Lock Tumbler Replacement: 3 Ways to Replace Your Lock Tumblers

There are many things you can do with door lock tumbler replacement. The possibilities go beyond simply rekeying your locks by the means of key tumbler replacement. Find out the options for your locks and how lock tumbler replacement can help you to achieve your goals.

What are lock tumblers?

Tumblers, also known as pins, are the internal components of locks of the pin tumbler variety. These parts of the lock are what make certain keys work in the lock and keep all others from opening the lock. In order to understand the various ways you can approach lock tumbler replacement, you have to understand what parts of the lock are being replaced and how they are important to the lock’s functionality.

Inside a basic pin tumbler lock you have several pin stacks (most often five). Each pin stack has at least three parts:

Springs – A pin stack is made up of at least two pins and one spring. The spring places the stack under pressure so that pins reset fluidly after they have been raised by a key. Springs can be made of different metals to provide a variance of pressure, but they are often standard within most locks.

Key Pins – The tumblers/pins that are touched by the key are called the key pins. (Though they are called pins, this is a word used interchangeably with “tumbler”.) The key pins are cut to different heights that correspond to the varying groove depths on a key. Unless the key is made with the key pins’ sizes in mind, it will not open the lock. If you wanted to get a lock to open with a different key instead of a general lock tumbler replacement, you would use key tumbler replacement (more commonly referred to as “rekeying”).

Driver Pins – The driver pins rest sandwiched between the key pins and the springs. They are a standard height and do not touch the key when it is actuating the lock. For that reason, they rarely wear down and are not involved in something like a key tumbler replacement. In terms of lock tumbler replacement, driver pins are often swapped out for pins of a different shape (though not a different height).

How do lock tumblers open a lock?

In order to know the difference between lock tumbler replacement and key tumbler replacement, you need to comprehend these parts make a lock work. For a lock to open, the pin stack (tumbler stack) needs to be elevated to a particular height by the proper key.

This is why the key tumbler (key pin) and key need to be made for one another. A shallow groove on a key needs to line up with a longer key pin, and a short pin will need a higher groove so that all the pins can rest at a uniform height. The reason this uniform height matters has to do with the construction of a pin tumbler lock.

A pin tumbler lock has two basic parts:

Plug – This is the part of the lock that the key is inserted into. It holds the keyway and rotates when the lock is open. This rotation moves a stationary tailpiece or cam on the back of the plug, which will actuate a bolt, latch, etc. Without the proper key, the plug will not spin and the lock will not open.

Bible – This is the housing for the plug. It remains stationary at all times, even when the proper key is used to open the lock. The springs emanate from the bible and push the pin stack into the plug to bind the plug to the bible.

The point that these two parts meet is called the “SHEAR LINE”. It is the gap between the plug and bible that allows the plug to rotate within the bible. That rotation means that the lock is open. But in order for that rotation to be possible, nothing can be blocking the shear line.

This means that the key must elevate the pin stack so that the driver pin and spring rest in the bible and the key pins rest in the plug. If the driver pins are under set (key groove is too deep), they will catch on the shear line and bind the lock. If the driver pins are overset (key groove is too shallow), the key pins will bind at the shear line.

Types of Lock Tumbler Replacement

1. Re-pinning

The number one reason to undergo this type of lock tumbler replacement is for greater security. Often the lock tumbler replacement will be handled by switching out the standard driver pins with more exotic tumblers. These exotic tumblers are more commonly referred to as security pins.

You can see a good example and explanation of this sort of thing with the pin in pin security pins. The basic intent of re-pinning as a method of lock tumbler replacement is that the driver pins will get hung up on the shear line when someone is trying to covertly open the lock.

This type of lock tumbler replacement helps prevent lock bumping and make lock picking more difficult. As the driver pin is the first pin that will pass the shear line, and perhaps the only, it is the most likely to be re-pinned. In the most extreme examples of lock tumbler replacement, you may choose to replace the key pins with security pins.

