Tutorial ‐ Instructions, How to get your Keys Matched for Smart Locks, What do know.
I wanted to put this post out there, to save others time, and to be able to link to a good resource in the future. This is going to be for U.S. and Yale specifically, however the general information on rekeying should be very applicable overall.
Yale ships all smart locks by default with "Kwikset" Keys. Kwikset keys are the most common in the United States for residential use. They are slightly cheaper then Schlege. The other main option is "Schlege" AKA SC1 Key cylinder. Just because you have "Yale", Schlege(SC), or Kwikset(KW1) locks, doesn't mean you have their keys!
Here is how to get your keys and locks to match, this is generally applicable information but I will specifically link to Yale.
Insert your key, into your new smart lock. The key to your house currently. Does the key fit all the way in?
YES: That is great, you do not need to buy any more parts, and getting your key to match is easy. Please proceed to Step 4.
NO: Not a problem! Now you need to figure out whether your house is Schlege or Kwikset.
- Yale Assure Locks, should be KW1 - (kwikset) , however it is possible that the one you have was rekeyed, or Yale is offering other options with purchase. Look at the key you use to open your primary door key https://imgur.com/a/m7DcJsW and confirm.
If you can't figure it out from the diagram, don't worry. You could also make another trip to hardware store of locksmith and ask. Assuming you just bought a Yale, we know it's kwikset. Schlege sells schlege, kwikset sells kwikset. But they can also sell each other's!
- ONCE AGAIN, if you are able to fit your key in the slot, you are able to get the key to. Match! If you can't and you have confirmed you have SC1 keys at your home. You need to purchase either:
Assure Lock 2 - You most likely want the SC1 Keyed Different. As I very much doubt you told Yale directly to key them all the same to a key that didn't match your house. Basically, you would know if you had "keyed alike", if you don't know, then you don't have it. I have no idea why the assure lock 2 cylinder was so hard to find on their site. The reason for one color, is the color only matters for the front, which is only in black suede.
Assure Lock - Link for the assure lock 1 and others that are listed. You can search the yale site for any other locks you might have, or you can contact whoever makes your smart lock if it is not yale. I saw the reviews about not working for assure lock 2, but I guess Yale needs a new social media manager, because I almost returned my locks before finally figuring it out. but whose fault is it really, if I base my purchasing choices by negative comments on the internet? Hmmmm
- Step 4! (And welcome back to those who skipped ahead).
A. Bring your lock, your key that came with the lock, and your house key to local hardware store (or lock smith). If you purchased a SC1 Lock Cylinder, bring that and the key that came with it. You do not need to bring your lock that you currently want to keep, only the key.
B. I highly suggest you did this BEFORE installing your lock, for well obvious reasons.....
C. Suggestions on stores to go to:
a. Any Ace Hardware will do it for a flat 8 dollars.
b. That seems to be the going rate for any local locksmith if you bring it in, and it only takes them a few minutes, much cheaper then a house call!
c. Many have reported that Home Depot will do it for free. At this time they do not carry lock cylinders for Yale, (Which I think they should, but alas).
- PROFIT! that's it, super easy. Only a few minutes and a few dollars.
For all of those thinking, "I never use a key" well, if your bottom handle gas a key, then you will have a need for a key, unless you replace the handle, for example you could still be locked out without one. We have a door that has no keys, and the rest have deadbolt and keyed handles.
My wife will never forget the one time in 7 years they someone came over when our smart lock died and she didn't have a nine volt battery of course. So if you have a keyed deadbolt, and you are not replacing your door knob, I suggest matching it up!
TLDR: Can I rekey?
If your existing Key fits in the key slot, the answer is yes. bring it to a local locksmith or hardware store, and it will be at least under 10 bucks, and potentially free.
If you existing key does not fit, the answer is still yes! I however you need a cylinder to match. For Yale you likely have KW1 (kwikset) and Need SC1(schlege) if it doesn't match. Diagram above.
P. S. I know there are other keys, other scenarios that exist, however for residential U. S. This should at least cover everything. My house was Ala Assoy (Yale and August parent company) so I thought great, it will work! But the locksmith gave us "nicer" locks hence the more expensive schlege.