Lock Rekeying in Media, PA

Your roommate is moving out, and you want to control who has a working key to your place in Media.

Rekeying changes the pins inside an existing lock cylinder so the previous keys no longer operate it and a new key does. The outside hardware stays in place, and the door operates as it did before. We rekey locks for this situation, for a move into a new home, or when a key is lost and you cannot account for who may have it. Rekeying will not repair damaged hardware, so replacement may be the better choice if the lock is not working properly.

Think about which entrances you want to include, such as the front door, back door and any outside door to a basement. In Media, we can also look at whether those locks can use one key. They need compatible cylinders for that arrangement. Otherwise, some hardware may need to be replaced, or you can keep separate keys. You do not have to rekey every door, but any lock left unchanged will still work with its existing keys.

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

We look at the locks you want included and check their condition and compatibility. You can choose to rekey only those entrances or include others that use the same old key. If you want one key for all exterior doors, we explain which locks can share it and where replacement hardware may be needed.

Before starting, we explain what rekeying changes: the pins inside the existing cylinder are rearranged for a different key. The exterior hardware stays in place, so its appearance and existing wear remain. Replacement is another choice if you want different hardware or a lock is not in good working order. Once the work is done, we test the new key with you, first with the door open and then closed, to check that it turns smoothly and secures the entrance. If you have an old key or a copy of the contractor's key, we also check that it no longer operates the rekeyed cylinder.

After the doors you chose have been rekeyed, the old keys for those locks should no longer work.

Doors you left out may still accept the previous keys, so keep track of which entrances were included. Give copies of your new key only to people you trust, and keep a spare in a secure place rather than hiding it outside. Avoid attaching your address to a key or leaving a labeled spare where others can find it.

Test the new key with the door open, turning it gently to lock and unlock it. If it sticks or takes force, stop using it and call us to look at the lock. A key that bends or shows fresh wear is another sign that something needs attention. Use only a lubricant labeled for locks, and avoid household oil, which can collect dirt. If an old key still works on a door you expected to have rekeyed, contact us so we can check what happened.