Locksmith Tools for Beginners Rekeying Locks is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to learn how to rekey locks. Rekeying locks is a useful skill that allows you to change the key that operates a lock without replacing the whole lock. This can help you enhance the security of your property, save money and time. You can customize your key system and upgrade your lock appearance. Whether you are a locksmith or an aspiring one, you need to have the right tools to rekey locks effectively and efficiently. This can be useful for many reasons, such as enhancing security, saving money and time, customizing key systems, and updating lock aesthetics. If you are a beginner locksmith or aspire to be one, you need to learn how to rekey locks and what tools you need for it.
In this article, we will show you the top 10 locksmith tools for beginners rekeying locks. These tools are affordable, easy to use, and versatile. They will enable you to rekey locks of various types, brands, and models with precision and efficiency. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of what rekeying is, how it works, and what tools you need to do it. You will also find out how to reach out to a professional locksmith service, such as Patriot Locksmith, if you need any help or advice on rekeying locks. Let’s dive into this article and discover the locksmith tools that are essential for beginners rekeying locks.
Pinning Kit
A pinning kit is one of the best locksmith tools for beginners for rekeying locks. It is a box that contains various sizes and colors of pins, springs, and other components that are used to rekey locks. The pins are the small metal pieces that fit inside the cylinder of the lock and determine the key combination. The springs are the coiled wires that push the pins up and down when the key is inserted or removed. The other components may include tools, keys, clips, caps, and spacers that are used to hold the pins and springs in place and to adjust the height and position of the pins.
How to use a pining kit?
To use a pinning kit, you need to first remove the cylinder from the lock and then remove the plug from the cylinder. Then, you need to dump out the old pins and springs from the plug and replace them with new ones according to the key biting code. The key biting code is the sequence of numbers that represents the cut depths on the key. You can use a key decoder, which we will also discuss later, to measure the key biting code. Finally, you need to reassemble the plug, the cylinder, and the lock with the new pins and springs.
Advantages of using a pinning kit:
The advantage of using a pinning kit is that it allows you to rekey locks of different brands and models with the same set of pins and springs. You just need to make sure that the pins and springs are compatible with the lock you are working on. A universal pinning kit is a pinning kit that works for multiple brands of locks, such as Schrage, Kwikset, Yale, and more. A universal pinning kit is a great investment for beginners who want to rekey locks of various types and sizes.
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Plug Follower
A plug follower is a tool that helps you remove and insert the plug of the lock without losing the pins and springs. It is a cylindrical rod that has the same diameter and shape as the plug. It also has a groove or a notch that aligns with the retaining pin or the clip on the back of the plug.
How to use a plug follower?
To use a plug follower, you need to first remove the clip or the retaining pin that holds the plug in the cylinder. Then, you need to insert the plug follower into the back of the cylinder and push it forward until it meets the plug. You need to make sure that the groove or the notch on the plug follower matches the position of the clip or the retaining pin on the plug. Then, turn the plug and the plug follower together until the keyway on the plug is aligned with the keyway on the cylinder. Then, pull out the plug while pushing the plug follower in. This way, the plug follower will take the place of the plug and keep the pins and springs in the cylinder. To insert the plug back into the cylinder, you need to reverse the process.
Advantages of a plug follower:
The advantage of using a plug follower is that it prevents the pins and springs from falling out of the cylinder and getting mixed up or lost. It also makes the rekeying process faster and easier by avoiding the need to pick up and sort the pins and springs. A universal plug follower is a plug follower that fits different types of cylinders, such as standard, small format interchangeable core (SFIC), and large format interchangeable core (LFIC). A universal plug follower is a useful tool for beginners who want to rekey locks of various shapes and sizes.
Clip Removal Tool
A clip removal tool is a tool that helps you remove and attach the clip on the back of the cylinder. The clip is a metal ring or a spring that secures the plug in the cylinder. It is usually located at the end of the cylinder opposite to the keyway.
How to use a clip removal tool?
To use a clip removal tool, you need to first insert the tip of the tool into the gap between the clip and the cylinder. Then, you need to pry the clip off the cylinder by applying pressure and leverage. You need to be careful not to damage the clip or the cylinder while doing this. To attach the clip back onto the cylinder, you need to reverse the process.
