5 Different Ways to Reverse a Lock
Locks have proven their use in fastening doors against thieves since the earliest times. The Old Testament has multiple references to locks. The first archaeological evidence of locks is nearly 4,000 years old, Egyptian locks found in the pyramids. Pin tumbler was the earliest type of lock. These locks are pretty similar to the common door locks used today.
While installing a door lock, the position of the keyhole has to be outside of the door such that a key from the outside can unlock that door with ease. But the two sides of a lock assembly remain as the mirror image of one another. And you can install any lock when the keyhole faces either direction. Any improperly installed deadbolt lock or key-in knob is easy to reverse. You might also need to do it to alter the keyhole’s direction for some reason.
Five Ways to Reverse a Lock Easily
So, now that you know about the designing process of locks and keys, the question is: how do you reverse a lock?Read on to find the answers here:
1. Removing the Trim Screws Carefully
Start by unscrewing and removing the trim screws from around the lock using a screwdriver. If possible, remove the trim at this point and put it aside.
2. Unscrewing the Edge Plate Screws
It is time to unscrew and remove the edge plate screws from the trim around the bolt using a screwdriver when working with a deadbolt. Next, pull out the trim and bolt from the edge of the door and put it aside.
3. Pull Out the Doorknobs Carefully
Pull out the lock trim or doorknobs apart and out of the door panel.
4. Replace the Lock Cylinder or Knobs
Next up, replace the lock cylinder or knobs on the opposite sides of your door panel.
5. The Final Stage of Reversing A Lock
After this, replace the edge plate and deadbolt, along with all the screws and lock trim. Finally, test out the lock.
Understanding the Designing Process of a Door Lock
Locks are of different grades, starting from high-security to low-security. The low-security locks are usually made from cheaper material, and it is easy to mass-produce its parts. Companies that make low-security locks typically have two to three available models. They keep the parts required in stock for customizing them.
Apart from low-security, the lock manufacturer is usually an original equipment manufacturer, making the locks and the final products. It is the kind of manufacturer that keeps only the most common and essential parts in stock, and most of the orders need custom designs.
The process starts with an assessment of the specifications of the customer. For example, the customer might order a lock to fit a particular size door and ask whether the locks can be opened using master keys. Then, the lock maker comes up with the best design as per the needs of the customer.
In many cases, customers might want to purchase locks identical to those he already has from another better manufacturer. Then, the lock maker examines the original locks of the customer and embarks on the process of reverse-engineering the lock.
The design team tries to figure out how to make their finished goods match the actual design by looking at the original product. The first lock company of the customer might have patented aspects of the lock construction, and replicating the same would mean infringing the patents of the other company.
So, the designers try going around the product of the first company. The aim is to create a lock that matches the original design and serves the same purpose but uses different mechanisms.
In most cases, high and medium security locks go through this particular stage, making lock production a lengthy procedure. Reputable manufacturers who only focus on making low-security locks might take around eight to twelve weeks to produce locks for an order. This time limit refers to when specifications are given to when the locks get packed and shipped.
The Details of How Manufacturers Make a Key
The key gets made first for the standard five-tumbler key lock. The manufacturers purchase key blanks and cut the ridges or combinations in every key. Every key has about five bumps on it that are cut at different levels.
Numbers designate the levels. For instance, a low cut starts at one; the next one is two, and then three. There are four levels in many cases, though some manufacturers might use seven levels. A five-tumbler key lock with four levels in the key works for four to the fifth power. It is the same as 1024, which refers to different possible combinations of ridges in the key.
The five ridges get listed as per the height of every level, which yields the combination for the keys. Keys with the combination 12341 are cut with the first ridge at level one, the second at two, the next at three, and so on. The lock makers choose the combinations from random lists and cut every key differently.
Wrapping Up
Reversing a lock is easier than you think if you know the right way of doing it. The details mentioned above will give you enough direction in this matter. So, follow the ideas mentioned above, and you can reverse the locks all by yourself. If, by chance, you fail, opt for professional help.
Author’s bio-
Jessica is a full-time content marketing specialist and a passionate writer who loves to write about creating an aesthetic and ambient living environment for everyone. She focuses on sharing ideas and techniques learned from his experience in a concise manner so that it can be used by everyone to make their surroundings beautiful to live in. Currently, She’s working with Elite Locksmiths.
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