lock cylinder Archives - Austin Locks

The Process Of Rekeying A Car Door Lock

Posted by Bryan Thomas on Dec 21, 2015

Car door locks are quite intimidating; with today’s anti-theft devices re-keying car door services are better off being done by professionals. Even though re-keying of car lock services are done perfectly by professionals, it’s possible to do it yourself provided that you are patient and careful apart from having proper tools.

If you own a car, a need will always arise regarding re-keying of car door locks. For example, if your keys get lost or get stolen, you must never take chances and duplicate a key. Its always risky having your key floating somewhere in an unknown location. Furthermore, the thief who stole the key might be around and may steal your car anytime using the copy of your car key.

It’s for the reasons mentioned above that you must train yourself on how to re-key your car locks.There are several steps necessary in re-keying car door locks. Below is The Process Of Rekeying A Car Door Lock:
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STEP 1- Removing the tumbler and the lock

Begin by removing the car door lock as you work on removing the tumbler mechanism. You will find out that the tumblers that are inside are set in a similar pattern like the previous key that operated your car door lock. Does a readjustment on the tumblers so that they can be able to fit in a pattern of a different key so that the previous key can no longer open your car door lock

STEP 2- Replacing the pins

Replacement tumbler pins always come in sets. All pins differ in length and are on most occasions labeled using numbers. Put the new pins in the place where the old pins were. Make sure that the new pins do not extend further in comparison with the tumbler’s top. When re-keying more than a single car lock arrange the new pins in a similar order so as to use one key with each and of them

STEP 3- Marking your key blank in preparation for cutting

Insert the blank key inside the tumbler mechanism. Used a scribe or even a pen to mark the positions of all tumblers that are on the blade of the key-blank. These marks must indicate where the key requires to be cut

STEP 4- Cutting the new key

It’s important to use a dremel tool that has a cut off wheel so that you can be able to cut through the grooves of that key. If you cannot afford to have a dremel tool, use jeweler’s files when carefully cutting the grooves into the key-blank. Ensure that you check the fit often and you must be careful so that you do not cut below the marked lines. Patience must be observed when shaping precise instruments like keys

STEP 5- Testing your new key

After you cut the key, make sure that all the tumblers are perfectly flush with the outside edge of the tumbler plug that you are using. After everything is in place, test the new key. Reassemble the door lock mechanism as you try the new key. If you are lucky, the new key will perfectly work and you will have successfully completed the process of re-keying your car door lock. If for any reason the key fails to work, remove your car door lock and cut a new key again

STEP 6-Completion

After successfully making a new key that perfectly fits in the new lock tumbler configuration, adjust the tumblers that are on the other locks so that they can match with your key. Once the key opens all your door locks, reassemble the entire system because you will have re-keyed the whole car already. At this juncture, you should be in a position to take your latest key to any hardware around so that you can have several copies made from the original key that is less problematic in opening the new car door lock that has been configured

Tips

– – You may need to lightly lubricate the locks when replacing the pins
– – In order to prevent losing upper pins and springs from accidentally falling out, its important to work on high-contrast surfaces or over bowls/dishes that catch lock components whenever they fall out

The tools required when re-keying

– * Pinning or re-keying set/kit of lock pins
– * Cylinder follower
– * Ring remover
– * Plug follower
– * Screwdriver
– * Needle-nosed pliers or tweezers

Common Problems With Car Ignitions

Posted by Bryan Thomas on Dec 8, 2015

The ignition of an automobile is something that is often overlooked in routine maintenance schedules. However, the ignition is obviously an integral aspect of running your car-without it, you aren’t going anywhere. If you are experiencing difficulties with your car ignition (the most common being that it will not turn), there could be several causes to the problem. Whatever you do, do not force-turn the key while it is in the ignition. Keys are made of soft metal, which means if you use tools to force the key to turning, the key can easily break off in the ignition-a much more complex and expensive problem than you originally started with. Thanks to our friends at Columbus Locksmith Pros, here is a list of common problems with car ignitions:

Faulty Ignition Switch: If you find the ignition system isn’t being triggered, and the engine is unable to start, the primary cause of this is likely to be related to the ignition switch. The best solution to this condition is having the ignition switch replaced entirely.

You should also ensure that your car is parked in the right way. Many vehicles will not let you start the engine if the car is not in “park” or “neutral.” Check to make sure your car is in park, then try to turn the ignition.

Dead Battery: A common reason for issues with the ignition system relates to the failure or malfunction of the main vehicle battery. It is found that the battery might experience problems as a result of the failure of the alternator that causes the ignition system to fail. By repairing the alternator and having the car battery recharged the problem is likely to be resolved with the ignition system.

Locked switch problem: Your steering column lock may be applying pressure to the ignition mechanism, prohibiting it from turning. To diagnose this issue, first, you will need to try to find a position where your key is able to turn in the ignition. Apply pressure to the key, as if you were going to start your vehicle, and gently turn the steering wheel from left to right until the key is able to turn.

The lock cylinder is dirty: Dirt and grime can prohibit your lock cylinder from functioning properly. Use electrical contact cleaner to remove the dirt from the mechanism. Then add a small drop of graphite lubricant. Do not use oil on the lock cylinder. Dust and dirt are attracted to oil. As the cylinders get dirtier, the tumblers will be prevented from moving, which means they will have trouble unlocking. Acceptable Lubricants include graphite and silicone. Be sure to leave your car door open when cleaning the cylinder, as the fumes from the cleaner can be hazardous.

Blockage in the tumbler: Tumblers (included on some lock cylinders) can get stuck in a locked position. Try tapping the lock cylinder with a tack hammer, which can cause the springs in the tumbler to release it from the locked position.

A bent key: While this is not the most common problem, your key can become bent, which will prevent it from fitting correctly in the ignition, and turning. Your key may not be visibly crooked, so lay it on a flat surface to see if the key is bent. If your key is bent, use a wooden block (or similar tool) to tap it gently back into the original shape (while it is laying on a flat surface). Again, do not use a metal hammer or similar object to bend your key, as keys are made of soft metal and can break easily.

Worn spark plugs: A further issue that is often found to cause problems with the smooth operation of the ignition is the spark plugs that might be starting to wear out. They can’t be repaired, so it is just a case of having them replaced with entirely new parts.

All in all, if you really want to ensure the smooth operation of your vehicle, you should ensure that it is given regular vehicle service. In situations where ignition problems are detected, it is highly beneficial if the necessary repairs are carried out as soon as possible. By keeping your car under constant maintenance is the only way you can avoid abrupt failure of the engine.

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