Lock Rekeying in East Bradford, PA

You have moved into a home in East Bradford, but you do not know who still has a key.

A previous resident, a former roommate or someone who found a lost copy could have a key that works. We rekey the doors you choose by changing the pins inside each existing cylinder, so old keys stop working and a new key opens those doors. The hardware stays in place, so you keep the same handles and exterior appearance. You can include one entrance or several keyed exterior doors.

For an East Bradford home, you may want one key for the front, back and side doors. That is possible when the locks have compatible mechanisms and keyways, the openings where a key fits. If they are not compatible, you can keep separate keys or replace hardware so the doors can share a key. Replacement is also an option if a lock is worn, damaged or you want a different style. Consider which exterior entrances you want to include and who will need copies of the new key.

We look at the locks on the outside doors you want included, checking their condition and whether they accept the same type of key.

If they are compatible, rekeying can give you one key for all of them. Before work begins, we explain your choices: keep separate keys for some entrances, rekey only selected doors, or replace hardware that cannot be made to match. Worn or faulty hardware may also be a reason to consider replacement rather than rekeying.

Rekeying changes the pins inside the existing cylinders so the new keys work and the old ones do not. It leaves the exterior hardware in place. An entrance you leave out will still work with its existing key, so you can decide which keys to give to others and which areas they can enter. We check the new key with you at each included entrance, operating the lock with the door open and closed. If you have an old key available, we also check that it no longer works where we rekeyed.

A lost key ring with your address on it makes it especially important to know which entries were rekeyed.

Keep a record of those doors and remember that any lock left unchanged may still open with the missing keys. Store spare keys with someone you trust, and leave your address off key tags. Keep track of who has copies so you know which keys are in circulation.

With each door open, try your new key and, if you have one, an old key. The new key should turn smoothly, while the old one should no longer operate the rekeyed lock. Avoid forcing a key that sticks or using household oil in the keyhole. If a key binds, hardware feels loose, or an old key still works, call us to inspect the affected door. A lock not included in the rekeying may need attention too.