Recoding iron entrance door locks - how to change a combination lock: changing the code on a combination lock

Category: Entrance doors (2 ratings, average: 4,00 out of 5)

Published 03/31/2020 · Comments: · Reading time: 5 min · Views: Post Views: 10,499

From time to time it becomes necessary to change the combination of numbers on a combination lock. This is additional insurance to protect your home. You can change combinations to a metal door with a different locking design, but before purchasing it is better to consult about the availability of such a possibility and the difficulty of doing it yourself. In this article we will tell you how to recode the lock on the front door with your own hands, depending on the type of locking mechanism.

Reasons for recoding door locks

Experts recommend changing the door lock code in the following cases:

Lost keys	It is very easy to lose the key to a lock. And the likelihood that the finder will be able to get into the house is high.
Repair by hired teams	If you ordered repairs and the workers have the keys to the home, then upon completion it is worth replacing the entire mechanism. Because someone from the brigade could make a duplicate, pick up the key to your door using a cast and may already be preparing a robbery. Therefore, it is better to replace the lock keys.
Preventive shift	Can be done 2-4 times a year to further enhance safety.

Periodic recoding of iron door locks for the above reasons allows you to secure the house and reduce the anxiety of the owners.

When does recoding become necessary?

You may need to recode a lock in different situations, this applies to replacing a door, losing keys, etc. Let's consider the most common situations when you need to change the lock code:

Carrying out repair work. If hired workers use your door key, it is worth replacing it, as the integrity of all people cannot be guaranteed. The worker could make a cast or a duplicate, and after completion of the work, robbery is possible.
Lost key. A more private situation, but the result remains the same: you risk the safety of your own home, since someone who finds your key can enter the apartment.
Updating the mechanism to improve security. This can be done some time after using the old mechanism. This is done as a preventative measure or if the lock you are using is no longer as secure as before.

It is recommended to carry out a recoding operation every 3-6 months to increase the safety and reliability of the mechanism.

Thanks to this, you do not need to buy a new lock or even change the cylinder. It is enough just to change the combination of the location of the locking elements, and you will feel safe again. In addition, such locks are much more difficult to break.

General rules for recoding

In order to correctly change the opening code at the entrance doors, you need to know the specific features of the types of mechanism. But there are general requirements for performing the operation:

It is necessary to select the types of keys for the procedure depending on the model, because they change annually. Careful selection can protect the structure from jamming or complete failure.
Before purchasing, you should consult about the possibility of changing the input code yourself. This is true not only for your own home, but also for offices.
Recoding of all systems occurs with the door leaf open, so that it does not get jammed due to incorrect actions.

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Interesting! If the doors accidentally jam during an independent change, you will have to call the experts and completely change the system.

Have you ever tried to recode a lock?

Not really

Electronic locking mechanisms

The work of changing the code in electronic locks differs on devices of different models. To reprogram complex highly secure mechanisms, you will need special equipment, time and professional services; such mechanisms are too complex for independent work.

Simpler locking devices can be recoded by pressing a specific combination of numbers, which puts the lock into programming mode. In this case, it is enough to enter the superuser password. The code for new locking devices is written in the product passport; it can be changed at any time to any combination of numbers. After entering the configuration mode, a new password to enter the room is set and confirmed.

Recoding locks yourself is a rather risky undertaking. It does not guarantee a positive result and can hopelessly damage the locking system. In addition, unskilled actions negatively affect the burglary resistance of locking devices and lead to jamming or complete blocking. To avoid negative consequences, it is better to entrust the work of replacing the secret combination of locks to professionals.

How to recode different types of locks

A modern lock with key recoding can be a lever, cylinder, code or electronic mechanism. Below we describe how to recode a metal door lock for each type.

Leveling mechanisms

The lever mechanism is not difficult to recode independently. For example, recoding a Guardian lock is performed using this method. To recode the lock on the front door with a key for installation with a lever device, you need:

Open the doors with old keys, take it out of the well.
Using a special tool, we take out the element for recoding.
We find the hole on the lever device. It is usually located under the crossbars or under the plate.
Now you need to insert the keys for recoding, press all the way and turn counterclockwise until you hear a strong click.
Then insert new keys and turn counterclockwise until it stops, and then clockwise. The operation is now complete.

