Lock Rekeying in Paoli, PA

A roommate is moving out, and you may not know how many copies of the house key are still in circulation.

In Paoli, we rekey existing cylinders by changing the pins inside them, so the old keys no longer open those doors and a new key does. Rekeying changes which keys work, not the appearance of the hardware on the door. It is also an option when you have lost a key or moved into a home and do not know who has copies.

For a home in Paoli, you might include the front entrance, a back door and any other exterior door that uses a key. We can set compatible locks to work with one key, though different keyways may require separate keys or replacement hardware. If a lock is damaged or you want a different style or function, replacing it is another choice. Rekeying keeps the existing hardware, so it does not correct wear or change how the lock operates.

When a contractor has had a key during a project, you may want to change access to the doors that key opened.

We examine the hardware you want included, looking for wear and checking which keys fit. We explain how rekeying changes the small pins inside the existing cylinder so a new key works, while the visible hardware stays in place. Any door you leave out will continue to use its current key.

Before we start, we go over your choices. Compatible cylinders may be set to use one key. If they do not accept the same type of key, replacing some of them may be necessary to use a single key for all your outside doors. Replacement is also an option if a lock is worn or you want a different style. Once the work is complete, we test the new keys with you on each included door while it is open. If you have an old key, we check that it no longer turns the rekeyed locks.

If you still have a contractor's copy of the old key from a project, try it with the door open.

It should no longer turn the rekeyed lock. Test your new key with the door open, too, and check that it locks and unlocks smoothly. Keep a working copy with you before closing the door. If the old one still works, call us so we can check whether that door was included or needs more attention.

Keep track of who has new copies, and avoid lending one unless you are comfortable with that person making another. If a key begins to stick, do not force it. Use a lubricant labeled for locks, following the product directions. Call us if it remains hard to turn, the lock feels loose, or the door will not latch securely. These signs may point to a problem beyond the key itself.