If you can re-key a Kwikset lock, you can key just about any other kind of lock. That's why I say that, if you can re-key a home, you can re-key a business. Here's what you will need to become a house re-keying expert.
1. A lab .003 increment pin kit
2. A follower
3. A Kwikset removal tool
4. Screw drivers
5. A new key for the lock
6. The old key for the lock (This just makes it easier for you to remove the plug.)
7. A Kwikset deadbolt and doorknob.
8. Picks and shims.
9 A pair of pinning tweezers.
You can't get a pick set from a locksmith distributor if you are not a locksmith. However, you can find them online.
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| Turn the spindle to the center, insert tool and push up on spring-loaded clip. |
STEP ONE - Remove the lock from the door. Then, remove the round spindle sticking out from the lock. This part is the stem with the hole in it. Starting at the hole, use your eyes and follow the spindle down to where you see a small rectangular tab that meets the brass-colored spring cage. See that little rectangle piece? Turn it so that it is halfway between left and right, half way between locked and unlocked. This is what locks the lock when the key or interior knob thumb turn is used. Now, see the Kwikset removal tool I am holding? Push it up at this point as far as you can and, if you have the locking spindle in the right position, the spindle will pull out. See the next picture.
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| Remove the lock spindle completely. |
STEP TWO - Remove the spindle. Look closely and you will see that the spindle here is between locked and unlocked. When you push up on the spring-loaded clip, it allows the spindle to be released. Sometimes, it is a bit hard to remove. If so, while you are pushing up on the spring-loaded clip, use a screw driver and pry it out. By removing the spindle, you create an access point through which you will "punch out" the locking cylinder.
STEP THREE - Insert the Kwikset removal tool. You will have to wiggle this into the opening. Or, push up on the spring-loaded clip. Actually, it would be a good idea to look at the hole and push up on the spring-loaded clip just so you can see how it works.
Here is a picture of the Kwikset Cylinder Removal tool entering into the lock body. Note the position of the tool. The two points of the tool, when the tool is pushed, will compress two tabs on the rear of the cylinder and allow the cylinder to come out of the front of the lock. You will have to wiggle the tool to get it in!
Here is the lock cylinder coming out of the lock. Please note that, sometimes, the cylinder removal tool is hard to use. There are times when you will need to tap the tool with the the handle of a sturdy screw driver or a pair of Vice Grips. Generally, though, you just grab the tool and wiggle it while pushing. Yes, it may take some umph! After you get it out, make sure the two tabs and spread back apart before reinserting.
STEP FOUR - With the operating key removed, remove the black clip at the back of the cylinder. This clip holds the plug in the body of the shell. If this clip is not attached, and if someone uses a key in the lock, the plug will come out, spilling pins and springs everywhere. I will be posting a lesson on shimming shortly. When reassembling, don't forget to put the clip back on! Yes, I have forgotten to do that a time or two, or three!
STEP FIVE - Insert the operating key into the cylinder and turn the key a quarter turn to the right or left. If you have no key, you will need to shim the lock open which, in this case, I did. Note that the plug is turned a few degrees to the left here. By doing this, you separate the top pins from the bottom pins so that the plug will simply slide out of the shell.
STEP SIX - Using your follower, in this case I am using a hollow brass follower, put it against the rear of the plug and push plug out. Be sure to keep constant pressure on the plug! By using the follower, you keep the top pins and springs in place. Then, all you will need to do is pin up the plug to the new key and reinsert the plug in the same way you removed it. You will reinsert the plug, with key inserted in the plug, with it turned a few degrees to the right of left. If you don't, you run the risk of jamming up the lock. If you do jam the lock, you can remove the top retainer (you can see it here) and take it apart. However, on most commercial locks, you will have to throw the lock away and replace it.
Note how the pin holes in the plug are turned away from the bible, the part of the lock with the long metal cover on it. Can you see it? That cover holds in the springs and pins. Always turn the plug away from the top pins before removing!!! Also, after you learn to re-key this lock, try removing the follower and allow all the top pins and springs to fly out in your hand. Then, insert the follower and, starting with the third top pin chamber, insert a spring and then a top pin. Then, slide your follower forward to hold that top pin in place, and then insert a spring and top pin in the second chamber, and then the first. Then, pull the follower through and look at the fourth chamber. Insert a spring and a top pin and then do the fifth chamber. You need to learn how load the top chambers from inside the lock. Why? Because most locks do not have metal top pin covers that can be removed like on the Kwikset. Remember, to reinstall springs and top pins, you must start with the center pin chamber and work your way to the front and then the back. Just do it!!! Practice it!
STEP SEVEN - Once the plug is removed from the shell, insert the new key. Note here that the pins are not flush across the top of the shell. How do you key up the plug to a new key? If you have the Lab .003 increment pin kit, there is a chart which tells you the pin sizes of all the major brands. Kwikset has pins 1 through 6. The 1 pin sits in the shallowest cut of the key, the 6 pin is for the deepest cut of the key. The Kwikset usually has only five pins in a plug. Some have Six. The first cut of the key is the first flat spot you see nearest the stop sign-shaped head of the key. If it is really shallow, try a number 1 pin as identified on your pin kit chart. That pin is a .171 pin. If that pin is too short, go the number 2 pin. It is a .195 pin. You know you have used the right pin if the top of the pin sits flush with the top of the plug. Pin up the remaining chambers and reinsert the key.
My advice to you, as a beginning locksmith, is to get these tools and take apart a Kwikset lock. If you can learn to remove the cylinder, remove the plug by either using a key and shimming (a lesson about to be posted), re-pin the plug, and reinsert it, then you can re-key about any kind of lock there is. The real work in lock re-keying is getting the lock cylinder out of the locking device. And, get this: there are only three types of lock cylinders, the rim, the key-in-knob, and the mortise, and they all key up exactly the same! Now, how easy is that?
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Lesson Three will cover lock shimming, a technique used when you do not have the old key with which to easily disassemble the cylinder.
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