I just had a conversation with my neighbor, who owns her house and takes in roommates. This is her first house and everything is new for her. I told her if she ever needed any help with anything she's more than welcome to ask, which she has taken advantage of on occasion. Anyway, she's a good church going young girl who gets her roommates from people of her church (females only). Even though I would think they are fairly trustworthy souls, she's somewhat apprehensive about the keys to the doors. Her two roommates just notified her about leaving (second set of roommates) and she asked me about the Kwikset system which allows the owner to change keys. I told her there are conflicting reviews and many not so favorable. Therefore, I started wondering if there are other alternatives for people like her or landlords who may have issues with frequent tenants/roommates without having to purchase another set of locks or have a locksmith re-key the current ones.

Anyone experience this similar problem?

Thanks

SBH wrote:
I just had a conversation with my neighbor, who owns her house and
takes in roommates. This is her first house and everything is new for
her. I told her if she ever needed any help with anything she's more
than welcome to ask, which she has taken advantage of on occasion.
Anyway, she's a good church going young girl who gets her roommates
from people of her church (females only). Even though I would think
they are fairly trustworthy souls, she's somewhat apprehensive about
the keys to the doors. Her two roommates just notified her about
leaving (second set of roommates) and she asked me about the Kwikset
system which allows the owner to change keys. I told her there are
conflicting reviews and many not so favorable. Therefore, I started
wondering if there are other alternatives for people like her or
landlords who may have issues with frequent tenants/roommates without
having to purchase another set of locks or have a locksmith re-key
the current ones.

You are correct in swaying her from the kwikset locks, they are an absolute
joke.

If I was in this position, I would get a commercial lock and pay a locksmith
to re-key it as roommates came and went; the re-keying process is pretty
cheap, and easily recouped from the rental contract as a fee.

Jon

"SBH" wrote in message
...
I just had a conversation with my neighbor, who owns her house and takes in
roommates. This is her first house and everything is new for her. I told her
if she ever needed any help with anything she's more than welcome to ask,
which she has taken advantage of on occasion. Anyway, she's a good church
going young girl who gets her roommates from people of her church (females
only). Even though I would think they are fairly trustworthy souls, she's
somewhat apprehensive about the keys to the doors. Her two roommates just
notified her about leaving (second set of roommates) and she asked me about
the Kwikset system which allows the owner to change keys. I told her there
are conflicting reviews and many not so favorable. Therefore, I started
wondering if there are other alternatives for people like her or landlords
who may have issues with frequent tenants/roommates without having to
purchase another set of locks or have a locksmith re-key the current ones.

Anyone experience this similar problem?

changed to plain text for your convenience, you're welcome

I own vacation rentals, and have now for about five years. I wish I could
turn in all the locks and keys I have in a box in the garage. In order for
you to have a lock rekeyed, you have to have the lock with it, so many of
them are absolutely useless except for fishing weights.

I found the Kwikset SmartLocks a few years ago, and started using them. I
have had incidents since then that allowed me to change the key in 30
seconds, no cost.

What types of downside reviews have you read? I'd like to know, as I
personally have not had any negative instances with any of them. The keys
on my home, my three vacation rentals, and my cabin are all the same, but I
could change any of them at a moment's notice. I have a long string of keys
that go to locks, gates, sheds, etc, and it's nice to just have one for the
doors.

It's really easy to change the keys at 2 AM after an incident, and not wait
until Monday morning and pay $$$.

Please post the negative reviews, as maybe there is something I missed.

Me, I like them.

Steve

On Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:25:19 -0500, "SBH" wrote:

I just had a conversation with my neighbor, who owns her house and takes in roommates.
This is her first house and everything is new for her. I told her if
she ever needed any help with anything she's more than welcome to ask,
which she has taken advantage of on occasion. Anyway, she's a good
church going young girl who gets her roommates from people of her
church (females only). Even though I would think they are fairly
trustworthy souls, she's somewhat apprehensive about the keys to the
doors. Her two roommates just notified her about leaving (second set
of roommates) and she asked me about the Kwikset system which allows
the owner to change keys. I told her there are conflicting reviews and
many not so favorable. Therefore, I started wondering if there are
other alternatives for people like her or landlords who may have
issues with frequent tenants/roommates without having to purchase
another set of locks or have a locksmith re-key the current ones.

Anyone experience this similar problem?

