Is it possible to use my old key to rekey a new lock?

CHANGE-A-LOCK_® rekey kit comes with two (2) precut keys which have the cuts matching the pins in the package.  We use a 5 color coded pin system and original manufacturers use 0 - 9 pin system. Some of our pins may match your old key cut, but to have them all match is highly unlikely.  So I would have to say no to this question.

2.

What do you mean by a single cylinder?

Where you insert a key into the lock is considered a single cylinder. So if you have a deadbolt which you can insert a key into both sides then that is a double cylinder deadbolt. Double cylinder deadbolts use 1 pin set for each side of the deadbolt.

How many locks will the rekey kit do?

The CHANGE-A-LOCK_® Rekey Kit will rekey 6 single cylinder locks.  Each place you insert a key is considered 1 single cylinder lock.  If you have a deadbolt and it is keyed on both sides then that is considered as having 2 single cylinder locks. 

How many extra pin sets would I need to rekey my locks?

The CHANGE-A-LOCK_® Rekey kit comes with (6) six pin sets which will rekey (6) six single cylinder locks. Count the number of cylinder locks you insert a key into and that is how many pin sets you would need to rekey your locks.  Double cylinder deadbolts i.e., keyed on both sides counts as 2 single cylinder locks.

I don't have my old key for my lock. Can I still use CHANGE-A-LOCK_® to rekey this lock?

The only two manufacturer's locks that you do not need to have the old key to begin rekeying is the KWIKSET Security (5 pin cylinder system) & the KWIKSET Maximum Security (5 pin cylinder system).  All other locks you do need the old key to begin rekeying. 

If you want to use your old lock you can take it to a locksmith. They can take the lock apart but take the black follower with you so they can leave it in the lock to hold the top pins and springs. Then you can use the CHANGE-A-LOCK_® Rekey kit to rekey your lock to the new key that comes in the CHANGE-A-LOCK_® rekey kit.

How can I tell what kind of lock I have?

Manufacturers often stamp the their name on the lock itself. Sometimes the manufacturer will stamp their name on the bracket on the door where the latch comes out of the door or the door jam bracket itself i.e., where the latch from the door goes into frame around the door. 

Also, you can take your key to your local home center and insert it into the name brand locks like KWIKSET or Schlage.  If the key will go into that brand then at least the lock uses that particular brand of cylinder.  You then could order that particular brand of rekey kit which should work. 

A Schlage key cylinder is used in Baldwin, Emtek, Pegasus and other locks; therefore, our Schlage rekey kit will work on these locks.

A Kwikset key cylinder is used in Ace, Atlas, E-Z Set, Defiant, Duraset,  and many other brand of locks; therefore our Kwikset or our Duraset, Ace, Atlas & Defiant rekey kit will work. Look at the entrance handle and if it has a hole in it then use the Duraset, Ace, Atlas, & Defiant rekey kit.  If no hole then use the Kwikset rekey kit.
 

How do I know my Schlage is a Type "C" lock, or my E-Z Set is a Type "K" lock?

Type "C" and Type "K" are use by Schlage & Defiant to designate residential locks. So if you have these types of locks on your house, apartment, or small business the probability that our rekey kits would work is quite high. Also, look on your Schlage key and given it has the name SCHLAGE on it the key may also have just a "C" or it may have a SC1 which designates it as a residential lock.

Can I get extra pins or extra keys which will match my previous CHANGE-A-LOCK_® rekey kit?

Yes, if you have kept the special instructional sheet which has the pin code.  Please email me at david@changealock.com and include your pin code, your name & shipping address and how many pin sets and/or extra keys you want.  Each extra pin set is $.50 which will rekey one (1) single cylinder lock. Each extra key is $1.50 and I would need the exact pin code from the head of the key to the tip where you insert it into the lock, e.g., red, green, green, gold, silver.  Shipping & Handling charge is $3.00. Payment can be either a "personal check" or "Money Order" payable and send to: CHANGE-A-LOCK P.O. BOX 1139 GARDEN GROVE, CA 92842, and include the above needed information.