What Lock Repinning Tools Are and When To Use Them

When a client experiences a security breach on their property, they don’t necessarily need to replace their entire lock systems. Total replacement is sometimes an unnecessary waste of time and hardware.

Fortunately, a locksmith can rectify the problem with a little elbow grease and the use of specialized equipment. Read on to learn what lock repinning tools and when to use them to help your clients.

Understanding Lock Repinning Tools

Lock repinning tools enable locksmiths to change the internal configuration of a lock cylinder. Their primary purpose is to allow the technician to remove, rearrange, or replace the pins inside the lock, which changes the lock’s key combination. By using these tools, a locksmith can ensure that a different key operates the lock while preserving the original hardware.

Critical Scenarios for Repinning

What situations benefit from the use of lock repinning tools instead of lock replacement? Below we outline several distinct situations in which rekeying serves the client better than a full hardware replacement.

Lost or Stolen Keys

Two situations that require the use of lock repinning tools are when a homeowner or business owner loses a key or discovers that someone has stolen it. The missing key is a significant vulnerability.

Fortunately, by repinning the cylinders, you can render the missing key useless without forcing the client to pay for expensive new deadbolts or handle sets. You simply discard the old pins and insert new ones that match a freshly cut key.

Tenant Turnover

When renters move out of an apartment or commercial space, property owners may call on you to rekey their locks. Former tenants sometimes keep copies of keys, which can pose a security risk to new occupants.

Rather than installing entirely new hardware on every door, you can use your locksmith tools to rekey the existing locks. This approach maintains building security while keeping maintenance costs low.

Creation of Master Key Systems

Commercial clients often need hierarchical access control where one key opens all doors, while other keys open only specific offices. By carefully repinning their locks, you can help them achieve this functionality.

Adding master wafers to the pin stack will create multiple shear lines within the cylinder. This allows different keys to operate the same lock. Constructing a master key system demands precision and planning, but it provides immense value to business owners who need streamlined access control for their facilities.

Mastering the art of rekeying expands your skill set and offers cost-effective security solutions for your clients. Whether you find yourself resolving issues with lost keys or designing complex master key systems, make sure you use high-quality lock repinning tools. This will make your job significantly easier and satisfy your clients with a quicker, safe solution.