Thanks

You can buy a re-keying kit for the Kwikset locks. Each kit allows you
to re-key six locks. The kit is about 10-15 dollars. It comes with two
keys IIRC. I was just reading the other day as I need to change all
my locks. I can't find the link right now, but it also discusses how
to determine if the lock is a Smartkey or not.

Note that each lockset manufacturer has a different "kit" and are not
interchangeable by brand name.

P.S. why is you message all on one line?

On Fri, 31 Dec 2010 14:56:04 -0800, Oren wrote:

You can buy a re-keying kit for the Kwikset locks. Each kit allows you
to re-key six locks. The kit is about 10-15 dollars. It comes with two
keys IIRC. I was just reading the other day as I need to change all
my locks. I can't find the link right now, but it also discusses how
to determine if the lock is a Smartkey or not.

Note that each lockset manufacturer has a different "kit" and are not
interchangeable by brand name.

This is the link I mention above:

http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Home-Safety/Home-Security/how-to-rekey-a-door-lock/Step-By-Step

"Steve B" wrote in message
...

"SBH" wrote in message
...
I just had a conversation with my neighbor, who owns her house and takes
in roommates. This is her first house and everything is new for her. I
told her if she ever needed any help with anything she's more than welcome
to ask, which she has taken advantage of on occasion. Anyway, she's a good
church going young girl who gets her roommates from people of her church
(females only). Even though I would think they are fairly trustworthy
souls, she's somewhat apprehensive about the keys to the doors. Her two
roommates just notified her about leaving (second set of roommates) and
she asked me about the Kwikset system which allows the owner to change
keys. I told her there are conflicting reviews and many not so favorable.
Therefore, I started wondering if there are other alternatives for people
like her or landlords who may have issues with frequent tenants/roommates
without having to purchase another set of locks or have a locksmith re-key
the current ones.

Anyone experience this similar problem?

changed to plain text for your convenience, you're welcome

My apologies. I thought it was set for plain text. It is now.

the electronic code push button locks would allow infinite easy
changes, and short term permission for entry.

no keys needed, no keys lost, no keys to copy.

change codes on a regular basis so everyone doesnt get access.

"Oren" wrote in message
...

You can buy a re-keying kit for the Kwikset locks. Each kit allows you
to re-key six locks. The kit is about 10-15 dollars. It comes with two
keys IIRC. I was just reading the other day as I need to change all
my locks. I can't find the link right now, but it also discusses how
to determine if the lock is a Smartkey or not.

Note that each lockset manufacturer has a different "kit" and are not
interchangeable by brand name.

I like that. But since keys are sold as blanks, what key does one use to
reset the pins or does the kit come with keys?

P.S. why is you message all on one line?

Perhaps it was due to me posting in HTML, otherwise, I don't know. I now
changed the default to text messages.

"Oren" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:25:19 -0500,
You can buy a re-keying kit for the Kwikset locks. Each kit allows you
to re-key six locks. The kit is about 10-15 dollars. It comes with two
keys IIRC. I was just reading the other day as I need to change all
my locks. I can't find the link right now, but it also discusses how
to determine if the lock is a Smartkey or not.

Note that each lockset manufacturer has a different "kit" and are not
interchangeable by brand name.

OK, I just read the link you provided and the kit comes with two keys.

Thanks

DOH! I'm an idiot. You also said it come with two keys.

Senior moment!

On Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:38:24 -0500, "SBH" wrote:


"Oren" wrote in message
.. .
On Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:25:19 -0500,
You can buy a re-keying kit for the Kwikset locks. Each kit allows you
to re-key six locks. The kit is about 10-15 dollars. It comes with two
keys IIRC. I was just reading the other day as I need to change all
my locks. I can't find the link right now, but it also discusses how
to determine if the lock is a Smartkey or not.

Note that each lockset manufacturer has a different "kit" and are not
interchangeable by brand name.

OK, I just read the link you provided and the kit comes with two keys.

Thanks


If you re-key the locks with a kit, give both original keys to the
landlord for safe keeping. Have tenant keys cut from the original.

Reason: Cutting a new (tenant) key from a secondary (previously) cut
key, there is a chance of the key failing or difficulty in operation
of the lock. Always have new keys made using the original. Each time
a key is cut for the lock it will eventually be over-cut and not be as
accurate.

On 12/31/2010 5:05 PM Oren spake thus:

If you re-key the locks with a kit, give both original keys to the
landlord for safe keeping. Have tenant keys cut from the original.

Reason: Cutting a new (tenant) key from a secondary (previously) cut
key, there is a chance of the key failing or difficulty in operation
of the lock. Always have new keys made using the original. Each time
a key is cut for the lock it will eventually be over-cut and not be as
accurate.

