Lock Rekeying in Claymont, DE

One key for every outside door can make your Claymont home easier to use, but that is not possible with every set of locks.

We rekey suitable locks by changing the pins inside their cylinders, so a new key operates them and the old keys no longer do. For one key to work throughout, the cylinders must be compatible and capable of being rekeyed alike. If one is not, replacing that lock may be an option.

Rekeying changes which keys work, not the appearance or condition of the lock. It does not repair a worn or faulty lock, so replacement may be the better choice when a lock is damaged or cannot be rekeyed. In Claymont, you might want this change after moving in, losing a key, or having a roommate leave. You decide which entrances to include, and a lock left out will still work with its existing key. Consider any door that an unwanted key could open, including a side or back entrance.

A lost key ring with your address on it makes it worth considering every outside door those keys opened.

We first look at the locks you want included and check whether their existing cylinders are suitable for rekeying and whether they can share one key. Before work begins, we explain which doors can be keyed alike, which may need separate keys, and whether a worn or damaged lock may be better replaced. You choose which doors to include, including any the lost keys did not operate.

Rekeying changes the pins inside the existing cylinders so the missing keys no longer operate the included locks. The outside hardware stays in place, while replacement changes the lock itself. After the work, we check each included door with the new key and ask you to try it, so you can feel how it turns and operates. If a key binds or a lock does not work as expected, we look at the problem with you and explain what needs attention.

With the door open, try each new key on the doors it is meant to open.

The key should turn smoothly, and the locking mechanism should move freely. If a key sticks or takes force, stop using it and call us to check the lock. Keep your keys clean, and follow the manufacturer's directions for lubricant rather than applying household oil.

If a contractor had a key during a project, keep track of who has copies of the new keys. Ask anyone who no longer needs access to return theirs, but remember that a returned key does not account for copies. Avoid attaching your address to a key ring. If a new key goes missing, or a key you expected to stop working still opens a door, call us to review which doors need attention.