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How to Rekey a Master Lock? – A Detailed Guide

Fact checked by Teddy B.Miller

how to rekey a master lock

Having to carry multiple keys to open different locks can put you in a frustrating situation. You have to rummage through multiple keys and try each one just to open a single lock, especially when you’re the type of person who easily forgets.

However, with rekeyable Master locks, you can make your life easier, as you can make a single key for many rekeyable locks. These rekeyable padlocks can turn your quick set keys into a single, compatible key in seconds.

In this article, I will show you how to rekey a Master lock in quick and easy steps:

Step-by-Step to rekey a Master lock

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Before diving into the actual process of rekeying Master locks, you need to prepare the following materials first:

  • A rekeyable Master lock
  • Rekeying tool
  • Padlock key
  • Your house key

The following is the step-by-step process of relying a Master lock deadbolt:

Step 1: Prepare your Master lock rekey kit. Look out for dents and misalignment on your tools, especially on your rekey tool. An anomaly might make the rekeying process unsuccessful.

Step 2: Insert the original key. Insert the Master lock Magnum’s original key onto the padlock and unlock it.

Step 3: Locate the rekeying hole. The rekeying hole will reveal itself beside the keyhole after turning the lock 90 degrees.

Step 4: Insert the rekeying tool. Make sure the rekeying tool is flushed onto the lock. Make sure to avoid the drain hole.

Note: do not insert the rekeying tool inside the drain hole, which is a bit farther from the keyway.

Step 5: Remove the original key. Carefully remove the original key without disturbing the rekeying tool.

Note: If you are unable to remove the original key from the lock, one of the possible reasons might be because the rekeying tool is not fully inserted to the lock.

Step 6: Insert the new key. Make sure the new key is fully inserted to properly rekey the Master lock.

Step 7: Remove the rekeying tool. Without budging the new key, carefully remove the rekeying tool.

Step 8: Turn the new key. In a clockwise and counterclockwise manner, turn the new key several times to make sure the lock registers the new key.

Step 9: Remove the new key. The lock is now successfully rekeyed.

Step 10: Try locking and unlocking. To avoid problems that may arise in the future, try to unlock the lock with the new key.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why do you need to rekey a Master lock?

Rekeying your Master lock may not be necessary, and the reasons to rekey a lock to match existing key might vary from person to person.

Here are some of the reasons why you need to rekey a Master lock:

  • Make a master key for all locks

Especially when you are the head of the family, you might want to consider having a master key to access all the doors in your house in case of emergency.

  • Too many keys to carry

Carrying too many keys might become a problem, since it would raise the probability of you forgetting what key goes into the correct lock. A Master lock universal key can solve this problem.

  • Original key is becoming unusable

Having a key that is already rusty can become a potential problem to you and the lock. Inserting a rusty key to the lock might damage the lock, so key replacement should be done.

Note: if your Master lock has been damaged due to unforeseen reasons, you might want to avail Master lock replacement parts to fully restore your lock.

  • Losing your key.

Especially if your lock is still brand new, you might want to keep your lock and get a new key for it if you lost it.

Can I rekey a lock Without the original key?

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Fortunately, yes, you can rekey your rekeyable door locks without the original key. You can either do this by picking the lock yourself or calling a locksmith to do it for you.

However, rekeying a lock without the original key might put your security in danger, especially when your keys are retrieved by other people. In this situation, it might be best to change your lock rather than having it rekeyed.

In the future, you might want to go with a Master combination lock to avoid having multiple keys to carry or to avoid losing keys. You can also do a Master key lock reset if you forget your combination.

How much does it cost to rekey a Master lock?

If you already have a Master rekeying kit, you can save money from hiring a locksmith to do it for you. However, if you are adamant to hire one, the cost for rekeying can range from $35 to $55 for car locks and $70 to $160 for house locks.

Conclusion

Master locks make your life easier with their rekeying feature. You don’t have to worry anymore about carrying too many keys in the future, as you can open the locks in your house with a single key.

Now that you know how to rekey a Master lock, you can save time and money from hiring a locksmith.

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