Kind of like making a xerox of a xerox of a xerox ...


--
Comment on quaint Usenet customs, from Usenet:

To me, the *plonk...* reminds me of the old man at the public hearing
who stands to make his point, then removes his hearing aid as a sign
that he is not going to hear any rebuttals.

A true locksmith can rekey most house locks without having
the old key. Takes a bit more work, but that's OK.

I've not tried it, but there are videos on Youtube. The
Smart Key can be forced with a screw driver and pliers,
leaving little damage.

You and the OP should buy two or three sets of extra locks.
Have them keyed up at your convenience. Have a couple sets
to swap out, in the 2 AM moments. Take the compromised lock
to the locksmith at your convenience.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Steve B" wrote in message
...


I own vacation rentals, and have now for about five years.
I wish I could
turn in all the locks and keys I have in a box in the
garage. In order for
you to have a lock rekeyed, you have to have the lock with
it, so many of
them are absolutely useless except for fishing weights.

I found the Kwikset SmartLocks a few years ago, and started
using them. I
have had incidents since then that allowed me to change the
key in 30
seconds, no cost.

What types of downside reviews have you read? I'd like to
know, as I
personally have not had any negative instances with any of
them. The keys
on my home, my three vacation rentals, and my cabin are all
the same, but I
could change any of them at a moment's notice. I have a
long string of keys
that go to locks, gates, sheds, etc, and it's nice to just
have one for the
doors.

It's really easy to change the keys at 2 AM after an
incident, and not wait
until Monday morning and pay $$$.

Please post the negative reviews, as maybe there is
something I missed.

Me, I like them.

Steve

And, find someone to show her how to do it.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Oren" wrote in message
...

You can buy a re-keying kit for the Kwikset locks. Each kit
allows you
to re-key six locks. The kit is about 10-15 dollars. It
comes with two
keys IIRC. I was just reading the other day as I need to
change all
my locks. I can't find the link right now, but it also
discusses how
to determine if the lock is a Smartkey or not.

Note that each lockset manufacturer has a different "kit"
and are not
interchangeable by brand name.

On Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:18:56 -0800, David Nebenzahl
wrote:

On 12/31/2010 5:05 PM Oren spake thus:

If you re-key the locks with a kit, give both original keys to the
landlord for safe keeping. Have tenant keys cut from the original.

Reason: Cutting a new (tenant) key from a secondary (previously) cut
key, there is a chance of the key failing or difficulty in operation
of the lock. Always have new keys made using the original. Each time
a key is cut for the lock it will eventually be over-cut and not be as
accurate.

Kind of like making a xerox of a xerox of a xerox ...

I never thought of it those exact terms, but you are correct : -/

On 12/31/2010 4:25 PM, SBH wrote:
I just had a conversation with my neighbor, who owns her house and takes
in roommates. This is her first house and everything is new for her. I
told her if she ever needed any help with anything she's more than
welcome to ask, which she has taken advantage of on occasion. Anyway,
she's a good church going young girl who gets her roommates from people
of her church (females only). Even though I would think they are fairly
trustworthy souls, she's somewhat apprehensive about the keys to the
doors. Her two roommates just notified her about leaving (second set of
roommates) and she asked me about the Kwikset system which allows the
owner to change keys. I told her there are conflicting reviews and many
not so favorable. Therefore, I started wondering if there are other
alternatives for people like her or landlords who may have issues with
frequent tenants/roommates without having to purchase another set of
locks or have a locksmith re-key the current ones.
Anyone experience this similar problem?
Thanks

What I've installed for customers is the type lock cylinders with
removable cores. You have an operating key and a control key which
allows you to remove the core without removing the lock. I had a
warehouse/shop where the door knob, deadbolt and padlock on the
back door used the same key. There are several different brands
and I go with the brand my local trusted locksmith carries because
even if it costs a little more, I have no problem getting parts in
a hurry.

http://preview.tinyurl.com/28cbnov

http://www.sargentlock.com/products/...hp?item_id=126

http://preview.tinyurl.com/2baqn52

http://www.bestaccess.com/products/c...callocks6k.asp

http://www.bestaccess.com/products/cormax.asp

http://www.jmlock.com/interchangeable-cores.aspx

http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/sfic/face.html

TDD

"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message
...
A true locksmith can rekey most house locks without having
the old key. Takes a bit more work, but that's OK.

