Reviews

Atlanta, GA

I accidentally locked myself out of my house on a Friday evening. A kind neighbor called Top At Locksmith LLC they were able to respond within a few hours. The technician was professional and proficient and had the door open within a matter of minutes. Thanks for saving me

Lincoln Leo

Buckhead, GA

I lost my keys while going on a run. I called Top Atlanta Locksmith LLC and the tech was fast, efficient, and professional. Oh and reasonably priced. I scoured the web for quotes and they were the lowest in price.

Ian Eric

Jul 15 2023

Rekeying a Historic Home

Historic homes ooze a unique charisma and identity that make them precious remnants of the past. Preserving the authentic elements of these homes, such as their locks, is often a top concern for homeowners. Yet, there are circumstances where it becomes necessary to alter the locks in a historic home without jeopardizing their value or resorting to complete replacement.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the process of rekeying locks on historic homes, focusing on methods that safeguard the locks and shun the need for replacement. So, stay tuned for valuable insights.

Identify Your Locks

There are various types of locks, including deadbolts, internal knobs, and levers. Ensure that rekeying is available for the specific type of lock you currently have. Try to identify the locks installed in your historic home.

Get a New Key

Acquire a new key that you intend to use for rekeying the locks. This new key will replace the old one and enable you to operate the locks with the updated set of keys. Initiate the rekeying process to start anew. This will reset all lock information and rekey your home locks to function with the new key. A dependable locksmith can help you in getting a new key for the rekeying.

Remove the Old Lock

Begin by removing the old hardware, starting with the door knob and latch. Unscrew the screws from the front, back, and side of the door. Commonly, there are two screws on the latch plate and two each on the front and back knobs. You may also need to carefully remove certain hardware components. The deadbolt should be one of the last pieces to be removed.

Remove the Existing Pins

Several pins will require rekeying, and the lock rekeying kit contains pins of different sizes for each of them, along with a rekeying tool. Insert the appropriate pin into its designated spot on the rekeying tool, then reinsert the tool into the cylinder. This process involves re-pinning the lock, as rekeying does not involve rewiring each pin like rewiring would.

Testing and Adjustment

Once the lock cylinder is reassembled, insert the new key and test the lock. Verify that the key turns smoothly and the lock operates correctly. If you encounter any issues, such as the key getting stuck or difficulties in turning the lock, disassemble the cylinder once more and check for misaligned pins or any other potential problems.

Install the New Lock

In the same sequence as the old lock was removed, replace the new lock. Keep the current latch if you have the same model. If not, you will need to completely replace the mechanism. Align the knob spindle with the door bolt for an easy installation, and securely reinstall all the previously removed screws. To guarantee the proper functioning of all components, ensure you repeatedly open and shut the door when rekeying it. This ensures that everything is in the right position and operating smoothly.

Can we Rekey your Historic Home?

To ensure an exceptional outcome, it is recommended to engage the services of a proficient locksmith. This approach enables you to fully capitalize on the benefits provided by their knowledge and professional assistance.

Whether you require lock rekeying or any other locksmith service, Top Atlanta Locksmith is available to help. Feel free to contact us or visit any of our convenient locations today!