The thing that you must be careful of is that the key pins must always correspond to the key being used in the lock. Key tumbler replacement is not viable for re-pinning if you are not cognizant of pin height.

2. Rekeying

The most common type of lock tumbler replacement is rekeying a lock. You might hear this method sometimes referred to as key tumbler replacement. This is because you are replacing the key pins (key tumblers). The purpose of this lock tumbler replacement is to make an existing lock open with a different key.

Very often, you will see key tumbler replacement used to make several locks work with a single key. In the case of high-security padlocks and many door locks, this lock tumbler replacement cuts down on the number of keys a facility manager or homeowner needs to carry around with them.

The cost of rekeying a lock can vary quite a bit depending on who does the key tumbler replacement. However, all you need is a key and the corresponding set of key pins in order to complete this process. If you are trying to rekey your locks instead of changing locks, this is much simpler to do yourself than something like keying a set of locks the same.

For standardized key tumbler replacement, you will need to know the exact size of your pins, which will likely require a key decoder and a pinning tray. The key decoder will get you the groove depths of your keys, and the pinning tray will tell you which pins to use and provide them in the number they are needed.

3. Master Keying

The final type of lock tumbler replacement is making a master key system. The driver pins will stay the same for this lock tumbler replacement, but you will be doing some key tumbler replacement. Basically, you will be replacing the key pin and adding master wafers. A master wafer is an additional tumbler that goes between the driver and the key pin.

Having three pins in your stack of lock tumblers creates the existence of a second possible shear line. Not in a literal sense. There is still only one gap between the plug and the bible of the lock, but now the pins stacks can line up in that gap two different ways.

With two different ways for each pin stack to set appropriately, you can have two keys open one lock. One key will move the lock tumblers to one height, and another key will lift the tumblers to a different height. This does create several vulnerabilities for your lock, such as increasing the ease of decoding and greater vulnerability to both raking and single pin picking.

The beauty of master keying is that you can use this lock tumbler replacement across a series of locks in several different buildings. You are rekeying locks to open with one key while still restricting the access of certain individuals that will only be able to open only one lock.

Conclusion

Door lock tumbler replacement is one of the best ways to save money on new locks, increase your security, and layer your access control. It is always a good idea to have this work done by professional locksmiths so that you do not damage your locks. The process of any type of lock tumbler replacement can leave you needing brand new locks if handled inappropriately. Take care of your locks and your security, and reach out to locksmith if you ever need assistance.

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Regan West by Marcon

Marcon is excited to announce Regan West, our next Coquitlam project, will be coming to market this Spring.Located steps from the Burquitlam Skytrain Station makes it an easy commute to downtown Vancouver, colleges and universities, entertainment, recreation and shopping throughout the lower mainland. This 6-storey contemporary building will feature 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes with livable floor plans, a common rooftop patio, and timeless interior design. At Regan West, you are just a short stroll from parks, shopping, and new community amenities.

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The Residence on Marine – West Vancouver

The Residences on Marine is being developed by Atti group and will be a boutique mid-rise building. Located at 1327 Marine Drive in West Vancouver, the Residence on Marine is centrally located at the entrance to the Ambleside community of West Vancouver, featuring Ambleside Park and Beach, as well all the shops and services along Marine Drive including its popular Farmers Market on the weekends.

The Residences on Marine will provide its homeowners to the best of the North Shore and Vancouver. With single-level living, featuring modern, open floor plans, attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship.

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Crest by Adera- North Vancouver

Crest is Lonsdale newest development being built by Adera, the multi-disciplined organization known for creating homes with West Coast style. Crest is located in the heart of North Vancouver Lonsdale corridor on the corner of 8th and Lonsdale at 150 East 8th Street.