I've not tried it, but there are videos on Youtube. The
Smart Key can be forced with a screw driver and pliers,
leaving little damage.


Yep, that's the video I saw as well.

On Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:33:26 -0600, The Daring Dufas
wrote:

What I've installed for customers is the type lock cylinders with
removable cores. You have an operating key and a control key which
allows you to remove the core without removing the lock. I had a
warehouse/shop where the door knob, deadbolt and padlock on the
back door used the same key. There are several different brands
and I go with the brand my local trusted locksmith carries because
even if it costs a little more, I have no problem getting parts in
a hurry.

http://preview.tinyurl.com/28cbnov

http://www.sargentlock.com/products/...hp?item_id=126

http://preview.tinyurl.com/2baqn52

http://www.bestaccess.com/products/c...callocks6k.asp

http://www.bestaccess.com/products/cormax.asp

http://www.jmlock.com/interchangeable-cores.aspx

http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/sfic/face.html

TDD


Nice, but is there a residential version?

The links look like commercial/institutional/prison type locks.

....just sayin'

SBH wrote:
I just had a conversation with my neighbor, who owns her house and
takes in roommates. This is her first house and everything is new for
her. I told her if she ever needed any help with anything she's more
than welcome to ask, which she has taken advantage of on occasion.
Anyway, she's a good church going young girl who gets her roommates
from people of her church (females only). Even though I would think
they are fairly trustworthy souls, she's somewhat apprehensive about
the keys to the doors. Her two roommates just notified her about
leaving (second set of roommates) and she asked me about the Kwikset
system which allows the owner to change keys. I told her there are
conflicting reviews and many not so favorable. Therefore, I started
wondering if there are other alternatives for people like her or
landlords who may have issues with frequent tenants/roommates without
having to purchase another set of locks or have a locksmith re-key
the current ones.

Anyone experience this similar problem?

I bought a re-key kit from schlage for their locks years ago and have re-keyed
many locks. Save the old keys, you can always re-key to them years later. Or,
you can move the pins around, and hand file your new key by duplicating the
slots depths of the origional key in different places in the key.

On 12/31/2010 9:39 PM, Oren wrote:
On Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:33:26 -0600, The Daring Dufas
wrote:

What I've installed for customers is the type lock cylinders with
removable cores. You have an operating key and a control key which
allows you to remove the core without removing the lock. I had a
warehouse/shop where the door knob, deadbolt and padlock on the
back door used the same key. There are several different brands
and I go with the brand my local trusted locksmith carries because
even if it costs a little more, I have no problem getting parts in
a hurry.

http://preview.tinyurl.com/28cbnov

http://www.sargentlock.com/products/...hp?item_id=126

http://preview.tinyurl.com/2baqn52

http://www.bestaccess.com/products/c...callocks6k.asp

http://www.bestaccess.com/products/cormax.asp

http://www.jmlock.com/interchangeable-cores.aspx

http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/sfic/face.html

TDD


Nice, but is there a residential version?

The links look like commercial/institutional/prison type locks.

...just sayin'


I couldn't find a link to the set I used on a house but the cores
were removable like the commercial locks. There is no reason one
can't use the examples I showed in the links. They are a little
heavier duty than the normal home locks but can still be used. I
use a lock and key company that has been around for a long time
and the guys there can usually sell me something that will do the
job at a reasonable cost. The lock and key company sells a lot of
private label stuff that looks and performs like the name brand but
costs much less. If you own apartments or have people moving in and
out on a regular basis, I'd recommend the commercial grade licks. :-)

TDD

?
SBH wrote:
Therefore, I started
wondering if there are other alternatives for people like her or
landlords who may have issues with frequent tenants/roommates without
having to purchase another set of locks or have a locksmith re-key
the current ones.

Digital lock where you can just change the code.

SBH wrote:
I just had a conversation with my neighbor, who owns her house and
takes in roommates. This is her first house and everything is new for
her. I told her if she ever needed any help with anything she's more
than welcome to ask, which she has taken advantage of on occasion.
Anyway, she's a good church going young girl who gets her roommates
from people of her church (females only). Even though I would think
they are fairly trustworthy souls, she's somewhat apprehensive about
the keys to the doors. Her two roommates just notified her about
leaving (second set of roommates) and she asked me about the Kwikset
system which allows the owner to change keys. I told her there are
conflicting reviews and many not so favorable. Therefore, I started
wondering if there are other alternatives for people like her or
landlords who may have issues with frequent tenants/roommates without
having to purchase another set of locks or have a locksmith re-key
the current ones.