If the door lock jams or if the new key to the entrance group does not work, the operation is repeated in the same sequence again.

Cylinder mechanisms

Many owners are interested in how to change the code of a cylinder mechanism. Self-recoding of the front door lock begins with the purchase of a recoding kit. If the installation was done recently, then perhaps you have the things necessary for the operation in the old kit. There must be an installation key, an element for recoding and new keys. Stages:

Open the doors with the mounting key (the bolts should be hidden inside the mechanism).
Now insert the element for recoding and pull out the crossbars until they stop so that they are completely visible.
Hide the crossbars back by turning them in reverse, and remove the element from the well.
Now, after completing the procedure, check the operation with a new key - everything should work.

Interesting! To check, insert the mounting key back; if the mechanism does not open, then the recoding of the front door locks was done correctly.

Code

Many owners of private houses and multi-storey apartments are interested in how to set up a combination lock with a combination update and whether the setup is difficult. Changing the door code yourself takes a little longer than with standard devices, but is no more difficult. To block doors with a code structure of iron entrance door locks, you need to enter the correct combination of numbers. The entire dial has bevels. For the correct numbers in the combination, the slices are installed in such a way as to alternately press on the locking structure, while for unused numbers the slices are located on the outside. Sequential installation of a combination lock on the entrance group:

Open the cover on the reverse side to see the encoded plates and unscrew the bolts.
Screw the plates with recesses in the opposite direction.
New code buttons are determined, the rest are installed with cuts inward.
Install the back cover, secure it with bolts and check whether the code has changed.

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Electronic

The most difficult recoding of an iron entrance door lock is the electronic type. The difficulty level depends on the model. For some, it is enough to open the doors, enter a special command and the reprogramming mode will open. Then, by typing a new combination and saving the result, the password will change. All that remains is to check everything.

Newer models use more complex coding. Replacing it requires experts because it requires special tools and changing commands.

Important nuances

To ensure that recoding the lock and further operability of the iron door does not cause unnecessary problems, you will need the entire set of devices. Additional tools may also be useful. If the closing device is push-button (mechanical), then to open the device you will need a Phillips screwdriver. The following steps should be followed:

Preparation;
Execution of each stage;
Checking the result.

To recode the locks of an iron entrance door, you do not need to have any special education, but you do need clarity and precision in your actions. There is always a danger of doing the work incorrectly, then the device will close and will not respond to any combinations. Most often, this happens if the algorithm for performing actions was violated or a separate stage was skipped.

Rules for recoding door locks from a Chinese manufacturer

Chinese products are very attractive in price, which is why they are popular among Russian consumers. For a Chinese metal entrance door, the brand and year of the locking device is important, because the system is updated annually. Chinese units can be of cylinder, lever and electronic type. The cylindrical view is replaced according to the principle described above. It comes with 3 code change kits. This means you can change the opening combination 3 times. Changing the lever type yourself will be difficult to do on your own, because it will require complete disassembly of the non-standard size structure.

It is also better to entrust the code type to a specialist, so as not to damage the circuit and prevent the door lock from being completely replaced.

It is easier to change the electronic code, because you only need to know the secret combination to launch the change command. And you can change it very often, because there is no limitation of 3 times, as in the cylinder type.

Possible mistakes and recommendations from experts

Work should be carried out in a well-lit room during the day. It is worth performing the re-encryption procedure alone, without the participation of third parties. The most common mistakes occur when working in groups. Basic recommendations and troubleshooting:

The code key must be turned smoothly, using force, but in moderation. It is not always possible to carry out this procedure the first time;
When the work is completed, the functionality of the lock must be checked on both sides. It is not uncommon for the opening mechanism to work properly, but problems arise when closing;
If, after correct recoding, the key jams or you have to use force to open the door, then you will have to change the code again;
Despite the completeness of the recommendations of specialists in our article or in other sources, the manufacturer’s instructions cannot be neglected;
You need to use the factory keys to set the code that came with the lock. Purchased low-quality devices can cause poorly performed work and completely ruin the mechanism.

