Rekey locks in Washington DC is an inexpensive way to make sure only the owners of a property have access. Landlords can also pay for this service when a tenant moves out or when the property suffers a break-in.

Rekeying is done by altering the tumblers of a lock so that it can only be opened with a new key. This is less expensive than changing the lock cylinder.

Rekeying a Lock

Whether you lost a key, moved into a new home or fired an employee, you may want to make sure that your locks work with just one key. This is usually cheaper than replacing all the locks and will give you some peace of mind. Rekeying is the same as changing a lock, but involves swapping out the pins within the lock cylinder instead of replacing the entire lock.

The rekeying process only works on single-cylinder, pin tumbler locks and will not work with deadbolts or other types of locks. You will need a rekeying kit that includes replacement lock pins. You should also buy extra pins if you have more locks to rekey than the kit has pins for. Remove the exterior door knob or lock face and undo the cylinder retainer ring with a wrench-like tool. Place this ring somewhere you will find it later. Next, insert the rekeying kit’s key into the cylinder plug and turn to separate the upper and lower lock pins.

Rekeying a Rental Property

Changing locks between tenants isn’t always a landlords’ responsibility but it can help ensure that only new tenants have access to the property. Some states have laws that require landlords to change locks between tenants.

Many brands of lock have a “keyway” that allows them to be easily re-keyed rather than replaced entirely, saving time and money. Those types of locks, such as Kwikset’s Smart Locks, also have a learning feature that can wipe the memory of the lock when you insert a key, preventing others from having access to your home.

Another option that may help you save time and money is switching to electronic locks with key code pads that can be programmed differently for each tenant, eliminating the need to manage keys. This option can still require a locksmith to install and set up but is more cost effective in the long run, especially for landlords with multiple properties. It may also reduce maintenance costs as it helps prevent your tenants from having to call you for things like a water pipe or roof leak that you can’t reach.

Rekeying a Home

Rekeying locks is more affordable than replacing the lock and provides a renewed sense of security. It also ensures that anyone who has a key to your house or apartment can’t enter without you knowing it. This can be especially helpful if you have given your keys to people like babysitters or contractors.

To rekey locks, the locksmith will modify the pins inside the lock cylinder to work with a different key. They’ll then adjust the keyholes so that only the new key will open the door. It’s best for homeowners to let a professional rekey their locks because they can’t be sure they have all the right tools needed to do it reliably.

It’s also not as simple as replacing the cylinder, and getting to the cylinder can be difficult. It requires a special tool to remove the cylinder retainer ring and the plug. This is best done on a flat surface so that the pins won’t fall and get lost.

Rekeying a Business

If you own a business, rekeying your locks is an important security measure. It makes sure only current tenants can access your property and helps keep your employees safe. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that previous owners or renters can’t access your space.

Rekeying involves replacing the pins and springs that allow a specific key to turn a lock. This process takes less time than changing a lock, and it can be done on any lock that has been used with a key. It can also be done on commercial and residential locks, such as deadbolts or profile cylinders.

However, rekeying isn’t as structurally secure as replacing a lock. This is because it’s possible for someone to gain access to your home or business by using a device called a chamber pick or plug follower. These tools are long, thin instruments with a variety of end shapes that fit into a keyhole and can push or pull pins up or down in a cylinder to open it.