Anyone experience this similar problem?


For about $35 (on Ebay) you can get a box containing all the stuff you need
to re-key a lock. I'm talking a few parts and about a million goddamn pins!

Re-keying an ordinary lock takes about 15 minutes once you get it out of the
door - it's an interesting hobby.

The above implies you've got a new key and want to make the lock fit it. But
where to get the new keys? You COULD go to Home Depot and tell the worker to
make a couple of keys with random depths (This will cause his brain to
explode. You may have to go through several store associates.). Once you
have your new key in hand, you can adjust the lock to fit.

I'll wager you could get a bag full of already cut keys from a locksmith who
has collected them from customers who wanted a lock changed!

Here's another option: By suitable arrangement of the pins, you can have two
completely different keys activate the same lock! One use is a "master" key
that opens several different doors.

I did this some years ago when I bought a duplex and turned it in to a
single-family residence. Counting the burglar bars on the front and back
doors, and the locks for the doors themselves, it came out to TWELVE locks
that needed to be re-keyed! The job took about three hours.

Titan, which might now be called Kwikset Ultramax. Not the
same technology as Best or Arrow SFIC, but it's key
removable. Should be possible to get a couple extra cores,
and swap the cores as needed.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Oren" wrote in message
...

Nice, but is there a residential version?

The links look like commercial/institutional/prison type
locks.

....just sayin'

I've also seen some odd brands of locks, that are fairly
good and commercial design. And some of them can be equipped
for Best or Arrow cores.

What the OP is describing, Titan or Kwikset Ultramax would
be a start. Good quality locks, and the core removal
capability. And master keyable.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"The Daring Dufas"
wrote in message
...

The lock and key company sells a lot of
private label stuff that looks and performs like the name
brand but
costs much less. If you own apartments or have people moving
in and
out on a regular basis, I'd recommend the commercial grade
licks. :-)

TDD

Asking for keys cut to random depths at HD will cause
problems. Their machines are made to duplicate keys, not
create them from information.

The type of random chance master keying you describe is a
recipe for disaster. I've seen random idiot master keys
sytems. Eventually, keys don't work right, and other keys
work where they ought not work. I do try to avoid random
chance master systems.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"HeyBub" wrote in message
m...

For about $35 (on Ebay) you can get a box containing all the
stuff you need
to re-key a lock. I'm talking a few parts and about a
million pins!

Re-keying an ordinary lock takes about 15 minutes once you
get it out of the
door - it's an interesting hobby.

The above implies you've got a new key and want to make the
lock fit it. But
where to get the new keys? You COULD go to Home Depot and
tell the worker to
make a couple of keys with random depths (This will cause
his brain to
explode. You may have to go through several store
associates.). Once you
have your new key in hand, you can adjust the lock to fit.

I'll wager you could get a bag full of already cut keys from
a locksmith who
has collected them from customers who wanted a lock changed!

Here's another option: By suitable arrangement of the pins,
you can have two
completely different keys activate the same lock! One use is
a "master" key
that opens several different doors.

I did this some years ago when I bought a duplex and turned
it in to a
single-family residence. Counting the burglar bars on the
front and back
doors, and the locks for the doors themselves, it came out
to TWELVE locks
that needed to be re-keyed! The job took about three hours.

My vote would be for your neighbor to try using this compnay:

http://LandlordLocks.com .

I know a number of landlords who use this system and they all think it is a
good system that works well.

I originally heard about the LandlordLocks.com company at a free real estate
investor presentation for landlords that was given by Don Beck (
http://donaldpbeck.com ) a few years ago. At the seminar, he said that if
when calling Landlord Locks to place an order we mentioned that we heard
about them through Don Beck, they would waive the one-time setup fee. I
don't know if that is still the case, but it couldn't hurt to ask since he
is the original source of this information taht I am passing on.

I also have no connection whatsoever with LandlordLocks.com, and my only
connection with Don Beck is that I did buy his landlord lease package which
I use for a home that I rent out in Pennsylvania. I get nothing out of
passing on these names and website links. I am just doing it in case it
helps.

SBH wrote:
I just had a conversation with my neighbor, who owns her house and
takes in roommates. This is her first house and everything is new for
her. I told her if she ever needed any help with anything she's more
than welcome to ask, which she has taken advantage of on occasion.
Anyway, she's a good church going young girl who gets her roommates
from people of her church (females only). Even though I would think
they are fairly trustworthy souls, she's somewhat apprehensive about
the keys to the doors. Her two roommates just notified her about
leaving (second set of roommates) and she asked me about the Kwikset
system which allows the owner to change keys. I told her there are
conflicting reviews and many not so favorable. Therefore, I started
wondering if there are other alternatives for people like her or
landlords who may have issues with frequent tenants/roommates without
having to purchase another set of locks or have a locksmith re-key
the current ones.

