Lock Rekeying in Upper Darby, PA

When a roommate moves out, you may not know how many copies of the house key are still in circulation.

Rekeying gives you a way to change who has a working key without changing the outside appearance of the hardware. In Upper Darby, we rekey the existing cylinders so old keys no longer operate them and new keys do. The door hardware stays in place, so its finish and style remain the same. You might also choose rekeying after moving into a home or losing a key.

You can choose which outside doors to include at your Upper Darby home, such as the front, back and side entrances. If their locks use compatible keyways, we may be able to set them to work with one key. If they are not compatible, you may need separate keys or replacement parts to use a single key. Rekeying changes which keys work, but it does not repair worn or damaged parts. Replacing a lock is another choice if you need different hardware or want a different style.

If a contractor had a key during your project, we start by looking at the locks on the doors that key could open.

We check their condition and whether they accept the same style of key. You can choose which entrances to include, such as the front, back, or side door. If you want one key for all of them, we explain whether the existing locks are compatible or whether one would need to be replaced.

Before work begins, we explain that rekeying changes the small pins inside each cylinder, not the outside hardware. The contractor's old key and other copies that match it should no longer work on the rekeyed doors, so anyone who still needs access will need a new key. If a lock is worn or damaged, replacement may be the better choice rather than rekeying it. We check the new keys with you at each included door, with the door open, and test an old key if one is available. You can try the locks yourself and point out anything that feels difficult to turn.

With your door open, try each new key in every lock included in the rekeying.

Make sure it turns smoothly and that you can lock and unlock the door. If you still have an old key, test it on those same doors without forcing it. An old key may still work on doors you chose not to include, so keep track of which entrances were changed.

Keep spare keys somewhere secure and make a note of who has copies. If a key goes missing, consider whether someone could connect it to your home. Use only the lubricant recommended by the lock manufacturer, since household oil can collect dirt. Call us if a new key sticks, an old one still works on an included door, or you lose track of a copy. Do not force a key that resists turning, because it could bend or break.