Securing a new home in Jacksonville does not always require a full lock replacement. Many homeowners in neighborhoods like San Marco, Riverside, and Southside spend hundreds of dollars on new hardware when a simple rekey would suffice. Rekeying allows you to keep your existing high-quality hardware while rendering old keys useless. This process is the most cost-effective way to manage access to your property.
Diamond Locks & Keys Locksmith provides expert rekeying services across Duval County. If you prefer a professional touch, we offer mobile locksmith Jacksonville FL services 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends. However, if you are inclined toward a DIY project, follow this technical guide to rekey your locks successfully.
WHY REKEYING IS SUPERIOR TO REPLACING
REKEYING IS THE PROCESS of changing the internal pins of a lock cylinder so that a different key operates it. This is highly efficient for several reasons:
- COST SAVINGS: You avoid the high price of new deadbolts and handle sets.
- TIME EFFICIENCY: A rekey takes less time than drilling and aligning new hardware.
- HARDWARE CONSISTENCY: You can maintain the aesthetic of your original door hardware.
- MASTER KEYING: You can configure multiple doors to operate with one single key.
If your current locks are functional and undamaged, rekeying is the logical choice. If your locks are corroded, broken, or outdated, consider a full replacement instead.
STEP 1: IDENTIFY YOUR LOCK BRAND AND PURCHASE A REKEY KIT
The internal components of a lock are brand-specific. A Kwikset key will not work in a Schlage cylinder, and neither will their internal pins.
- Examine the face of the lock or the side of the bolt for a brand name.
- Purchase a brand-specific rekey kit from a local Jacksonville hardware store or online.
- Ensure the kit includes "bottom pins," a "plug follower," and a "cylinder removal tool."
- Verify that the kit matches the number of locks you intend to service.
Most kits cater to 5 or 6 locks. Attempting to use mismatched pins will result in a jammed cylinder and potential lockout.
STEP 2: REMOVE THE LOCK FROM THE DOOR
To access the internal cylinder, you must remove the hardware from the door frame.
- Open the door to access the interior mounting screws.
- Unscrew the two long screws holding the interior and exterior halves together.
- Pull the exterior housing away from the door.
- For door knobs, locate the small slot or hole on the side of the knob.
- Insert the removal tool into this slot to depress the retainer clip and slide the knob off.
Keep all screws organized in a small tray. Losing a mounting screw will halt your progress and require a trip to the store.
STEP 3: EXTRACT THE LOCK CYLINDER
The cylinder is the core of the lock where the pins reside. Removing it requires precision.
- Press the retainer ring on the back of the cylinder using the specialized tool from your kit.
- Insert the current working key into the cylinder.
- Turn the key approximately 90 degrees to align the pins with the shear line.
- Place the "plug follower" against the back of the cylinder.
- Push the cylinder out of its housing using the follower.
CAUTION: Keep the plug follower pressed firmly against the cylinder as you push. If you create a gap, the upper pins and springs will fall out of the housing. This creates a complex repair that usually requires a professional locksmith Jacksonville FL to resolve.
STEP 4: REPLACE THE OLD PINS WITH NEW ONES
This is the technical core of the rekeying process. You are now altering the lock's "DNA."
- Dump the old bottom pins out of the cylinder plug. Discard them immediately to avoid confusion.
- Insert the new key into the empty plug.
- Refer to the pin chart included in your kit. This chart correlates key depths to specific pin sizes.
- Use tweezers to drop the new color-coded pins into the plug holes according to the chart.
- Ensure all pins sit perfectly flush with the top of the plug.
If a pin sticks out or sits too low, the lock will not turn. This indicates an incorrect pin size or a misread chart. Re-check the depths until every pin is perfectly level with the cylinder surface.
STEP 5: REASSEMBLE THE LOCK AND TEST THE MECHANISM
Once the pins are set, you must reverse the removal process.
- Slide the plug back into the cylinder housing while maintaining pressure with the follower.
- Reinstall the retainer ring to secure the plug.
- Insert the cylinder back into the knob or deadbolt housing.
- Mount the hardware back onto the door using the original screws.
- Test the new key with the door OPEN.
Never test a newly rekeyed lock with the door closed. If the rekey failed, you will be locked out and will require an emergency service call. Test the key several times to ensure smooth operation.
PROFESSIONAL REKEYING VS. DIY
While DIY rekeying is possible, it carries risks. Dropping springs, losing small pins, or misaligning the follower can render your lock useless. If you manage multiple properties in Southside or need to secure a business in Mandarin, professional assistance is often more efficient.
Diamond Locks & Keys Locksmith offers the following advantages:
- EXPERTISE: Over 20 years of combined experience with all major brands.
- SPEED: We typically arrive at your Jacksonville location within 30 minutes.
- AVAILABILITY: Our mobile units are active 7 days a week, including evenings.
- EQUIPMENT: We carry professional-grade pinning kits that exceed standard consumer kits.
- WARRANTY: All our work is licensed, bonded, and insured.
SERVICE LOCATIONS IN JACKSONVILLE
We provide comprehensive mobile locksmith services throughout the following areas:
- San Marco and Riverside
- Southside and Baymeadows
- Bartram Park and Nocatee
- Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra
- Orange Park and Fleming Island
CONTACT DIAMOND LOCKS & KEYS LOCKSMITH
If you encounter difficulties during your rekeying project or prefer a guaranteed professional result, contact us immediately. We handle residential, commercial, and automotive needs across the Jacksonville metro area.
MOBILE SERVICE HOURS:
- Monday – Sunday: Available 7 Days a Week
- Includes Evenings and Weekends
CONTACT DETAILS:
- Website: diamondlocksmithjax.com
- Service Area: Jacksonville, FL (Duval, St. Johns, and Clay Counties)
- Specialties: Rekeying, Lock Repair, Emergency Lockouts, Master Key Systems
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOME SECURITY TO CHANCE. Ensure your locks are handled by licensed professionals who understand the specific security needs of Florida residents.
