Rekey to spec or not with old locks?

[nls777]

Hey I have only been rekeying locks for a year now and some one must know a better way that what I do.
I find that When I rekey a old lock the chart you use to pin the lock doesnt usualy work there off by a pin size or two. The problem I have Is when the plug is out and your key is in the plug the key can sit a little low so you pin it and make the pins flush, then when you put the plug back in the key raises a little and now the pins stick out to much any simple tricks to stop trial and error? some times sitting the plug on the table keeps the key close to where it would be. Any help would be awsome thanks.

[Raymond]

Congratulations! You are now seeing some of the problems professional locksmiths have to make every day. With worn locks and keys, the judgement that comes from experience helps you. There isn't really an absolute, technical answer to your basic question. Just make it work smoothly. But, do not file the plug down or you will deserve a gypsy curse.

Many different companies locks or replacement cylinders have the same keyway will require a different length pin when keying. I recommend using an original brand pre-cut key (or accurately code cut to original manufacturer specs.) and loading whatever size pins make it work the best. I routinely memorize the offset difference while rekeying. If a #3 Schlage normally requires a .210", but the key will only work with a .220", then I add .010" to each other routine pin size as I go. What counts is the dimension of the key and not the pins. You want to be able to reproduce the key in the future without having to break down one of the locks to see what pins you used. Expect to encounter a lot of differences and be flexible in your approach.

[Eyes_Only]

This is why I prefer to have a .003 increment pinning kit rather than a .005 increment kit. The pins in the .003 kit gives you a few more choices in between each depth.

I remember going out to re-key many crappy and cheap mortice cylinders for businesses and only have a .005 kit with me. Man I hated having to file pins.

[ElAbogado]

This is why I prefer to have a .003 increment pinning kit rather than a .005 increment kit. The pins in the .003 kit gives you a few more choices in between each depth.

I remember going out to re-key many crappy and cheap mortice cylinders for businesses and only have a .005 kit with me. Man I hated having to file pins.

With a .003 pin kit, you will never be more than .001 away from the perfect length pin. Can't do that with a .005 pin kit. Also, but yourself one of those in-vise plug holders (lets you insert the pinned plug with key) that allows you to check the pin height before you assemble the lock. Any long pins will be readily apparent.

El Abogado

[nls777]

But, do not file the plug down or you will deserve a gypsy curse.

Ya I heard something about that before lol

Thanks alot for every ones help I have only filed the bottoms of pins once before and was told in school it was a big nono but I do only have 5 not 3 so I'll be ordering a new kit when I get a few more apartments.
I hate having to pull out a old worn out lock that some tool rekeyed with only 3 pins. I think from now on Ill have to work on desiding when to tell the customer they need a new lock not spend 20 minutes trying to make the other 2 pins work in a lock that is past its time.

[globallockytoo]

A pinning help that is of benefit, but should be used wisely, rather than filing the plug, is to use bottom pins as drivers. then odd sized pins will more easily account for varying keys. This does make manipulating the cylinder easier though.

[ElAbogado]

But, do not file the plug down or you will deserve a gypsy curse.

Ya I heard something about that before lol

Thanks alot for every ones help I have only filed the bottoms of pins once before and was told in school it was a big nono but I do only have 5 not 3 so I'll be ordering a new kit when I get a few more apartments.
I hate having to pull out a old worn out lock that some tool rekeyed with only 3 pins. I think from now on Ill have to work on desiding when to tell the customer they need a new lock not spend 20 minutes trying to make the other 2 pins work in a lock that is past its time.

Before you dump your .005 kit, realize that some locks, like Schlage, use increments of .005 resulting in factory pin lengths of .225, .240, .255, .270 and so on. Your .005 is dead on for those locks, whereas the .003 could be off .001 on some lengths.

Personally, I use Kwikset pins in Kwikset locks, Schlage pins in Schlage locks, Best pins in Best locks and so on. The universal pin kit is kind of a safety net for when I don't have the OEM pin kit.

You can probably get by for quite a while with the .005 kit, but some people like myself, prefer the .003.

Hope this helps.

El Abogado