Rekeying locks in Staunton

What rekeying can do in a Staunton house

Rekeying rearranges the pins inside a modern cylinder so it takes a new key, making all the old keys useless. It's the cheapest way to take control of who can get in. In Staunton, though, it's worth knowing that not every lock on an old house has pins to rearrange — and that knowing the difference can save you money and a false sense of security.

Pin-tumbler cylinders versus bit-key locks

Modern deadbolts, knob locks and many later mortise locks use pin-tumbler cylinders, and those can be rekeyed. Old bit-key locks work differently, and many rely on simple wards that a range of generic keys can pass. They can sometimes be adjusted or fitted with a new key, but that doesn't make them secure. If an exterior door relies on a bit-key lock, adding a deadbolt is a better answer than trying to rekey it.

Buying an old house

A house in Newtown or Stuart Addition may have been owned by several families, rented out, or opened to contractors during a restoration. Nobody can say how many keys are out there. Rekeying the deadbolts on the day you move in resets that history. While the locksmith is there, ask them to look over the original hardware and tell you what's working and what isn't.

Inns and guest rooms

Guests carry room keys home by mistake more often than innkeepers would like. When a key to a room or an exterior door leaves with a guest, rekeying that lock is quicker and cheaper than replacing hardware. A master-keyed setup lets housekeeping and the owner carry one key while each guest's key opens only their room and the entrance.

Matching keys across a house

A house that has had locks added over decades can end up with five different keys. Modern locks that share a keyway can usually be rekeyed to one key; antique locks will keep their own.

Need something else in Staunton?

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Want the background first? Read our guide: Lock Rekeying.