Changing locks or changing a pin?

[beardyweirdy]

I was just siting here looking at a bag of pins on a web site and it occurred to me that when you move into a new home, why change the locks if you're bothered about someone having a key - could you not simply change a single pin and cut your own key to suit?

Must save a bit of cash than getting a new lock fitted, surely?

Or am I missing something? (I am n00b, needless to say).

[MacGyver101]

No, you're exactly right: if the locks are in otherwise good shape, and you have the ability to repin the lock and (re)cut the keys, it is far cheaper than replacing the locks.

[Squelchtone]

Most DIY shops sell repin kits where they include a baggie of new key pins as well as 2 already precut keys that match the pins in the baggie, and they even include instructions, a diagram, and a plug follower to make the job easier.

Once you have the lock open, there isn't much extra effort involved in changing 1 pin or all 5. And its easier to get precut keys, than having to cut down an existing key by using a hand file.

These kits are usually sold for knob (kik) and for rim/mortise cylinders, I don't know if they have them for euro profile cylinders as well. I do know euro are not as user friendly in taking apart and repinning.

There are euro profile repin how-to's on here somewhere, look for stickies.

Squelchtone

[stratmando]

How about insert the pins in reverse order and cut the Key backwards, this way you use existing pins?

[TriannaX]

As much as I love re-pinning locks, it just works better on most houses to get a new deadbolt/knob.

Here's why:
1. The locks on most houses are your typical low/no-security lock. Might as well get something better on there.
2. Free practice locks, if you need them.
3. Unless you have a way to cut the key yourself, you may have trouble getting one cut.

The locksmiths in my area are not keen on "Give me a [blank-name] key cut XXXXX" and will usually tell you to bring in the lock (they claim it's so they can test it). I have not found any non-locksmith stores (hardware/wal-mart/etc...) that have a code machine.

I have not yet tried to get a key cut randomly, then pin it to that key, so I don't know what the locksmiths would say, but that would work if you have a decent pin kit.

[Evan]

As much as I love re-pinning locks, it just works better on most houses to get a new deadbolt/knob.

Here's why:
1. The locks on most houses are your typical low/no-security lock. Might as well get something better on there.
2. Free practice locks, if you need them.
3. Unless you have a way to cut the key yourself, you may have trouble getting one cut.

The locksmiths in my area are not keen on "Give me a [blank-name] key cut XXXXX" and will usually tell you to bring in the lock (they claim it's so they can test it). I have not found any non-locksmith stores (hardware/wal-mart/etc...) that have a code machine.

I have not yet tried to get a key cut randomly, then pin it to that key, so I don't know what the locksmiths would say, but that would work if you have a decent pin kit.

As far as your point #2 this is because the locksmith has no way of verifying that you are in fact the legitimate owner of the lock pinned to the key code you just asked them to originate for you... By you producing a lock pinned to that bitting at their shop they are just keeping honest people honest -- as your valet parking attendant could have seen your house key and written down the bitting code and then gone to a locksmith shop to have a key originated to that code...

Locksmiths usually charge more for originating a key by code than for duplicating a key... Even though you have to bring the lock to them to obtain a key originated to a code like that you are saving the service call trip charge and labor and only paying for the actual key you want...

~~ Evan