If in case you have misplaced your Kwikset key or must rekey your lock for safety causes, rekeying it with out a key’s doable. The method requires some persistence and precision, however it’s a cheap different to calling a locksmith. This information will stroll you thru the steps concerned in rekeying a Kwikset lock with out a key, guaranteeing that your property stays safe and accessible.
Earlier than embarking on this undertaking, collect the mandatory instruments and supplies. These embody a small screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, a paperclip, and a brand new set of Kwikset keys. Guarantee your work space is well-lit and free from distractions. Put on security glasses and gloves to guard your self from potential hazards.
Start by eradicating the lock’s faceplate with the small screwdriver. Subsequent, find the C-clip on the lock’s aspect, which secures the cylinder in place. Use the flathead screwdriver to rigorously pry the C-clip out of its groove. With the C-clip eliminated, gently pull the cylinder out of the lock physique. Now, use the paperclip to depress the small pin positioned contained in the cylinder. Whereas holding the pin down, insert the brand new key into the cylinder and switch it to the locked place. This course of will reset the cylinder to the brand new key, successfully rekeying your Kwikset lock with out the necessity for an authentic key.
Gathering Important Instruments
Earlier than embarking on the rekeying course of, it’s essential to assemble the mandatory instruments to make sure a profitable and environment friendly final result.
Important Instruments:
1. Pinning Package: This specialised package contains quite a lot of punches and drivers designed for manipulating the pins inside the lock cylinder, enabling simple rekeying.
|
Punch Sorts |
Features |
|---|---|
|
Starter Punch |
Initiates the pinning course of by pushing the outdated pins out of the cylinder. |
|
Follower Punch |
Helps the starter punch, guaranteeing that the outdated pins are totally ejected. |
|
Driving Punch |
Inserts the brand new pins into the cylinder, aligning them accurately. |
2. Key Duplication Machine: This machine permits you to create new keys that correspond to the revised pin configuration, guaranteeing seamless operation with the rekeyed lock.
3. C-Clamps: Two C-clamps are required to safe the lock in place through the rekeying course of, offering stability and stopping any motion that might intrude with the fragile pin manipulation.
4. Security Glasses: Security precautions are paramount when working with instruments. Security glasses defend your eyes from flying particles or unintentional instrument slips.
Eradicating the Lock Cylinder
Earlier than eradicating the lock cylinder, collect the mandatory instruments: a small flathead screwdriver, a paperclip or small nail, and a brand new key. Make sure the door is unlocked and open for security.
- Find the Launch Gap: On the faceplate of the lock, discover a tiny gap, normally close to the deal with. That is the discharge gap.
- Insert Paperclip or Nail: Gently insert a straightened paperclip or small nail into the discharge gap and press inward. Chances are you’ll encounter slight resistance, however with mild strain, the cylinder ought to slide out.
- Extract the Cylinder: As soon as the cylinder is free, grasp it and pull it straight towards you. It ought to come out easily.
- Examine the Cylinder: Study the cylinder rigorously. Search for any injury or put on that will have brought about the keying problem.
| Instruments Wanted |
|---|
| Small flathead screwdriver |
| Paperclip or small nail |
| New key |
Disassembling the Cylinder
To disassemble the cylinder, observe these steps:
1. Take away the C-clip.
The C-clip is a small, horseshoe-shaped piece of steel that holds the cylinder in place. To take away it, use a small flathead screwdriver or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Insert the instrument into the small gap within the aspect of the lock, and gently pry the C-clip off. The cylinder will slide out of the lock as soon as the C-clip is eliminated.
2. Take away the plug.
With the cylinder faraway from the lock housing, maintain it with the keyhole going through up. Insert the tip of a small flathead screwdriver into the small gap on the backside of the cylinder. That is the pinhole the place the motive force pins are positioned. Push down on the screwdriver to launch the plug from the cylinder.
