Rekeying Lock cylinder

[Robert R.]

Has anyone ever rekeyed a lock cylinder without going to a locksmith?

I would like to try, but need to know if it can be done using the existing parts from the cylinder in the rearranged configuration of the new key.

The cylinders involved both use the same "H" code key.

It's not about being cheap, just wondered if its possible to do at home with some patience.
Thanks in advance for your responses.

Bob

[Peter L.]

Re: Rekeying Lock cylinder

Bob - Yes, since the letter keys & associated letter keyways are the same with the "H" designation; but the degree of difficulity depends on which locks you are looking to rekey. You might need some additional tumblers to match things up since you would be very lucky that the combination of tumblers in each lock are the same (if so don't bother with a lottery ticket because you will have used up your "good" luck ). Have fun, Pete

[Robert R.]

Re: Rekeying Lock cylinder

Hi Pete,
Thanks for your reply.
My thought was that the tumblers used might have been the same for all, only rearranged.
Bob

[Jack H.]

Re: Rekeying Lock cylinder

Adding on to what Peter said, in the forward section of your copy of the CSM (Chassis Service Manual) you'll find a page or two devoted to keys and locks. The factory original codes (4-character alphanumeric sequence stamped into the punch out) are LONG tables translating the individual 'cut' pattern in the key to a sequence of wafer/tumblers installed in the lock cylinder. For '67 and up, there were FIVE discrete wafer/tumblers used.

The section on keys/locks in your copy of the CSM should provide a side view of a key blank that has a series of horizontal lines representing the individual cut depths. These cut depths translate to the specific wafer/tumblers to be used in the lock cylinder to match that key...

So, yes, given decent due diligence you ought to be able to lay your existing key onto the template in the CSM and work backwards to infer the proper coding sequence (selection of wafer/tumblers) to install in your lock cylinder. Finally, you can test your solution pretty easily...

When you've installed the wafers and reassembled the lock cylinder, when you insert the target key ALL of the wafers should retract to the point they do NOT extend from the outer surface of the lock cylinder. If you find a given tumbler sticking up, the lock isn't coded right OR the key's cut sequence is 'sloppy'.

You recover from this by either changing out that specific wafer or 'cheating'. File offending wafer to remove the excess material and you've effected a 'fix'...

[Peter L.]

Re: Rekeying Lock cylinder

Bob - Adding to Jack's comment, while each lock type has the same number of tumbles, each lock type does not necessarily have the same number of each of the different "depth" tumblers that define the KEY CODE, i.e., cuts on the key shaft. Pete

[Dick W.]

Re: Rekeying Lock cylinder

Once upon a time, I had all the tumblers, etc to rekey the locks. After doing 3 or 4 I decided my time was better spent doing something else and let a professional do the locks

[Gary F.]

Re: Rekeying Lock cylinder

Just had one done. Took it to a locksmith, and picked it up the next day. $15.00

[Rich W.]

Re: Rekeying Lock cylinder

I have re keyed a good many of locks..side and up keys..I have a kit that has all the tumblers and springs..not hard at all..and kinda fun..before I got all the tumbler stuff.. I would file the key to match..with a good set of machinist files it doesn't take all that long to make a key..easier than doing the tumblers..but telling you how to make a key in a few minutes is not something I want to get into!!..you may find you need on more of the tumblers in there..if you have one to long it can be filed down to work also..but really 15$ is a bunch more simple..

[Robert R.]

Re: Rekeying Lock cylinder

Thanks to all.
Needed to get the glove box lock to match the alarm and spare lock.
Plan is to go to the locksmith.
Bob

[Stephen R.]

Re: Rekeying Lock cylinder

Locksmith did my ignition switch while I waited. half hour, $18.00