Anyone experience this similar problem?

Thanks

On 12/31/2010 4:25 PM, SBH wrote:
I just had a conversation with my neighbor, who owns her house and takes
in roommates. This is her first house and everything is new for her. I
told her if she ever needed any help with anything she's more than
welcome to ask, which she has taken advantage of on occasion. Anyway,
she's a good church going young girl who gets her roommates from people
of her church (females only). Even though I would think they are fairly
trustworthy souls, she's somewhat apprehensive about the keys to the
doors. Her two roommates just notified her about leaving (second set of
roommates) and she asked me about the Kwikset system which allows the
owner to change keys. I told her there are conflicting reviews and many
not so favorable. Therefore, I started wondering if there are other
alternatives for people like her or landlords who may have issues with
frequent tenants/roommates without having to purchase another set of
locks or have a locksmith re-key the current ones.
Anyone experience this similar problem?
Thanks

How many doors does the place have? At $20 a pop it doesn't seem like a
big deal. I just change them when a house changes tenants. Keep the
old ones for the next house.

--
Steve Barker
remove the "not" from my address to email

Stormin Mormon wrote:
I've also seen some odd brands of locks, that are fairly
good and commercial design. And some of them can be equipped
for Best or Arrow cores.

What the OP is describing, Titan or Kwikset Ultramax would
be a start. Good quality locks, and the core removal
capability. And master keyable.


Any idea what an interchangable core lock is worth? I would think they
would be pricey. But a nice fast simple changes.

Having spare identical locks and swapping out the keyed part (like knob
assembly for key-in-knob), as someone suggested, is pretty fast. Then,
as suggested, having the old one rekeyed.
==============
One source of unused keys is a locksmith. They get them when they key
multiple locks to a common key.

===============
Manufacturers have standard cut depths on keys (but not necessarily the
same as other manufacturers). One way to avoid the 'copy of a copy of a
copy' problem is for a locksmith to determine what standard depths the
key is cut to and use a key cutter that cuts standard codes.

--
bud--

It's been ages since I sold a lockset with IC capability.
Most wholesale houses have an "off brand" which is a lot
cheaper. I'd guess about $175 for a Schage key in knob
lockset wtih IC capability. Less than that for Arrow, and
noticably less for off brands. I'd have to guess a key in
knob lock about $75 for the off brand. But, that's a guess.

Titan or Kwikset Ultramax would provide much the same
convenience, and a bit less cost. A good locksmith can
master key a bunch of locks, provide you with tenant keys.
And also a core remover key. And some instruction.

Many locksmiths do accumulate cut keys when buying locks to
make master key systems. Most of the cut keys I accumulate,
I sell later, when rekeying houses or business.

Yes, it's often possible to decode the key depths, and cut
another key on a code cutter machine. I've done that, for
example a friend whose truck key didn't work right. I
decoded the key, and cut it back to factory specs.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"bud--" wrote in message
...
Stormin Mormon wrote:
I've also seen some odd brands of locks, that are fairly
good and commercial design. And some of them can be
equipped
for Best or Arrow cores.

What the OP is describing, Titan or Kwikset Ultramax would
be a start. Good quality locks, and the core removal
capability. And master keyable.


Any idea what an interchangable core lock is worth? I would
think they
would be pricey. But a nice fast simple changes.

Having spare identical locks and swapping out the keyed part
(like knob
assembly for key-in-knob), as someone suggested, is pretty
fast. Then,
as suggested, having the old one rekeyed.
==============
One source of unused keys is a locksmith. They get them when
they key
multiple locks to a common key.

===============
Manufacturers have standard cut depths on keys (but not
necessarily the
same as other manufacturers). One way to avoid the 'copy of
a copy of a
copy' problem is for a locksmith to determine what standard
depths the
key is cut to and use a key cutter that cuts standard codes.

--
bud--

Steve Barker wrote:

How many doors does the place have? At $20 a pop it doesn't seem
like a big deal. I just change them when a house changes tenants. Keep
the old ones for the next house.

That's a SWELL idea. It's cheap, easy to implement, and simple.