3. Take away the motive force pins.
The driving force pins are the small, cylindrical pins which can be positioned within the plug. They’re held in place by springs and key pins. To take away them, use a small decide or a pair of tweezers. Fastidiously carry the motive force pins out of the plug, one after the other. There are normally 5 or 6 driver pins in every cylinder.
| Pin kind | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Driver pin | Plug | Small, cylindrical pin that’s lifted by the important thing |
| Key pin | Cylinder | Small, spring-loaded pin that engages the motive force pin |
| Spring | Inside the important thing pin | Small, cylindrical spring that pushes the important thing pin outward |
Eradicating the Outdated Plugs
To take away the outdated Kwikset lock plugs, observe these steps rigorously:
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Insert the Rekeying Instrument
Insert the rekeying instrument into the lock cylinder from the outside aspect of the door. Push it in till it engages with the retaining ring.
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Rotate the Rekeying Instrument
Rotate the rekeying instrument counterclockwise till the retaining ring is free and may be eliminated.
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Take away the Retaining Ring
Fastidiously take away the retaining ring from the lock cylinder. It might be needed to make use of a small screwdriver or pliers to help on this step.
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Take away the Plugs
As soon as the retaining ring is eliminated, the outdated plugs may be simply eliminated by urgent on them with a small screwdriver or punch. The plugs will fall out of the lock cylinder.
Plug Quantity Place in Cylinder 1 Closest to the outside of the door 2 Second from the outside of the door 3 Third from the outside of the door 4 Fourth from the outside of the door (not current in all Kwikset locks)
Inserting the New Plugs
Inserting the brand new plugs is essentially the most essential step within the rekeying course of. Haste or carelessness can injury the lock, so proceed with warning.
Aligning the Plugs
Earlier than inserting the plugs, examine if the brand new key aligns accurately with the plug holes. If it does not, use a small screwdriver or key file to regulate the peak of every plug by tapping on the highest or backside. Make sure that all plugs are completely aligned earlier than inserting them.
Inserting the Driver Plug
The driving force plug is the biggest and has a gap within the heart. Insert the motive force plug into the corresponding gap on the face of the lock. Gently press down on the plug till it clicks into place. Don’t power it, as this may injury the lock.
Inserting the Key Pins
Subsequent, insert the important thing pins into the motive force plug. Key pins have a spring and a pin on the backside. Maintain the important thing pin together with your thumb and forefinger, then align the spring with the corresponding gap within the driver plug. Push down on the spring till the pin bottoms out.
Inserting the Grasp Pins
Grasp pins are just like key pins however have a flat high as a substitute of a pin. They create the shear line that determines which key will open the lock. Insert the grasp pins into the holes above the important thing pins. Push them down till they attain the shear line. The shear line needs to be barely beneath the sting of the motive force plug.
Checking Alignment
As soon as all plugs are inserted, examine if the important thing nonetheless aligns accurately. If it does, the rekeying is full. If it does not, recheck the alignment of the plugs and make any needed changes.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Align the plugs with the important thing. |
| 2 | Insert the motive force plug. |
| 3 | Insert the important thing pins. |
| 4 | Insert the grasp pins. |
| 5 | Verify alignment and make changes if needed. |
Reassembling the Cylinder
After you have eliminated the core from the lock, you will have to reassemble it with a view to set up it again into the lock. To do that, observe these steps:
- Insert the brand new key into the cylinder and switch it to the locked place.
- Maintain the cylinder in a single hand and the housing within the different hand.
- Align the pins within the cylinder with the slots within the housing.
- Push the cylinder into the housing till it’s totally seated.
- Flip the important thing to the unlocked place and take away it.
- Check the lock to make it possible for it’s working correctly.
