Locksmith / Lock Installer - I need help

[Bekeart]

Last week I bought a house that has a battery operated lock on the door. (KwikSet Powerbolt 1000) Have two problems.

1) The cover which goes over the circuti board and batteries is missing. Call to Kwikset service got me this reply: Unfortunately, we do not have the cover available separately.

This is a model which is currently for sale. Makes as much snese as an auto manufacture telling you that a replacment trunk lid is not available.

2) I have NO keys. Pulled the cylinder and took to Lowes. First trip the only man who can rekey locks was out to lunch. Second trip the man was back, but he claims he will need a working key before he can redo it.

I took screw out, slid cylinder mechanise out, there is a sliding cover which covers the pins ... Looks like an easy re-key to me. But what would I know about thing like that.

If any members of this forum are skilled in locksmith type work, can you give me any advice and/or assistance.

After my experience with their customer service, I will certainly be buying another brand in the future.

Bekeart

 

[9c1 lover]

missing cover sounds like a job for duct tape. lol, sorry. as far as the rekey deal, it almost sounds like he wants to SEE you have a key, that it does belong to you or something, some wierd liability type thing? just a WILD guess, good luck

 

[tyusclan]

You do need the current key in order to rekey the lock.

Stay out of Lowe's for this kind of thing. Take it to a locksmith. Depending on the lock, there may be a number code on the cylinder that the locksmith can look up, and cut a key by the code, or he may be able to replace the entire cylinder with the keys to fit it.

 

[m1gunner]

A real locksmith can help you, as already mentioned.

Try an ebay and a google search, you should find parts or another lock cheap.

 

[bitstream]

Ok, it's a new home you just bought? By the time you pay for a locksmith, etc. you could probably just buy a new lock set from Lowes and install it for not much more money. Then you get the added benefit of knowing the previous owner doesn't have a key to get back in. I installed new locks in everything when I bought my house.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Bekeart,

I am a professional locksmith.

My advice is, take it off the door and throw it away. It ain't worth a crap.

And the guys at the hardware stores should know how to rekey a lock that has no key. Their too lazy to learn.

Go to a reputable locksmith. Ask for a Schlage B560 deadbolt. You will pay more but it will be of better quality than you can find at the big box store. Then, buy a passage knob or leverset to go with the deadbolt. You do not need a locking knob. All your security is in your deadbolt. By installing a passage (hall/closet) knob, you eliminate the possibility of locking yourself out of the house.

Stay away from the new Kwikset and Schlage locks that you can rekey yourself. Our industry has already found a way to bypass those locks very quickly. It's only a matter of time before the general public finds out.

Also, when you buy the new deadbolt you may need to know the backset of the lock. The backset is measured from the door edge to the center of the deadbolt hole. It will either be 2 1/8" or 2 3/4".

If you can't find a good deadbolt in your area let me know. I may be able to help. Any more questions, send me a PM.

 

[bamabiker]

Bekeart,

The backset is measured from the door edge to the center of the deadbolt hole. It will either be 2 1/8" or 2 3/4".

I think that's 2 3/8" or 2 3/4". We have some of both where I work and have installed many.
And I agree with throwing the old locks away and getting some new ones.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I think that's 2 3/8" or 2 3/4". We have some of both where I work and have installed many.
And I agree with throwing the old locks away and getting some new ones.

You are correct. My bad.

 

[Bekeart]

THANKS to all - especially Kanewpadle

Kanewpadle,

It is an older house, and only one of the door locksets even had a key. I have already replace all the other entry door locksets with keyed alike units. Only required a screwdriver and a little profanity.

I will show restraint and not express my thoughts about the guys at the hardware store.

Bekeart

Bekeart,

I am a professional locksmith.

My advice is, take it off the door and throw it away. It ain't worth a crap.

And the guys at the hardware stores should know how to rekey a lock that has no key. Their too lazy to learn.


Stay away from the new Kwikset and Schlage locks that you can rekey yourself. Our industry has already found a way to bypass those locks very quickly. It's only a matter of time before the general public finds out.

 

[Bekeart]

Would still like to get the missing cover.

If any lock installers replaces one of the Powerbolts, I am willing to pay for the cover and keyed cylinder. (Prefer the old style cylinder - not the new smart key)

I would still like to get a replacement cover for the lock.

I have a use in mind for it where the reprogrammable key pad entry code will be useful.

Bekeart