Lock Rekeying in Woodlyn, PA

You may want one key for every outside door, rather than a separate key for the front, back and side entrances.

In Woodlyn, we rekey existing cylinders by changing the pins inside, so a new key works and the old ones no longer do. The handles, finish and other visible hardware remain as they are. Doors can share a key only if their locks accept the same type of key. Otherwise, replacing incompatible parts may be an option.

Rekeying is useful if you have moved in, a roommate has left, or a key has gone missing and you no longer know who might have a copy. You can choose which entrances to include, such as a back door, a side door or an entry from an attached garage. Leaving an entrance out means its existing keys will still work. In Woodlyn, we can rekey working locks or replace them if they are worn, damaged or you want different hardware. Replacement gives you new equipment, while rekeying changes which key operates what you already have.

We first look at each outside door you want included, including any deadbolts and keyed knobs.

We check whether the locks accept the same type of key and whether the hardware is in good condition. Before we begin, we explain which doors can share a key through rekeying and which may need a replacement lock to match. You can also choose to keep separate keys for certain doors. A door left out of the work keeps its existing key.

Rekeying changes the cylinder so a new key works and the old keys no longer do. It leaves the visible hardware in place. Replacement changes the hardware itself and may be the better choice if it is worn, damaged or incompatible with the key you want to use. Once the work is complete, we check each included door with you, using the new key to test its operation with the door open and closed. If you have an old key available, we also check that it no longer works on the rekeyed doors.

With the door open, try each new key in every lock that was rekeyed.

If you still have an old key, check that it no longer turns those locks. Make sure each door closes and latches normally, too. A departing roommate's key may still work on doors that were not included, so keep track of which entrances were changed. Store spare keys somewhere secure rather than hiding them outside.

Keep household oils and sprays out of the keyhole. Their residue can collect dirt and make the mechanism harder to turn. If a key sticks, do not force it or keep twisting against resistance. Call us if an old key still works in a rekeyed lock, a new key will not turn smoothly, or the door no longer latches as it should. We can check whether the trouble is with the key, the lock or the way the door closes.