Here’s a desk summarizing the steps for reassembling the cylinder:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the brand new key into the cylinder and switch it to the locked place. |
| 2 | Maintain the cylinder in a single hand and the housing within the different hand. |
| 3 | Align the pins within the cylinder with the slots within the housing. |
| 4 | Push the cylinder into the housing till it’s totally seated. |
| 5 | Flip the important thing to the unlocked place and take away it. |
| 6 | Check the lock to make it possible for it’s working correctly. |
After you have reassembled the cylinder, you possibly can set up it again into the lock. To do that, merely insert the cylinder into the lock physique and switch it till it’s totally seated. Then, insert the screws and tighten them till the cylinder is safe.
Putting in the Cylinder Again within the Lock
7. Fastidiously align the cylinder with the lock physique. Maintain the cylinder in place with one hand and insert the retaining pin with the opposite hand. Make sure that the retaining pin totally engages and secures the cylinder in place. Use a small hammer or screwdriver to softly faucet the retaining pin into its gap if needed.
8. As soon as the cylinder is correctly positioned, examine if it rotates easily with none obstructions or resistance. The keyway needs to be oriented within the right path to permit for key insertion.
9. Reinstall the lock cowl or escutcheon over the cylinder meeting. Use the screws to safe the quilt in place, guaranteeing a good match to stop any play or motion of the cylinder.
10. Confirm the correct functioning of the lock by inserting a brand new key and testing the operation. The important thing ought to easily enter the keyway, flip the cylinder, and prolong or retract the bolt as supposed.
11. If the brand new key doesn’t function the lock correctly, examine for any misalignment or binding within the cylinder meeting. Reposition the cylinder or examine if the retaining pin is accurately engaged. If the issue persists, take away the cylinder once more and seek the advice of the producer’s directions or a locksmith for help.
Putting in the New Key
As soon as the lock cylinder is disengaged and the outdated key has been eliminated, it is time to set up the brand new key. Comply with these steps to insert the brand new key and full the rekeying course of:
Step 8: Rotate the Cylinder Again into Place
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With the brand new key within the keyway and the lock cylinder in your hand, rigorously rotate the cylinder again into place within the lock physique. Be sure that to align the keyway on the cylinder with the keyway on the lock physique. Keep away from pushing the cylinder all the way in which in simply but.
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Whereas holding the lock knob or lever nonetheless, slowly rotate the important thing clockwise and counterclockwise a number of instances. This helps distribute the tumblers and make sure the new key works easily.
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Now, push the lock cylinder into the lock physique till it’s totally seated. Flip the important thing once more to verify that it operates the lock accurately.
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If the brand new key works with none points, reassemble the lock by changing the bottom plate, strike plate, and some other parts you eliminated through the rekeying course of. Tighten all screws securely.
Testing the Lock
Earlier than trying to rekey your Kwikset lock, it is essential to check the lock to find out if it is in good working situation. Comply with these steps to check the lock:
1. Insert a Key into the Lock
Insert the unique key that got here with the lock into the keyhole. If the important thing turns easily and unlocks the door, proceed to the subsequent step.
2. Take away the Lock Cylinder
Take away the screws holding the lock cylinder in place. Utilizing a screwdriver, gently push on the cylinder to take away it from the lock. If the cylinder comes out simply, it is doubtless that the lock will not be keyed accurately.
3. Study the Lock Cylinder
Examine the lock cylinder for any seen injury or put on and tear. Search for bent or damaged pins, as this might point out a broken lock.
4. Check the Lock with a New Key
Insert a brand new key into the lock cylinder. If the important thing turns easily and unlocks the door, it signifies that the lock is functioning correctly and may be rekeyed.
5. Verify the Door Strike
Make sure that the door strike plate is correctly aligned with the lock latch. If the strike plate will not be aligned, it might stop the lock from closing fully.
6. Reassemble the Lock
If all of the assessments are profitable, reassemble the lock by inserting the lock cylinder again into the lock physique and securing it with screws.
7. Check the Lock Once more
After reassembling the lock, take a look at it once more to ensure it is working accurately. Insert the brand new key and examine that it unlocks and locks the door easily.
8. Verify for Tightening
Make sure that the screws holding the lock in place are securely tightened. Unfastened screws may cause the lock to malfunction.