On 1/2/2011 8:59 AM, HeyBub wrote:
Steve Barker wrote:

How many doors does the place have? At $20 a pop it doesn't seem
like a big deal. I just change them when a house changes tenants. Keep
the old ones for the next house.

That's a SWELL idea. It's cheap, easy to implement, and simple.



Agreed- unless your rentals are in a really crappy part of town, or
market conditions don't let you be picky about tenants, having 3-4 spare
sets of knobs and deadbolts is the simple solution. Pick one brand you
like, look at the little numbers on the box to get enough keyed-alike
sets for the biggest house, and as the houses roll over, standardize
them all on the same brand and model. Once all the houses have the same
brand, with all the same mounting holes, swapouts only take a few
minutes, since you don't have to mess with the striker and such. And
since these are rentals, all of this can be used as an upkeep expense on
taxes anyway.

As has been discussed on here countless times, all doorknobs and
deadbolts do is keep honest people honest. A crackhead or ****ed-off
ex-boyfriend is gonna just kick the door anyway, If you have an area
and/or tenants like that, you need a steel-frame steel door with a
long-throw deadbolt.

--
aem sends...

On Sun, 02 Jan 2011 09:35:23 -0500, aemeijers wrote:

On 1/2/2011 8:59 AM, HeyBub wrote:
Steve Barker wrote:

How many doors does the place have? At $20 a pop it doesn't seem
like a big deal. I just change them when a house changes tenants. Keep
the old ones for the next house.

That's a SWELL idea. It's cheap, easy to implement, and simple.



Agreed- unless your rentals are in a really crappy part of town, or
market conditions don't let you be picky about tenants, having 3-4 spare
sets of knobs and deadbolts is the simple solution. Pick one brand you
like, look at the little numbers on the box to get enough keyed-alike
sets for the biggest house, and as the houses roll over, standardize
them all on the same brand and model. Once all the houses have the same
brand, with all the same mounting holes, swapouts only take a few
minutes, since you don't have to mess with the striker and such. And
since these are rentals, all of this can be used as an upkeep expense on
taxes anyway.

The same mounting holes aren't even necessary. Only the knob/lock part has to
change. The bolt can stay, as long as all of the locksets are the same.

As has been discussed on here countless times, all doorknobs and
deadbolts do is keep honest people honest. A crackhead or ****ed-off
ex-boyfriend is gonna just kick the door anyway, If you have an area
and/or tenants like that, you need a steel-frame steel door with a
long-throw deadbolt.

Don't forget to mount the striker to something more substantial than the door
frame and to shim behind the striker. But that doesn't help secure the
window. Any window.

On 1/2/2011 10:29 AM, zzzzzzzzzz wrote:
On Sun, 02 Jan 2011 09:35:23 -0500, wrote:

On 1/2/2011 8:59 AM, HeyBub wrote:
Steve Barker wrote:

How many doors does the place have? At $20 a pop it doesn't seem
like a big deal. I just change them when a house changes tenants. Keep
the old ones for the next house.

That's a SWELL idea. It's cheap, easy to implement, and simple.



Agreed- unless your rentals are in a really crappy part of town, or
market conditions don't let you be picky about tenants, having 3-4 spare
sets of knobs and deadbolts is the simple solution. Pick one brand you
like, look at the little numbers on the box to get enough keyed-alike
sets for the biggest house, and as the houses roll over, standardize
them all on the same brand and model. Once all the houses have the same
brand, with all the same mounting holes, swapouts only take a few
minutes, since you don't have to mess with the striker and such. And
since these are rentals, all of this can be used as an upkeep expense on
taxes anyway.

The same mounting holes aren't even necessary. Only the knob/lock part has to
change. The bolt can stay, as long as all of the locksets are the same.

I've got an assortment of locks here and thought I could use some of
these parts on my new front door (my house). It turns out that even the
old Defender lockset is different than the new (nor as strong), let
alone the Schlage or Quikset or Brinks.

With that said, it is still a good idea to keep with the same lockset.
Not that it is hard to swap it all out, or expensive. It looks like all
the screw holes match.

Jeff

On Jan 2, 8:33*am, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:
It's been ages since I sold a lockset with IC capability.
Most wholesale houses have an "off brand" which is a lot
cheaper. I'd guess about $175 for a Schage key in knob
lockset wtih IC capability. Less than that for Arrow, and
noticably less for off brands. I'd have to guess a key in
knob lock about $75 for the off brand. But, that's a guess.

