Archive for March, 2010
How to change a door lock and use the same old key?
It may be a dumb question but here goes...
My home has a total of 4 keyed entry locks on different doors. They are all operated by the same key. One of the locks stopped working and I need to replace it. I would like to use the same old key on the new lock. How do I do that? I can buy a 2-combo pack with one key for all but I don't want to replace all the locks. There has to be a smarter way. Please help out a new home owner here.
P.S. I haven't been able to find the same brand anywhere (tried several stores).
Whether or not it is easily doable depends on the the manufacturer and type of lock. Many locks will allow you to remove the cylinder from the old lock and use it in the new one. Many use generic cylinders, so you won't necessarily have to find the exact same brand. Some you can do yourself, some you will need help with.
If you will repost your question with the name brand of the locks, and whether it is a knob or lever handle, I can give you more specific advice.
What do you do when your car key breaks off in the door lock?
truck door difficult to unlock, it broke off in the door and now i cannot drive it or get the rest of the key out.
A locksmith is your best bet. If it's your only key and only way to get in the vehicle, then they will have to come to you. If you have a spare key and can drive to a locksmith, then the cost to fix will be less since they did not have to drive to you.
Good luck!
Is it possible to change the door key with out changing the lock?
I need to change the door keys(still have the old key) but don't want to change the whole lock. How to do that? Something like re-keying!
It can be done...by a professional. Someone can come to your house, or you can take the whole unit to a hardware store.
Key broke off in dead bolt lock to front door of home?
The key broke off in the dead bolt lock to the front door. Is it possible to extract the broken key or am I stuck to buy a new front door lock combination? I have extra keys if I can get the broken key out.
Hopefully their is a bit to grab and it isn't twisted in their----go to Home Depot and get some fine tweezer like needle-nose pliers-and a good lite-and try to get a hold of it---if not-it would probably be cheaper to replace it-then get a Lock-smith.