9. Troubleshooting
Should you encounter any points through the testing course of, listed below are some troubleshooting suggestions:
| Downside | Answer |
|---|---|
| Key does not flip easily | Verify for obstructions within the keyway or broken lock pins. |
| Lock does not unlock the door | Verify the door strike alignment and ensure the lock cylinder is correctly seated. |
| Lock feels free | Tighten the screws holding the lock in place. |
How To Rekey A Kwikset Lock With out A Key
Rekeying a Kwikset lock with out a key is usually a easy and simple course of that may be accomplished in a number of steps. This is an in depth information on the best way to do it:
- Take away the lock: Begin by eradicating the doorknob or lever from the door. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws that maintain it in place.
- Disassemble the lock: As soon as the doorknob or lever is eliminated, you possibly can disassemble the lock. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws that maintain the lock collectively and separate the 2 halves of the lock.
- Take away the outdated cylinder: Use a pair of pliers to grip the outdated cylinder and pull it out of the lock physique.
- Insert the brand new cylinder: Take the brand new cylinder and insert it into the lock physique. Guarantee that the keyway is aligned with the keyhole within the lock physique.
- Set up the lock: Reassemble the lock and set up it again onto the door. Safe it with the screws that you simply eliminated earlier.
- Check the lock: Insert a brand new key into the lock and switch it to make it possible for it really works correctly.
Extra Suggestions
Listed here are a number of extra suggestions that may allow you to rekey a Kwikset lock with out a key:
- If you do not have a brand new cylinder, you should buy one from a ironmongery store or on-line retailer.
- Guarantee that the brand new cylinder is appropriate together with your Kwikset lock.
- If in case you have any difficulties rekeying the lock, you possibly can seek the advice of a locksmith for help.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having bother rekeying your Kwikset lock, right here are some things to examine:
- Guarantee that the brand new cylinder is correctly aligned with the keyway within the lock physique.
- Guarantee that the screws that maintain the lock collectively are tightened securely.
- If the lock nonetheless doesn’t work correctly, it’s possible you’ll want to exchange the whole lock meeting.
Here’s a desk that summarizes the steps concerned in rekeying a Kwikset lock with out a key:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take away the doorknob or lever from the door. |
| 2 | Disassemble the lock. |
| 3 | Take away the outdated cylinder. |
| 4 | Insert the brand new cylinder. |
| 5 | Set up the lock. |
| 6 | Check the lock. |
How To Rekey A Kwikset Lock With out A Key
Should you’ve misplaced your keys or want to alter the lock for safety causes, you possibly can rekey a Kwikset lock with out a key. This is the best way to do it:
1. **Collect your supplies.** You’ll need a small screwdriver, a brand new Kwikset key, and a rekeying package.
2. **Take away the lock cylinder.** Use the screwdriver to take away the screws that maintain the lock cylinder in place.
3. **Disassemble the lock cylinder.** Use the rekeying package to disassemble the lock cylinder.
4. **Reassemble the lock cylinder with the brand new key.** Use the rekeying package to reassemble the lock cylinder with the brand new key.
5. **Set up the lock cylinder.** Insert the lock cylinder into the lock and safe it with the screws.
6. **Check the brand new key.** Insert the brand new key into the lock and switch it to ensure it really works.
Folks Additionally Ask
How do I get a key for a Kwikset lock with out the unique?
If in case you have misplaced your Kwikset key, you possibly can receive a brand new one by contacting the producer. You’ll need to offer them with the lock’s serial quantity and proof of buy.
How a lot does it price to rekey a Kwikset lock?
The price of rekeying a Kwikset lock will fluctuate relying on the locksmith you select. Nonetheless, you possibly can anticipate to pay between $50 and $100.
Can I rekey a Kwikset lock myself?
Sure, you possibly can rekey a Kwikset lock your self with a rekeying package. Nonetheless, it is very important observe the directions rigorously to keep away from damaging the lock.