Crest will include 178 one, two and three bedroom homes (including 17 townhomes) with underground parking over two buildings all designed in a West coast modern design and architecture that Adera has become well-known for. Some homes will feature Private roof top patio, stunning views of the north shore mountains and and downtown Vancouver

 

Building amenities include a bike room, guest suite, party room, fitness studio, billiards room and much more. In addition to great condos, the location offers easy accessibility to golf, local parks, restaurants and other entertainment sites, too.

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Southgate City – Burnaby

Back in 2011, developer Ledingham McAllister bought the old Safeway distribution centre and dairy plant with an ambitious vision in mind. It isn’t often that a fully masterplanned development like Southgate City comes to a major city like Burnaby. This new condo development will become an integral part of the skyline in South Burnaby. As envisioned, Southgate City will include up to 20 condo towers of between 24 and 46 storeys in height, and a variety of low- and mid-rise buildings, all of which combined will consist of about 6,400 residential housing units that will support a population of 20,000 people. The pedestrian- and public-transit oriented development is planned around a five-acre central park that will serve as the Southgate City’s core feature.

The 60-acre development also includes numerous smaller parks, creek-side greenways and open areas, all of which are designed to help foster interconnection between all of its residential and commercial elements. This planned interconnectedness also includes easy access to the rest of Burnaby, and greater Vancouver, via road upgrade connections, pedestrian/bicycling paths, and its proximity to the Edmonds Skyway Station. Proposed commercial ventures include a gourmet grocer, cafés, community shops and restaurants. A new community centre is also included in the plans. The final result will be a stunning community developed from the ground up.

Southgate City will rapidly become one of the most exciting places to live in all of the lower mainland.

With the first building, Precedence, starting sales soon; home buyers will have the opportunity to secure their view of what will become the definition of master planning. Residents will be able to wake up and look out to the green space, fountains, and inviting public spaces. Driving to the hottest restaurants and shops will be a thing of the past with the best that Burnaby has to offer just steps away.

What sets Southgate City apart from other developments is the attention to detail put into every aspect of the design. There are plenty of new condo developments to see in Burnaby and surrounding areas but few, if any, offer the total and complete lifestyle that Southgate City will offer. A new community centre is just one part of the plan that aims to provide residents with a superior living experience in the heart of South Burnaby.

This will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting, inspirational, and popular new condo developments in Burnaby and the entire lower mainland. Stay tuned for more news and developments about Southgate City as construction moves ahead.

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High-Security Door Locks: How To Choose The Best Brand

When you are looking to choose between the many high-security door locks on the market, it pays to know which brands are worth considering. There may be stand out products from otherwise low-quality companies, but if you want to sure that you are getting worthwhile protection from your locks, there are some things you need to know. Most people don’t care about security, but if you are not among the majority, it is time to look into everything you need for the best high-security door locks.

Traits of High-Security Door Locks

When you are looking at the variety of products that claim to be high-security door locks, it is important to be able to know the difference in protection between them all. This is more complicated than choosing the best lock at home depot. You will be looking at high-security locks and trying to figure out which has the characteristics you cannot live without.

You do not need a lock that has everything listed below, but the more traits they have, the better security they are going to offer. You can also use this information to find lock models that excel even though they might be from an otherwise mid-tier company. Just be sure that your high-security door locks have some of the following aspects:

1. Lock Cylinder Complexity

When you are looking at the complexity of a door lock cylinder, you are trying to figure out how difficult it would be for a criminal to understand. The more difficult the internal makeup of the lock, the less chance you have of a criminal being able to make a bump key type device, impression the lock, or even pick it open.

All locks can be picked, but you do not want anyone who tries to be able to successfully open your lock. The more complex the lock cylinder is, the fewer people will even try to overcome your security covertly or surreptitiously. If you are looking for something that is strictly a keypad door lock, you will not need to worry about the lock cylinder of your high-security door locks.

2. Metal Content

How hardy a lock is, relies heavily on the amount of metal it uses in its composition. Because a part of the door needs to be removed so that the door lock can installed. This requires holes to be bored and cross-bored, leaving the door vulnerable around the lock hardware. There are products detailed in the best ways to secure a door that can add metal content, but you most likely want high-security door locks that come with some basic level of protection.

