sand the shoulder of the binding pin to scale back its diameter and alleviate friction.
- Polish the Lock Cylinder: If the lock cylinder itself is inflicting friction, evenly polish its internal floor utilizing fine-grit sandpaper.
- A brand new Kwikset lock
- A screwdriver
- A small hammer
- A nail or paperclip
- Take away the outdated lock from the door.
- Insert the important thing into the brand new lock and switch it to the locked place.
- Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws on the faceplate of the lock.
- Take away the faceplate and set it apart.
- Use a hammer and nail or paperclip to take away the C-clip from the lock cylinder.
- Take away the lock cylinder from the lock physique.
- Insert the brand new lock cylinder into the lock physique.
- Exchange the C-clip on the lock cylinder.
- Exchange the faceplate on the lock and tighten the screws.
- Reinstall the lock on the door.
Take a look at the Rekeyed Lock
After rekeying the lock, it is important to check it totally to make sure it features appropriately. Here is how one can examine the rekeyed lock:
1. Insert a New Key: Insert the newly reduce key into the rekeyed lock and attempt to rotate it each clockwise and counterclockwise. The lock ought to function easily with none resistance.
2. Take away and Reinser: Take away the important thing and insert it again into the lock a number of instances. The important thing ought to enter effortlessly and switch the lock with none points.
3. A number of Keys: In case you have a number of keys reduce for the rekeyed lock, check every key individually to make sure all of them work appropriately.
4. Test Alignment: Observe the important thing as you insert and switch it. Guarantee the important thing aligns correctly with the pins within the lock cylinder. Any misalignment can point out a rekeying error.
5. Rotate: Rotate the important thing within the lock a couple of instances, being attentive to the motion of the lock cylinder. The cylinder ought to rotate easily and unlock or lock the deadbolt as meant.
6. Visible Inspection: Study the keyway and lock cylinder for any seen injury or particles. Rekeying might require submitting or altering the lock elements, so examine for any irregularities.
7. Door Operation: Set up the rekeyed lock on the door and check its operation. Open and shut the door a number of instances to make sure the bolt enters and retracts from the strike plate easily. The door ought to lock and unlock seamlessly utilizing the brand new keys.
Suggestions for Troubleshooting Widespread Issues
Should you’re encountering difficulties whereas rekeying your Kwikset lock and not using a key, take into account the next troubleshooting ideas:
1. Guarantee Correct Alignment
Test if the pins are totally inserted and aligned appropriately inside the lock cylinder. Misalignment can hinder the rekeying course of.
2. Apply Enough Power
When setting the pins, use constant and agency power. Keep away from extreme strain, as this could injury the pins or lock elements.
3. Confirm Spring Stress
Be sure that the springs beneath the pins will not be too tight or too free. Alter the strain by barely bending the springs as wanted.
4. Pin Retainer Points
If the pin retainer is broken or not correctly seated, it may well forestall the pins from sustaining their place. Exchange the retainer if essential.
5. Keyway Obstructions
Examine the keyway for any particles or obstructions that might hinder the important thing from totally partaking with the lock cylinder.
6. Incorrect Pin Choice
Guarantee that you’re utilizing the proper key pins in your particular lock mannequin. Utilizing incorrect pins can forestall the lock from functioning correctly.
7. Binding Pins
Should you expertise binding pins throughout rekeying, it could point out extreme pin depth. Alter the pins to make sure they’re flush with the highest of the cylinder.
8. Superior Troubleshooting for Binding Pins
For persistent binding pins, take into account the next superior troubleshooting methods:
Precautions to Think about
Earlier than making an attempt to rekey a Kwikset lock and not using a key, it’s essential to contemplate the next precautions:
1. Security First
Put on gloves and security glasses to guard your self from potential accidents.
2. Collect Vital Instruments
Guarantee you could have all the mandatory instruments, together with a screwdriver, a rekeying equipment, and a small hammer or mallet.
3. Determine Lock Mannequin
Decide the mannequin of your Kwikset lock to make sure you have the proper rekeying equipment.
4. Take away Knob or Lever
Take away the knob or lever from the lock by unscrewing the screws holding it in place.
5. Entry Lock Cylinder
Find and take away the lock cylinder from the lock physique utilizing a screwdriver.
6. Disassemble Lock Cylinder
Rigorously disassemble the lock cylinder by eradicating the retaining ring and pin tumbler system.
7. Reassemble with New Pins
Insert the brand new key pins into the lock cylinder and reassemble it, making certain the pins are aligned appropriately.
8. Set up Rekeyed Cylinder
Insert the rekeyed cylinder again into the lock physique and safe it with the retaining ring.
9. Reinstall Knob or Lever
Reinstall the knob or lever onto the lock and tighten the screws to make sure a safe match. Observe that when you’ve got a SmartKey lock, you have to to observe particular steps to rekey it, because it makes use of a special mechanism than conventional pin tumbler locks. Seek the advice of the producer’s directions for detailed steerage on rekeying a SmartKey lock.
| Lock Sort | Extra Precautions |
|---|---|
| Single-Cylinder Lock | Solely accessible from the skin, requires a key to unlock from the within |
| Double-Cylinder Lock | Accessible from either side, requires a key to unlock from either side |
Advantages of Rekeying a Lock With out a Key
Rekeying a lock and not using a key provides quite a few advantages, together with:
Elevated Safety
Rekeying a lock prevents unauthorized people from utilizing outdated keys to achieve entry to your property. It is particularly useful for those who’ve misplaced or had your keys stolen.
Comfort
You needn’t exchange the whole lock, which saves money and time. Rekeying additionally permits you to use the identical key for a number of locks, simplifying entry to your house or workplace.
Privateness
Rekeying ensures that solely licensed people have entry to your property, defending your privateness and belongings.
Value-Efficient
Rekeying a lock is considerably cheaper than changing the whole lock, making it an economical solution to improve your safety.
Emergency Entry
Should you’re locked out of your house or workplace, a locksmith can rekey the lock and not using a key, permitting you to regain entry rapidly and conveniently.
Peace of Thoughts
Understanding that your locks are safe and solely licensed people have entry can present peace of thoughts.
Value Issues for Rekeying a Lock With out a Key
The price of rekeying a lock and not using a key will depend on a number of elements, together with:
| Issue | Value Vary |
|---|---|
| Variety of Locks | $20-$75 per lock |
| Lock Sort | $40-$100 per lock (for high-security locks) |
| Emergency Service | $100-$250 |
It is vital to notice that these prices are estimates and might fluctuate relying on the locksmith and your location.
How To Rekey A Kwikset Lock With out A Key
Should you’ve misplaced your keys or want to vary the locks on your house, you do not have to name a locksmith. You’ll be able to rekey a Kwikset lock and not using a key your self with a couple of easy instruments.
Here is what you may want:
After getting your instruments, observe these steps:
Your lock is now rekeyed and able to use.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Rekey A Kwikset Lock With out A Key
What’s the distinction between a rekey equipment and a lock decide set?
A rekey equipment is a set of instruments that permits you to change the important thing that opens a lock. A lock decide set is a set of instruments that permits you to open a lock and not using a key.
Can I rekey a Kwikset lock myself?
Sure, you possibly can rekey a Kwikset lock your self with a couple of easy instruments. Observe the steps within the tutorial above.
How a lot does it price to rekey a Kwikset lock?
The price of rekeying a Kwikset lock will fluctuate relying on the locksmith you utilize. Nonetheless, you possibly can count on to pay between $20 and $50 for the service.
