Re-keying door locks? (in 22 steps)

[foxxinabox at wideopenwest.com (Foxx (in a box))]

> I have a complete latch laying in front of me.  What do I do, step by 
> step, please.

   okay, assuming this is the door handle you're talking about, read 
below. otherwise, let me know what other cylinder you need info on.

  1) insert key into cylinder.
  2) on back of handle remove single phillips screw.
  3) remove 'L' shaped arm. be careful not to lose the spring directly
     below it.
  4) gently push the cylinder out from the backside (note: at this point
     you will find out if your gasket is good or not. an o-ring can be
     used in its place though an original gasket is best)
  5) wipe off excess grease on tumbler. DO NOT REMOVE KEY!!!
  6) remove excess grease inside the handle. use a small screwdriver to
     get the grease out of the notches for the tumblers. this grease can
     be as thin as oil or hard as a rock. ymmv.
  7) after the cylinder has been wiped clean, press fingers over tumbler
     openings (two on one side, five on the other) and slowly remove the
     key
  8) place cylinder on WHITE paper towel and slowly release. the tumblers
     should pop out slightly. if not, a small screwdriver may be
     necessary to free them from the gunk.
  9) remove the tumblers from the cylinder. there should be a total of
     seven. also note that there should be seven small springs. DO NOT
     LOSE THE SPRINGS!!!
10) clean the tumblers and springs in your favourite degreaser or with
     brake cleaner. also clean the cylinder and remove all the grease
     from it. i have had to use sandpaper to get old hard grease off.
11) sort the tumblers that you have in front of you. there are only
     four different sizes. they might even be numbered 1-4. the
     difference in the tumblers is the offset of the square hole. the
     highest peak or ridge on your key will most likely be a 1. the
     lowest will most likely be a 4. an uncut key would all be 1's.
12) replace the two springs on the one side of the lock. begin there as
     it much easier to hold two tumblers in place than five.
13) insert the tumblers that you think will fit. if they're too long
     or short insert a correspondingly correct one. note: if using a new
     key, try to use new tumblers. if using an old key, try to use older
     tumblers. reason for this is simple wear and tear.
14) hold your finger on the two inserted tumblers and turn the cylinder
     over. repeat the above process.
15) once you have all the tumblers inserted, insert your key. the
     cylinder should appear almost completely smooth. if not, and ONLY if
     you cannot find a tumbler to fit perfectly, you can lightly file the
     tumblers. make every effort to find the correct tumbler.
16) insert the cylinder back into the handle. try to turn it. if every-
     thing moves freely, you can reinstall the cylinder. if not, you will
     have some adjusting to do. note: the cylinder will only fit into the
     handle one way. you may have to turn the key 180? to get the
     cylinder to slide into the handle properly.
17) replace the gasket on the cylinder and reinsert the cylinder into
     the handle.
18) fit the cylinder spring onto the end of the cylinder. there is a nub
     that the bottom edge of the spring will catch. slide the upper por-
     tion of the spring over the nub.
19) replace the 'L' bracket making sure that the nub from the bracket
     sits in between the spring arms.
20) replace phillips screw and test reassembly. if all is put back
     together properly, the cylinder should pop back into place when
     the key is turned.
21) replace handle on car. spray inside of the cylinder with white
     lithium grease. move key in-and-out several times to make sure the
     tumblers are well lubricated.
22) enjoy your new rekeyed door.


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