Advantages of a clip removal tool:
The advantage of using a clip removal tool is that it makes the removal and attachment of the clip easier and safer. It also prevents the clip from flying off and getting lost or hurting you. A versatile clip removal tool is a clip removal tool that works for multiple brands and models of locks, such as Schrage, Kwikset, Yale, and more. A versatile clip removal tool is a handy tool for beginners who want to rekey locks of various types and models.
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Pinning Tweezers
Pinning tweezers are tools that help you pick and place the pins in the plug. They are tweezers that have a curved or angled tip that can grip the pins securely and accurately.
How to use Pinning Tweezers?
To use pinning tweezers, you need to first dump out the old pins from the plug and sort them by size and color. Then, pick up the new pins with the pinning tweezers and place them in the corresponding chambers of the plug. You need to make sure that the pins are aligned with the key biting code and that they are flush with the shear line of the plug. The shear line is the line where the plug and the cylinder meet. If the pins are above or below the shear line, the lock will not work properly. You can use a key gauge, which we will explain later, to check the alignment of the pins.
Advantages of Pinning Tweezers:
The advantage of using pinning tweezers is that they prevent dropping or misplacing the pins. They also make the pinning process faster and easier by avoiding the need to use your fingers or other tools. Precision pinning tweezers are pinning tweezers that have a fine and smooth tip that can handle the pins delicately and accurately. Precision pinning tweezers are a must-have tool for beginners who want to rekey locks with precision and care.
Key Decoder
A key decoder is a tool that helps you measure the cut depths on existing keys. It is a metal plate that has a series of slots or grooves that correspond to the different cut depths on the key. The cut depths are the distances from the bottom of the key blade to the top of each cut on the key.
How to use Key Decoder?
To use a key decoder, you need to first insert the key into the key decoder and align it with the correct scale. The scale is the set of numbers that represents the key biting code. Then, you need to read the numbers that match the position of each cut on the key. These numbers are the key biting code that you need to rekey the lock.
Advantages of Key Decoder:
The advantage of using a key decoder is that it ensures accurate pinning and avoids trial and error. It also saves time and money by avoiding the need to cut new keys or buy pre-cut keys. A key decoder is a simple and effective tool for beginners who want to rekey locks with accuracy and efficiency.
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Locksmith’s Hammer and Punch
A locksmith’s hammer and punch are tools that help you disassemble and reassemble locks. They are used to drive out or insert pins, screws, and other components that hold the lock together. A locksmith’s hammer is a small and lightweight hammer that has a flat striking face and a round pen. A punch is a metal rod that has a pointed or flat tip that fits into the hole or slot of the component.
How to use Locksmith’s Hammer and Punch?
To use a locksmith’s hammer and punch, you need to first place the lock on a solid and stable surface, such as a workbench or a vice. Then, you need to align the tip of the punch with the component you want to remove or insert. You need to make sure that the punch is the right size and shape for the component. Then, you need to strike the punch with the hammer gently and firmly until the component comes out or goes in. You need to be careful not to damage the lock or the component while doing this.
Advantages of Locksmith’s Hammer and Punch:
The advantage of using a locksmith’s hammer and punch is that they can deal with tight or stuck pins and screws that are difficult to remove or insert with other tools. They also allow you to disassemble and reassemble locks quickly and easily. A locksmith’s hammer and punch are essential tools for beginners who want to rekey locks that require disassembly and reassembly.
Shims
Shims are thin pieces of metal that help you bypass the lock mechanism and open the cylinder. They are used to rekey locks without keys or when the keys are lost or damaged. Shims are inserted between the plug and the cylinder of the lock and slide along the pins until they reach the shear line. The shear line is the line where the plug and the cylinder meet. When the shims reach the shear line, they separate the pins and allow the plug to turn and open the lock.
How to use Shims?
To use shims, you need to first insert a shim into the keyway of the lock and push it in as far as it can go. You need to make sure that the shim is thin enough to fit into the keyway and thick enough to withstand the pressure of the pins. Then, you need to apply tension to the plug with a tension wrench or a screwdriver. Wiggle the shim back and forth until it slides past the first pin. You need to repeat this process for each pin until the shim reaches the shear line and the plug turns. You need to be careful not to bend or break the shim while doing this.
