Hey there! I'm a supplier of cylindrical lever locksets, and today I'm gonna walk you through the process of re - keying a cylindrical lever lockset. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional locksmith, this guide will help you get the job done right.
Why Re - Key a Cylindrical Lever Lockset?
First off, you might be wondering why you'd want to re - key a lockset. There are a few good reasons. Maybe you've just moved into a new place, and you want to make sure that only you and the people you trust have access. Or perhaps you've lost your keys, and you're worried that someone might find them and gain entry to your property. Re - keying is a cost - effective alternative to replacing the entire lockset.
What You'll Need
Before you start, gather the following tools:
- A re - keying kit: You can buy these at most hardware stores. They usually come with all the pins, springs, and tools you need.
- A small screwdriver: This will be used to remove the lockset from the door.
- A flashlight: It'll help you see inside the lock cylinder.
Step 1: Remove the Lockset from the Door
The first step is to take the lockset out of the door. Most cylindrical lever locksets are held in place by screws on the interior side of the door. Use your small screwdriver to remove these screws. Once the screws are out, gently pull the lockset out of the door.
Step 2: Take Apart the Lock Cylinder
Now that you have the lockset out, it's time to take apart the lock cylinder. Look for a small pin or clip on the side of the cylinder. Use a thin tool, like a paperclip or a pick, to depress this pin or clip. Once it's depressed, you should be able to slide the cylinder out of the lock body.
Next, you'll need to open the cylinder. Some cylinders have a small screw on the end. Remove this screw, and then you can separate the two halves of the cylinder. Inside, you'll see a series of pins and springs.
Step 3: Remove the Old Pins
Using the tools in your re - keying kit, carefully remove the old pins from the cylinder. The pins are usually arranged in two rows: the driver pins on top and the key pins on the bottom. Start by removing the driver pins, which are held in place by the springs. Then, remove the key pins.
Step 4: Measure the New Pins
Now, it's time to figure out the right size for your new pins. Your re - keying kit should come with a pin gauge. Insert the key that you want to use into the cylinder. Then, use the pin gauge to measure the depth of each pin chamber. Based on these measurements, select the appropriate new pins from your kit.
Step 5: Install the New Pins
Once you've selected the new pins, it's time to install them. Start by inserting the key pins into the bottom of the pin chambers. Then, add the driver pins on top of the key pins. Make sure that the pins are seated properly and that the springs are in place.
Step 6: Reassemble the Lock Cylinder
After you've installed the new pins, it's time to put the lock cylinder back together. Reattach the two halves of the cylinder and replace the screw on the end. Then, slide the cylinder back into the lock body. Make sure that the pin or clip on the side of the cylinder engages properly.
Step 7: Reinstall the Lockset on the Door
Finally, it's time to put the lockset back on the door. Line up the holes in the lockset with the holes in the door, and then insert the screws. Tighten the screws securely, but be careful not to overtighten them.
Testing the Re - Keyed Lock
Once you've reinstalled the lockset, it's time to test it. Insert the new key into the lock and turn it. The lock should open and close smoothly. If it doesn't, you may need to go back and check your pin installation.
Our Grade Two Commercial Cylindrical Lever Lock
If you're in the market for a high - quality cylindrical lever lockset, check out our Grade Two Commercial Cylindrical Lever Lock. It's built to last and provides excellent security for commercial and residential applications.
Contact Us for Purchasing
If you have any questions about re - keying or if you're interested in purchasing our cylindrical lever locksets, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you find the right lock solution for your needs. Whether you're a small business owner looking to secure your premises or a homeowner wanting to upgrade your locks, we've got you covered.
References
- "Locksmithing Basics: A Guide to Re - Keying Locks" by Locksmith Journal
- "DIY Home Security: Re - Keying Your Locks" by Home Improvement Magazine