Lock Rekeying in Chester, PA

If a contractor had a key during a project, you may not know who still has a copy.

In Chester, we rekey existing locks so old keys no longer work and new keys open the doors you choose. The same concern can come up when you move in, a roommate leaves, or a key goes missing. Rekeying changes which key operates a lock, not its appearance or the way the door closes.

For a home in Chester, you can include the front, back and side doors, or choose only the entrances where you want to change access. If the locks are compatible, we can rekey them to use one key. Locks that cannot share a key may need replacement if you want them to match. Rekeying keeps the existing hardware, while replacement gives you different hardware and may be a better choice when a lock is worn or damaged, or when you want a different style.

If a contractor had a key during a project, you may want to change access to the doors they used.

We first look at the locks you want included and check their condition and keyways. We also ask whether you want one key for all the outside doors or separate keys for some entrances. A shared key may be possible if the existing hardware is compatible. If it is not, we explain which pieces would need replacement to make that arrangement work.

Before starting, we explain how rekeying changes the internal pins so the contractor's key and any copies no longer operate the selected locks. The hardware stays in place, with the same appearance, and doors you leave out keep their existing keys. If a lock is worn or you want a different style, replacement may be a better choice. After the work, we check the new keys with you on each included door, testing operation with the door open and closed. If you have an old key available, we also check that it no longer turns the rekeyed locks.

If a contractor had a key during your project, keep track of which doors were rekeyed.

Copies of the old key should no longer open those locks, but any door left out may still accept them. Keep your new set and spare in separate, secure places, and avoid putting your address on either. When someone needs access for future work, record who has a copy and collect it when the work is done.

Try every new copy in each rekeyed entrance, first with it open and then closed. If one sticks, turns only with force, or fails to work, stop using it and call us to check the problem. A door that will not latch properly also needs attention, since rekeying does not correct how it fits. Keep the opening clear of grit, and use a lubricant labeled for locks rather than household oil.