Recoding a non-working or jamming lock on a metal entrance door is done when the locking mechanism is in the working position. If during the process the master turns or extends the crossbars, this may cause the device to break. Most often, mistakes are made when using a transcoding L-shaped key. It must be inserted all the way and turned until a characteristic click occurs. If the mechanism is not completed, it will make it impossible to change the position of the code plates.

If encryption is carried out with errors, this may lead to the need to replace the entire device.

Common mistakes

Often, when making changes on your own, mistakes are made. If you decide to change the locking combination, you need to approach the matter responsibly, because it will not be possible to restore the coding on a metal door if you got to the cylinder and twisted the mounting key or turned out the sections.

The main cause of errors is deviation from the order of plan items. Poor quality tools also have an impact. If the purchased sets are made of soft metal or incorrectly machined, the door leaf will begin to jam, and in the near future a complete replacement of the mechanism will be required.

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Often craftsmen forget about the click that should appear when twisting the mounting key or do not put enough pressure on it, so they cannot change the position of the plates. It is important not to perform any actions to change the position of the crossbar (rotate, extend), because everything will break and you will have to install a new one.

Mechanical code panels

These locking devices have almost ceased to be installed on modern doors, but they are still quite common in metal entrance structures.

The operating principle of locking devices is based on the arrangement of coding plates, which are installed inside the mechanism in a certain position. The set of numbers that unlocks the door corresponds to a combination of elements, which are small rectangular metal plates with a cutout in one of the sides. In the parts that are located under the buttons involved in setting the correct combination, the cuts are directed inside the structure. The remaining plates are oriented with their cuts outward. Due to this system, pressing the keys with the required numbers goes deeper and unlocks the mechanism.

To change the combination of the mechanical code panel, you need to:

Open the door.
From inside the room, remove the back cover from the locking device.
Loosen the fixing screws of the coding plates that hold them firmly in place.
Expand the sections inside the mechanism under the keys that will type the correct combination of numbers.
Place the remaining plates with the cuts facing outwards.
Tighten the mounting screws.
Check if the code works.
Screw the lid into place.

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When do you have to recode a lock?

This is not something people think about often. But those situations that require such a procedure are usually related to security, the desire to prevent a stranger from entering one’s own home.

Most often, recoding of the locking mechanism is required in the following cases:

After renovation. If a major renovation is being done in a room, a team of workers does this. Accordingly, they are trusted with the keys to the apartment. Once it's finished, it's best to recode the locks. Such caution will not be superfluous. Even if conscientious people worked, someone could have time to make a copy of your key.
The keys are lost. A fairly common phenomenon from which no one is immune. More often this happens in families with children or elderly people. The bag with the keys may be stolen. In this case, the risk of theft greatly increases. The mechanism should be recoded immediately.
Castle renovation. Even if it works properly, it does not guarantee safety. It is worth periodically changing the coding of the locking mechanism. This must be done every 3 months or every six months. This will ensure the security of the locks.
In case of renting an apartment. When changing guests, for their own safety, it is better to reprogram the door locks so that the old tenants do not appear at an unexpected moment, especially if they were not distinguished by decency and did not pay on time.
After a divorce or during division of property. It also happens that relatives show up with their key whenever they want. To get rid of annoying people, it is enough to recode the lock: their key will no longer fit it.
When buying a new apartment. The builders had a set of keys before. There is a possibility that many apartments have the same locks, and not all the keys from the set were given to the owners. Immediately after entering the premises, you need to change the password on the lock, and only then transport valuables to your new home.

The ability to adjust the operation of the lock is a good solution, because it requires little effort. There is no need to purchase and install a new device, especially since there is no need to replace the entire metal door.

During encoding, only the combination of element dislocations changes. A simple procedure will allow you to feel safe and not worry about your property.

Mettam

These are combination locks. It is not difficult to recode them - all work is carried out with the door open:

Remove the back panel.
Remove the bolts to gain access to the plates.
Remove the plates that are included in the code combination - the cuts on them are facing inward, and place them with the cuts facing out.
Select a number combination of 3 or more digits - unfold the desired plates with the cuts inward.
Reassemble the lock in reverse order.

All work is always carried out with open doors!