You can often tell the metal content of a lock by holding it in your hand. A heavy lock is a lock that does not use wide gaps or plastic components to reduce cost. When a company makes a lock with empty space or with components molded out of plastic, this ultimately costs you security. High-security door locks should have strong and heavy metal. And they should use a lot of it.

3. Bolt Strength

Besides the metal content of the lock, you also need the bolt of your deadbolt to be able to withstand as much force as possible. High-security door locks will have hardened steel bolts that withstand bludgeoning attacks (kicks, battering rams, sledge hammers, shoulder strikes, etc.) used against the door. Without strength, these attacks would bend or snap a bolt severely enough that it fails.

High-security door locks with strong bolts will also be resistant to cutting attacks. Criminals will not be able to use a hacksaw or reciprocating saw to damage the bolt enough to open the door. This is a less common attack than bludgeoning, but if it is a risk you are concerned about, your bolt should be cut resistant.

4. Drill Protection

Unlike a locksmith, who only drill locks out of necessity, many unscrupulous characters learn how to drill locks open because it is fast, and seems to work universally. But a criminal who encounters high-security door locks with anti-drill precautions will find their tried and true method of entry does not get them past these locks.

There are two main points that you want your high-security door locks to protect from drills. These are the set screws and the shear line. Both of these areas can be protected with hardened steel ball-bearings. Sometimes there will be anti-drill plates that rotate to protect from someone drilling the shear line, but these are the points that need to be addressed.

5. Key Control

You do not want anyone with limited access to your property to be able to copy a key without your knowledge. The best you can do is invest in high-security door locks that have patented keyways. This makes the access to key blanks much more restricted.

Of course, you will still need to know the proper way to hide your spare keys, so that you do not lose control of your keys. But besides that, there are ways around getting patented key blanks, and ways to cut them without the authorization of the lock’s owner. What you have to understand is that you will be significantly more protected against this type of risk.

6. Bypass Resistance

Even some of the best high-security door locks can be bypassed with certain additions to the locks. And seemingly high-security locks can have bypasses discovered and end up only providing the illusion of security. A great example of this is the thumbturn bypass for certain high-security euro cylinder locks.

Bypasses are not the same picking or bumping a lock. They are simpler methods of entry, and they bypass the lock cylinder’s complexity in favor of exploiting some other type of weakness. Be sure to look up if the high-security lock you are considering has a bypass. Some older products from even the best brands have exploits that have been solved by newer iterations. Other brands have introduced weaknesses by updating the lock and creating an issue while only trying to hold onto a patent.

Price Considerations For High-Security Door Locks

• In the security field, you get what you pay for.
• Higher costs are what lead to more secure locks.
• With certain brands, you are paying more for the name than for the manufacturing factors that necessitate higher costs.
• Certain locks have prices that are only associated with one aspect of high-security and will use lock cylinders from lower quality companies to offset certain material costs.
• Look at the specs of your lock to find out what you are really paying for.
• The two biggest factors for higher prices are the metal content (how much is used and what type of metal it is) and the complexity of the lock core.
• When a security brand has a product with a high cost and none, or less, high-security traits than another similarly priced product, this is a good indication that it is not worth the advertised cost.
• If you are not planning to install the lock itself, you have to factor in the cost of changing locks.

Best Brands For High-Security Door Locks

In this section, I just want to highlight some of the best brands to purchase from when you are looking for high-security door locks. These are certainly not all of the manufacturers that make high-security door locks, but they do provide the top quality contenders for best door locks.

These are not simply the most trusted door lock brands, they might not have a reputation that most people know about. But when it comes to security, these companies are above the rest. Steer clear of the brands that security experts universally detest, and get something that can actually considered to be among the best high-security door locks.

