How to Change the Key for a Deadbolt

You can rekey your own locks using a rekeying kit.

If you have lost the key to your door's deadbolt lock, or need to change it for security purposes, this can be done using a lock rekeying kit. Lock rekeying kits allow you to change your own locks, eliminating the need to hire a locksmith. Inside the kit is a new set of keys, as well as all the tools necessary to perform the rekeying. Almost any deadbolt can be rekeyed by removing the door knob, then disassembling its retainer ring and cylinder plug.

Things You'll Need

• Lock rekeying kit
• Needle-nose pliers or tweezers

Instructions

1. Insert the current key into the lock, and turn it to unlock the door. Slide the wire tool that is included in the kit into the small hole on the door knob. Press in on the knob clip to remove the knob from the door. Remove the lock cylinder by pushing it out of the back of the knob.

2. Use the retainer ring tool, a flat, curved metal strip, to push against the lock's retainer ring. This causes the ring to pop off the cylinder. Set the ring aside.

3. Slide the current key into the lock cylinder, and turn it in either direction. Push the included plug follower, a black piece of tubing, through the cylinder to release the plug. Apply constant pressure between the follower and the plug to ensure that the springs and keyed pins do not fall out.

4. Turn the plug over to remove the current pins. Insert the new key into the lock. Use a pair of needle-noise pliers or tweezers to insert the new color-coded pins in the plug. Refer to the included instruction sheet to insert them in the correct manner. The pins are inserted differently depending on your rekeying kit. If the pins are not inserted properly, the key will not work.

5. Replace all the parts of the door knob in the same manner you used to disassemble them. You may now use the new key.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Rekey a Door Lock