If you’ve ever lost a key or moved into a new home, learning how to rekey a door lock is an incredibly useful skill. Today, I’m going to walk you through exactly how I rekeyed a standard doorknob lock using a simple kit I ordered online. Rekeying doesn’t have to be mysterious or expensive. With a little time and the right tools, you can confidently take control of your home’s security without calling a locksmith.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know How to Rekey a Door Lock
To start, you’ll need a rekeying kit that matches your specific lock brand. I used a Prime-Line kit made for Kwikset locks, which I picked up on Amazon for around $14. The kit includes all the essentials: new pins, a plug follower, a removal tool, tweezers, and three brand-new keys. For the actual disassembly, a simple flat-head screwdriver will do the trick.
- REKEY YOUR LOCKS – Prime-Line E 2400 re-keying kit allows you to rekey all your locks to one, pre-cut key. Note: This kit is not designed to re-key locks to any other existing key, but rather only to the pre-cut keys included with each kit.
- INCLUDES – Re-Key a Lock Kit includes 3 pre-cut keys, pins, special tools and simple-to-follow instructions.
- FOR PIN STYLE LOCKS – Re-Keying kit works for Kwikset brand locks, 5-pin style.
- EASY INSTALLATION – Re-keying your locks is easy with this kit – even a novice can complete the DIY task.
- REQUIRES – Rekeying kit requires original key to lock being rekeyed as part of the re-keying process.
Last update on 2025-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Removing the Lock from the Door
The first step in how to rekey a door lock is removing the doorknob from the door. Once that’s done, you’re left with the internal lock mechanism. This is where things get a bit hands-on. You’ll need to line up the spindle in the center of the knob, making sure that little square notch is centered.
Once it’s lined up, use your screwdriver or the tool provided in the kit to gently twist and release the spindle. This frees up the lock cylinder so you can begin removing it from the housing.
Extracting the Lock Cylinder
The next step is to push the cylinder out of the knob’s housing. I used the flat side of the removal tool to wedge inside and press past a spring clip inside the knob. It takes a bit of patience, but once you’re in, you can gently push the housing and the cylinder will slide out.
After that, it’s time to get the actual barrel—the part where the key goes—out of the housing. There’s a small retaining clip at the back of the lock cylinder that needs to be pried off using the tool. Be cautious here; keep a hand on the cylinder so it doesn’t fall apart during removal.
Replacing the Old Pins
Now comes the core part of how to rekey a door lock. Insert your original key into the barrel and align it at a 45-degree angle. Then slide the plug follower onto the end of the barrel and carefully push it through while maintaining firm pressure. This helps you remove the core while keeping all the internal springs in place.
Dump out the old pins—these are uniquely cut for the previous key. Your rekeying kit includes new pins color-coded or numbered to match the key that came with the kit. Use the chart provided to match each pin to the corresponding chamber in the lock.
With all the pins inserted, test it by sliding in the new key. The tops of the pins should sit flush with the surface of the barrel. If they do, you’ve done it right.
Reassembling the Lock
Once the barrel is pinned to match the new key, it’s time to reverse the steps. Insert the plug back into the cylinder using the follower to guide it and keep constant pressure to avoid dropping pins or springs. Turn the key upright again before reinstalling the clip to hold everything in place.
After securing the clip, slide the rekeyed barrel back into the knob housing. Double-check the orientation so it matches your door’s original setup. Reinsert the spindle and make sure the lock functions with the new key.
Finally, reinstall the knob back into the door—and just like that, you’ve successfully rekeyed your door lock.
Take Charge by Learning How to Rekey a Door Lock
Knowing how to rekey a door lock gives you control over your home’s safety and peace of mind without relying on a locksmith. Whether you’ve just moved in, lost a key, or just want to feel more secure, rekeying your lock is a smart and budget-friendly project. With just a few tools, a bit of patience, and the right rekeying kit, you’ll be changing your own locks like a pro.