Advantages of Shims:
The advantage of using shims is that they can rekey locks without keys or when the keys are lost or damaged. They also save time and money by avoiding the need to pick the lock or cut new keys. Shims are useful tools for beginners who want to rekey locks in emergency situations.
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Hook Pick
A hook pick is a tool that helps you manipulate the pins and open the lock. It is used to rekey locks without shims or when the shims fail. A hook pick is a metal rod that has a curved or angled tip that can lift or push the pins in the plug. With a hook pick, you can feel the position and size of the pins to determine the key biting code.
How to use Hook Pick?
To use a hook pick, you need to first insert the pick into the keyway of the lock. Then you have to apply tension to the plug with a tension wrench or a screwdriver. Then, you need to lift or push each pin with the tip of the pick until you feel or hear a click. This means that the pin has reached the shear line and is set. You need to repeat this process for each pin until all the pins are set and the plug turns. You need to be careful not to overset or drop the pins while doing this.
Advantages of Hook Pick:
The advantage of using a hook pick is that it can rekey locks without shims or when the shims fail. It also allows you to decode the lock and make duplicate or master keys for rekeyed locks. A hook pick is a versatile tool for beginners who want to rekey locks with skill and precision.
Key Gauge
One of the essential tools in Locksmith Tools for Beginners Rekeying Locks kit is a key gauge. This handy device plays a crucial role in determining the key biting code, which is essentially a map of the key’s unique cuts and depths. It helps you decipher the existing key and translate that information into creating new keys that will operate the rekeyed lock.
How to use Key Gauge?
To use a key gauge, you need to first insert the key into the key gauge and align it with the correct scale. The scale is the set of numbers that represents the key biting code. Then, you need to read the numbers that match the position of each cut on the key. These numbers are the key biting code that you need to rekey the lock. You can also use a key gauge to cut new keys by using a key cutting machine or a file and following the key biting code.
Advantages of Key Gauge:
The advantage of using a key gauge is that it allows you to make duplicate or master keys for rekeyed locks. It also saves time and money by avoiding the need to decode the lock or buy pre-cut keys. A key gauge is a simple and effective tool for beginners who want to rekey locks with accuracy and efficiency.
Setup Keys
Setup keys are tools that help you change the master key system of a lock. They are used to rekey locks that have multiple levels of access and security, such as office buildings, or apartments. Setup keys are special keys that have a specific key biting code that can reset the lock to a new master key system.
How to use Setup Keys?
To use setup keys, you need to first insert the setup key into the lock and turn it to the right or left. This will clear the old master key system and set the lock to the new one. Then, you need to insert the new master key and turn it to the right or left. This will program the lock to accept the new master key and any sub-master keys or individual keys that are part of the new master key system. You need to repeat this process for each lock that you want to rekey.
Advantages of Setup Keys:
The advantage of using setup keys is that they can create different levels of access and security for rekeyed locks. They also allow you to rekey locks without disassembling them or changing the pins and springs. Setup keys are useful tools for beginners who want to rekey locks that have complex key systems.
Video Guidance:
Here is a video guidance for your assistance to explore the locksmith tools that are essential for a beginner for rekeying locks:
Conclusion
In this article, we have guided you through the top 10 locksmith tools for beginners rekeying locks. These tools are simple to use, cost-effective, and adaptable. They will help you rekey locks of various types, brands, and models with confidence and accuracy. We will explain what each tool is, what it does, how to use it, and what its benefits are. We will also give you links to the best products for each tool. Rekeying locks is a skill that every locksmith should have. It can make your home or business more secure, save you money and time, customize the key system of your property, and update the look and feel of your locks. By using the tools recommended in this article, you can rekey locks easily and efficiently.
If you need any assistance or advice on rekeying locks. You can contact a professional locksmith service, such as Patriot locksmith. This is a trusted and reliable locksmith company that offers a wide range of locksmith services. These services include rekeying, lock installation, lock repair, lockout, key duplication, and more. Patriot locksmith has a team of experienced and certified locksmiths who can handle any locksmith issue you may have. Patriot Locksmith also offers affordable and competitive prices, fast and friendly service, and 24/7 availability. You can visit their website or call their phone number to get a free quote or schedule an appointment.
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