Rekeying a Lockwood lock yourself at home in NZ is technically possible for a confident DIYer, but it's more involved than rekeying many other lock brands and carries real risks if done incorrectly. For most homeowners, calling a qualified locksmith is the safer, faster, and often more cost-effective option — especially given Lockwood's unique pin and sidebar mechanism.
What Does Rekeying Actually Mean?
Rekeying means changing the internal pin configuration of a lock cylinder so that the old key no longer works and a new key operates it instead. This is different from replacing the entire lockset. Rekeying is commonly done after moving into a new home, after a flatmate moves out, or following a lost or stolen key — any situation where you want to ensure old keys can no longer open your door.
How Lockwood Locks Work
Lockwood is one of NZ's most trusted and widely used lock brands, and their cylinders are more complex than standard pin tumbler locks. Many Lockwood models use a sidebar mechanism in addition to standard driver and key pins. This sidebar adds an extra layer of security but also makes the rekeying process significantly more difficult than, say, a basic deadbolt from a hardware store.
Because of this complexity, standard rekeying kits sold at places like Bunnings or Mitre 10 are generally not compatible with Lockwood cylinders. You'll need Lockwood-specific pinning kits, and these are not always readily available to the general public.
What You'll Need to Rekey a Lockwood Lock
If you're determined to attempt this yourself, here's what's typically required:
- The correct Lockwood pinning kit for your specific model (sourced from a locksmith supplier — not always available retail)
- A plug follower sized to fit your Lockwood cylinder
- Pick tweezers or a pinning tray to handle tiny pins
- The current working key (rekeying without the original key is a much harder process)
- A cylinder removal tool or the correct key to remove the cylinder from the door furniture
- Good lighting and a clean, flat workspace
Steps in Brief
- Remove the lock cylinder from the door (this varies by Lockwood model — consult your model's documentation).
- Insert the current key and use a plug follower to push the plug out of the cylinder shell.
- Remove the existing driver pins and key pins from the plug.
- Refer to the key cuts on your new key to select the correct replacement key pins.
- Reassemble the plug, reinsert into the shell, and test with the new key before reinstalling.
This process requires patience and a steady hand. Dropping a spring or pin is easy, and reassembling incorrectly can leave you with a lock that doesn't work at all.
Risks of DIY Rekeying
- Lock damage: Incorrect reassembly can damage the cylinder or sidebar mechanism, potentially requiring a full replacement.
- Security compromise: A poorly rekeyed lock may be easier to pick or may fail to latch correctly, undermining your home's security.
- Voiding warranty: Tampering with a Lockwood lock may void any manufacturer warranty.
- Getting locked out: If the lock fails mid-process, you may be unable to secure your home until a locksmith attends.
Home security is directly linked to your family's safety. WorkSafe NZ emphasises that safe homes start with secure, properly functioning hardware.
Is Rekeying Restricted Work in NZ?
Unlike electrical or plumbing work, locksmithing is not legally restricted work under NZ law in the same way. There is no licensing requirement preventing a homeowner from rekeying their own lock. However, this doesn't mean it's straightforward — it simply means there's no legal barrier, not that it's risk-free.
If you're a landlord, note that under the Healthy Homes standards, rental properties must have functioning locks on all exterior doors and windows. Any rekeying work must result in a fully operational, secure lock — a botched DIY job could put you in breach of your obligations.
A Note on Lockwood Key Control
One significant advantage of Lockwood locks is their key control — many Lockwood keys are patented and cannot be copied at a standard key-cutting kiosk without authorisation. If you rekey to a new Lockwood key profile, make sure you understand whether your new keys are restricted (requiring ID to copy) and keep your key cards safe. This is a genuine security feature worth preserving.
When to Call a Professional
In most cases, calling a qualified locksmith is the right move. A professional locksmith will:
- Have the correct Lockwood-specific tools and pin kits on hand
- Complete the job quickly without risk of damage
- Be able to advise on upgrading to a higher-security cylinder if needed
- Provide new keys cut to the correct profile
- Ensure your lock meets any tenancy or insurance requirements
As a rough guide, professional rekeying of a single Lockwood cylinder typically costs less than replacing the entire lockset — making it good value. You can find qualified local locksmiths on tradedirectory.co.nz.
If you've lost all keys to a Lockwood lock, or the lock has been damaged, do not attempt DIY — contact a locksmith immediately.
