Lock Rekeying in Lansdale, PA

After you move into a Lansdale home, keys from previous occupants may still open the doors.

Rekeying changes the small pins inside the existing lock cylinders so those keys no longer work and a different key does. The outside hardware stays in place, and its appearance does not change. You might also want this change if a roommate leaves or a key goes missing, especially when you cannot account for copies that were made.

In Lansdale, you can include the front, rear and side entrances, or limit the work to certain doors. We can often set compatible locks to work with one key, but those that accept different key shapes may need separate keys or replacement hardware. Replacement is also a choice if the existing mechanism is worn or damaged, or if you want a different style. We look at what you have and explain which options fit the entrances you want to secure.

We start by looking at the locks on the outside doors you want included and comparing the keys they use.

For one key to work throughout, the cylinders need to accept a compatible key shape. We also look for wear or damage that rekeying alone would not address. You can choose to include every outside door or leave some on separate keys, such as a door to a space you share with someone else.

Before work begins, we explain which doors can use the same key and where a replacement cylinder or lock may be needed. Rekeying changes the pins inside the existing cylinder so the old keys no longer operate it; it does not change the outside hardware. Replacing the lock gives you new hardware as well, which may be worth considering if the existing parts are worn. After the work, we check each included door with the new key and any old keys you have available. We also go through the operation with you, so you can see how the key turns and the door secures.

If a contractor had a key during a project, keep track of which entrances that key opened.

Test your new keys with each rekeyed door open, then try the contractor's key if you still have it. It should no longer turn those locks. If it does, tell us which door is affected. Keep spare keys with people you trust, and label them without identifying your address.

A key that catches, bends or needs extra pressure may point to a separate problem. Don't force it, since it could break inside the lock. Use only a lubricant recommended by the lock manufacturer, and keep dirt off your keys. If turning the key feels rough or the door does not stay securely locked, call us again. We can examine the trouble and explain whether a repair or replacement is needed.