Rekeying a Kwikset lock and not using a key could appear to be a frightening job, however it’s a comparatively simple course of that may be accomplished in a couple of easy steps. Whether or not you have misplaced your key or need to improve the safety of your private home, rekeying your lock can present peace of thoughts and forestall unauthorized entry. On this complete information, we’ll stroll you thru the required instruments and supply step-by-step directions that will help you rekey your Kwikset lock and not using a key effortlessly.
Before everything, you will have to assemble the required instruments for the job. These embody a small flat-head screwdriver, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a brand new Kwikset key. After you have your instruments prepared, you may 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, change the faceplate and take a look at the lock with the brand new key to make sure it operates easily. Congratulations! You will have efficiently rekeyed your Kwikset lock and not using a key, offering an additional layer of safety to your private home.
Collect the Crucial Instruments
To rekey a Kwikset lock and not using a key, you will want a couple of important instruments:
- Hex key or Allen wrench: A hex key, also called an Allen wrench, is a small, L-shaped software with a hexagonal head. It’s used to insert into the set screw that holds the cylinder in place.
- Rekeying package: A rekeying package accommodates a set of latest key pins and comes. You’ll use these to interchange 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 previous key pins.
Along with these instruments, you may additionally need to have a small hammer, a pair of pliers, and a towel or fabric available.
Examine the Lock and Establish the Rekeying Kind
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 considered 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 method makes use of a rekeying software that inserts into a chosen slot on the lock’s faceplate. By turning the rekeying software, the lock’s pins are reset, creating a brand new key mixture.
Conventional Rekeying
Conventional rekeying entails eradicating the lock cylinder from the housing and disassembling it to entry the lock’s pins. This methodology requires using a lock-picking package or a devoted rekeying package. The pins are then eliminated and rearranged to create a brand new key mixture. Conventional rekeying is usually used on older Kwikset locks that do not need 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 consumer handbook. 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 Kind | 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 can be holding it in place. These screws are often situated on the within of the door, close to the sting. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you may 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 situated 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 accommodates 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 could be pulled out of the lock.
| Cylinder Kind | Launch Button Location |
|---|---|
| Single-cylinder lock | On the facet of the cylinder, going through the skin of the door |
| Double-cylinder lock | On the facet of the cylinder, going through 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 could be pulled out of the lock. It might be vital 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 notice a small gap at the back of the lock. That is the place the brand new key might be inserted.
Realign the Pins and Springs
The fifth step entails 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 will help you by means of this important step:
Step 5a: Take away the Plug
Utilizing a screwdriver or decide software, gently take away the plug from the lock cylinder. Watch out to not apply extreme drive, as it may well injury the fragile inner 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 allow you 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 software, rigorously carry every driver pin till it’s flush with the highest of the plug. Take your time and be certain 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 you have extracted the plug from the housing, it is time to change the cylinder. It is a simple course of, however you have 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 absolutely 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 attainable, use a brand new cylinder, even when the previous one remains to be purposeful. This can assist be certain that your lock is safer.
- In case you are 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, frivolously polish its inside floor utilizing fine-grit sandpaper.
- A brand new Kwikset lock
- A screwdriver
- A small hammer
- A nail or paperclip
- Take away the previous 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.
Check the Rekeyed Lock
After rekeying the lock, it is important to check it completely to make sure it capabilities accurately. Here is how one can verify the rekeyed lock:
1. Insert a New Key: Insert the newly minimize 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: When you’ve got a number of keys minimize for the rekeyed lock, take a look at every key individually to make sure all of them work accurately.
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 could require submitting or altering the lock elements, so verify for any irregularities.
7. Door Operation: Set up the rekeyed lock on the door and take a look at 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 Frequent 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 absolutely inserted and aligned accurately inside the lock cylinder. Misalignment can hinder the rekeying course of.
2. Apply Satisfactory Drive
When setting the pins, use constant and agency drive. Keep away from extreme strain, as this may injury the pins or lock elements.
3. Confirm Spring Pressure
Be sure that the springs beneath the pins aren’t too tight or too unfastened. Regulate the stress by barely bending the springs as wanted.
4. Pin Retainer Points
If the pin retainer is broken or not correctly seated, it may well stop the pins from sustaining their place. Exchange the retainer if vital.
5. Keyway Obstructions
Examine the keyway for any particles or obstructions that would hinder the important thing from absolutely participating with the lock cylinder.
6. Incorrect Pin Choice
Guarantee that you’re utilizing the proper key pins to your particular lock mannequin. Utilizing incorrect pins can stop the lock from functioning correctly.
7. Binding Pins
Should you expertise binding pins throughout rekeying, it might point out extreme pin depth. Regulate 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 strategies:
Precautions to Think about
Earlier than trying to rekey a Kwikset lock and not using a key, it’s essential to think about the next precautions:
1. Security First
Put on gloves and security glasses to guard your self from potential accidents.
2. Collect Crucial Instruments
Guarantee you’ve got all the required instruments, together with a screwdriver, a rekeying package, and a small hammer or mallet.
3. Establish Lock Mannequin
Decide the mannequin of your Kwikset lock to make sure you have the proper rekeying package.
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, guaranteeing the pins are aligned accurately.
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 if in case you have a SmartKey lock, you will have 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 steering on rekeying a SmartKey lock.
| Lock Kind | Extra Precautions |
|---|---|
| Single-Cylinder Lock | Solely accessible from the skin, requires a key to unlock from the within |
| Double-Cylinder Lock | Accessible from each side, requires a key to unlock from each side |
Advantages of Rekeying a Lock With no Key
Rekeying a lock and not using a key presents quite a few advantages, together with:
Elevated Safety
Rekeying a lock prevents unauthorized people from utilizing previous keys to realize entry to your property. It is particularly helpful for those who’ve misplaced or had your keys stolen.
Comfort
You needn’t change all the lock, which saves money and time. Rekeying additionally permits you to use the identical key for a number of locks, simplifying entry to your private home or workplace.
Privateness
Rekeying ensures that solely approved people have entry to your property, defending your privateness and belongings.
Price-Efficient
Rekeying a lock is considerably cheaper than changing all the lock, making it an economical approach to improve your safety.
Emergency Entry
Should you’re locked out of your private home or workplace, a locksmith can rekey the lock and not using a key, permitting you to regain entry shortly and conveniently.
Peace of Thoughts
Understanding that your locks are safe and solely approved people have entry can present peace of thoughts.
Price Issues for Rekeying a Lock With no Key
The price of rekeying a lock and not using a key will depend on a number of elements, together with:
| Issue | Price Vary |
|---|---|
| Variety of Locks | $20-$75 per lock |
| Lock Kind | $40-$100 per lock (for high-security locks) |
| Emergency Service | $100-$250 |
It is necessary to notice that these prices are estimates and might differ 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 private home, you do not have to name a locksmith. You possibly can rekey a Kwikset lock and not using a key your self with a couple of easy instruments.
Here is what you will want:
After you have 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 package and a lock decide set?
A rekey package 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 may rekey a Kwikset lock your self with a couple of easy instruments. Observe the steps within the tutorial above.
How a lot does it value to rekey a Kwikset lock?
The price of rekeying a Kwikset lock will differ relying on the locksmith you employ. Nevertheless, you may count on to pay between $20 and $50 for the service.