Remove the cover	Combination plates...	...correspond to the numbers on the front panel

Plates not included in the combination	Turn over the required plates	Put the cover back

Recoding is not a difficult matter, you just need to follow the instructions. The actions with the mechanisms are similar to each other, but at the same time there are significant differences that must be performed in the required sequence and as accurately as possible.

Additional functions of electronic locks with access card

Special software and access card programmer allow you to perform the following functions:

the guest has the opportunity to open or close the lock for a programmed amount of time;
you can enter additional data into the access card to use associated electronic locks, for example, in a hotel swimming pool or gym;
programming access cards for service personnel for each electronic lock individually;
cleaning and room service in a hotel is programmed for a certain number of hours and time of day;
if a visitor has lost the card from the electronic lock, you can program a new card within a few minutes while simultaneously erasing all data from the lost one;
When the front door is not properly closed, or someone has installed the latch incorrectly, the alarm system can alert you with a repeating beep.

A few words about Chinese doors

Products from China are quite popular due to their low prices. Most models come with keys that can be used to perform reprogramming.

To change the old code on a Chinese door, first you need to insert the key into the hole and turn the locking bolts. If this is the first change of the cipher, then you need to take keys from the first set. In the case when this is the second recoding of a metal door lock, you will need keys from the second set. With each subsequent shift you are required to take the next set of keys. At the moment when the key is located in the well, you need to dial a new code. Then you will no longer need a working key.

Most models of Chinese doors provide three sets of keys for reprogramming the lock. This means that you can change the code in such a design only three times. If there is a need to recode more than this number of times, you will have to install a new lock or completely replace the door structure.

To change the lock and improve its protective functions, you do not need to buy a new one and cut it in. It is enough to recode it, the locking mechanism will begin to work in a new way. It will reliably protect an apartment or house from thieves and annoying relatives. For ordinary locks, no special skills are required; the recoding procedure itself does not take much time.

General rules

Each type of lock has its own specifics. Some of them are mechanical, others are electronic. But there are general rules, because the code is changed according to approximately the same algorithm.

Recoding the lock of a metal entrance door must occur with the door open. This nuance must be taken into account for security reasons. If you start manipulating the mechanism with the door locked and something doesn’t go according to plan, it may jam. In this case, the owner will be locked in his premises. Then you will definitely have to change the lock and call in burglary specialists. Both entail frayed nerves, lost time and significant costs.

When working with mechanical locking devices with a code, you should always check the condition of these plates. They must be of the same shape, without cracks or defects, and not damaged. If the lock is in good working order and performs its tasks well, then only then can you work with it. If significant damage is noticed, then you should think about replacing the entire device.

If a lock with a code is installed by a company, then you should first inquire about certificates and warranties for the product and its installation. If a lock with a code (electronic or mechanical) is installed in a residential or office building, timely recoding is the key to security. This opportunity to enhance the protective characteristics of devices should not be neglected. Many manufacturers offer designs of locking mechanisms in which you can replace the secret part, recode it, or install another cylinder with reprogramming for new keys.

What is a door installation key?

An installation key is included in each kit for recoding level locking devices. Unlike workers, they use it to switch to a new set of keys. In addition, installation keys are often issued to hired workers as temporary ones. After handing over such keys, the owner of the apartment performs recoding, protecting his home from break-ins.

All installation keys are made identical for lever-type locks.

Therefore, experienced craftsmen recommend supplementing the set for recoding a door lever lock with a special codifier. This can be done using a pin pad, which blocks access to the key hole when using a master key or other key. Thanks to this, maximum burglary resistance of the lock is achieved.

An installation key is included in each kit for recoding level locking devices

The mounting key allows you to recode only a lock that is closed two turns.

Therefore, the lever locks of the front door should always be closed four turns. This will protect the mechanism from unwanted recoding and unlocking from the outside.

In what situations is recoding required?

There are often situations when a person who has lost the key needs to change the code, since it can be found by a stranger who can then enter the house.

Another situation in which recoding is recommended is when renovating a home. Since it is impossible to know for sure that none of the employees made a duplicate, it is therefore recommended to change the code for security reasons.

In addition, experts recommend repeating the procedure every 6 months for preventive purposes. This will help make your stay safe and prevent strangers from entering the territory.