1. Abloy

Abloy makes the finest disk detainer locks on the market today. They make some of the best lock products and their Protec2 model still remains unpicked. The physical strength of their locks is pretty universal among the highest level available.

With hardened steel and solid construction for their high-security door locks, they are going to also be protected against drilling, prying, and cutting. Though Assa Abloy is the parent company of many of the prominent lock brands, their Abloy imprint is one of the best for high-security locks.

Buy Recommended Abloy Lock on Amazon

2. Mul-T-Lock

A very popular company for high-security door locks is the Mul-T-Lock brand. They are innovative in their pin tumbler designs and sidebar systems, while also excelling in the structural security of their locks.

Their high-security locks take into account their most vulnerable drill points and go beyond the call of duty for the cutting and prying resistance of their bolts. With something like the Mul-T-Lock Hercular, you are going to receive some the highest security possible in a lock.

Buy Recommended Mul-T-Lock on Amazon

3. EVVA

The EVVA lock company specializes in creating a vast array of high-security door locks. They vary in quality, but as a general rule, EVVA produces better high-security locks than most other companies. They excel most with the internal complexity of their locks and use innovative and unexpected methods within their lock cylinders.

One of their best high-security locks is the MCS model, which is more popular in its euro cylinder model than its rim cylinder equivalent. This lock is one of the few high-security locks that makes use of magnetic locking components. These locks are less about physical attack resistance and made more with internal security in mind. They are not physically insecure, but that is not the point they excel at.

Buy Recommended EVVA Lock on Amazon

4. Medeco

A very solid brand for high-security locks is Medeco. You will often see at least their lock cylinders being used along with the common types of commercial door locks. If you are looking for a Medeco deadbolt, a Medeco mortise cylinder, or what have you, they have quite the selection. The glory of Medeco is that they are relatively accessible to purchase and offer a good base level of protection.

It is not the best internal complexity or the strongest physical construction, but in terms of price, they are more affordable and do offer significantly better protection as a lock brand with their overall catalog of products. This company has had some issues in the past, but they have listened to the experts and improved their new products.

Buy Recommended Medeco Lock on Amazon

5. BiLock

The BiLock deadbolt is consistently featured among the top of most people’s list of high-security products. The reason that BiLock is such a good high-security lock brand is because it uses the same key system throughout its products. It is a high-security cylinder that will not be easy for most pickers to overcome.

When you choose a BiLock for your door, you are getting a unique key that very few people will be able to duplicate. You also get a keyway that many will not be able to interact with, as it uses a sidebar system and not simply two sets of pin tumblers. Metal content will vary, but you can rely on a quality lock core.

Buy Recommended BiLock on Amazon

Tips For Upgrading To High-Security Door Locks

• Considerations for residential doors and commercial doors differ rather greatly.
• You need locks that fit with your existing door (ex: euro cylinder locks will need a differently prepared door than a door prepared for a mortise lock).
• You should complete a risk assessment to find what aspects of a high-security lock that you should focus on most.
• High-security door locks are deadbolts. If you are relying on keyed door knobs, you are using the wrong locks.
• There are ways to increase the security of your existing locks, and depending on your circumstances you might be able to rekey your locks instead of replacing them.
• In the case of apartment security, you need to check what you are allowed to change about the previously installed security.

Verdict

There is no one best lock brand or one best high-security lock. There are only things that you should think about to find the best lock for your needs. Your lock is not where all of your security comes from. You still need to worry about perimeter security and the security of your door overall. But with this information, all you need to do is ask yourself what matters most to you in a lock, and then install the best high-security door locks for you.

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Main & Twentieth by Landa Global in Vancouver

Main & Twentieth is a collection of 42 boutique one bedroom, two bedroom, and loft homes with stylish interiors, open layouts, generous outdoor spaces, and a beautiful, lush central courtyard. Located at the corner of Main St & E 20th Ave, Main & Twentieth is surrounded by all the eclectic shops, restaurants, schools, transit and diverse community resources that Main Street has to offer.

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