Titan or Kwikset Ultramax would provide much the same
convenience, and a bit less cost. A good locksmith can
master key a bunch of locks, provide you with tenant keys.
And also a core remover key. And some instruction.

Many locksmiths do accumulate cut keys when buying locks to
make master key systems. Most of the cut keys I accumulate,
I sell later, when rekeying houses or business.

Yes, it's often possible to decode the key depths, and cut
another key on a code cutter machine. I've done that, for
example a friend whose truck key didn't work right. I
decoded the key, and cut it back to factory specs.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
*www.lds.org


Unless of course the locksmith in question is hardcore and not
interested in accumulating tons of scrap metal in the form of
manufacturer randomly pre-cut keys and orders all their locks
zero-bitted to originate their own keys for at the time of sale...

Less waste, each lock comes with two 0-cut keys which can
then be cut to the new bitting on a code machine... I mean
if you are going to have to disassemble each lock to rekey it
anyway why not start with zero-bitting so you can reuse the
included keys rather than tossing them aside and letting them
pile up somewhere...

I wouldn't recommend master keying Kwikset locks... And
the "removeable core" types like the Ultramax are just a
gimmick... If you need someone to do all the work for you,
install a commercial quality Interchangeable Core system
rather than residential grade crap...

One thing you are forgetting when you are quoting the
approximate prices for IC locks is that they usually come
without a core which is an additional price... Plus someone
installing such a lock would need to invest in spare cores
and keys for when they wish to change the locks... All of
that costs more initially than a standard lock...

How often does this person foresee needing to change their
locks ? If it is frequently then the ROI on purchasing a pin
kit, a blue punch key machine for their type of lock and
some blank keys would allow for them to key their locks
anyway they want without having to pay for a locksmith's
services (which Ultramax locks do not do, as you just
eliminate the emergent need for the service, however you
still pay for some work on the part of a locksmith)...

~~ Evan

HeyBub wrote:
SBH wrote:
I just had a conversation with my neighbor, who owns her house and
takes in roommates. This is her first house and everything is new for
her. I told her if she ever needed any help with anything she's more
than welcome to ask, which she has taken advantage of on occasion.
Anyway, she's a good church going young girl who gets her roommates
from people of her church (females only). Even though I would think
they are fairly trustworthy souls, she's somewhat apprehensive about
the keys to the doors. Her two roommates just notified her about
leaving (second set of roommates) and she asked me about the Kwikset
system which allows the owner to change keys. I told her there are
conflicting reviews and many not so favorable. Therefore, I started
wondering if there are other alternatives for people like her or
landlords who may have issues with frequent tenants/roommates without
having to purchase another set of locks or have a locksmith re-key
the current ones.

Anyone experience this similar problem?


For about $35 (on Ebay) you can get a box containing all the stuff
you need to re-key a lock. I'm talking a few parts and about a
million goddamn pins!
Re-keying an ordinary lock takes about 15 minutes once you get it out
of the door - it's an interesting hobby.

The above implies you've got a new key and want to make the lock fit
it. But where to get the new keys? You COULD go to Home Depot and
tell the worker to make a couple of keys with random depths (This
will cause his brain to explode. You may have to go through several
store associates.). Once you have your new key in hand, you can
adjust the lock to fit.
I'll wager you could get a bag full of already cut keys from a
locksmith who has collected them from customers who wanted a lock
changed!

I can just cruize my friendly local metal recycler, looking in the brass bins.

One approach is to have two sets of locks. Each set will be keyed alike.

When someone moves, you simply replace one set of locks with the other set
and hand out new keys.

You take the original set of locks to a locksmith and he will re-key them
and give you a bunch of "cut" keys made by a key cutter rather than from a
key duplicator. I hope it goes without saying that the locks all have to
take the same key blank and be made by the same company. If one of the
locks is worn to the point where the key operation is marginal, he can just
sell you a replacement.

You keep the second set (and keys) around for the day when another tenant
moves out. If a roomie loses the keys, with a alternate set of locks you
can quickly make the old keys obsolete.

Keys aren't expensive but each time a new "roommate" comes it, you should
charge a "key fee" to pay for the re-keying effort.

Just replacing the lock sets is an easy DIY job. It takes less than 5
minutes/lock to replace the knob with key insert or the dead bolt locking
part.

Yes, you CAN bring over a locksmith each time but you will be paying for his
travel time and the time it takes him to remove and replace each lock. He
is much happier just re-keying in his air conditioned/heated shop.
Some/most of these guys will keep records so that if you want more keys to a
lock he has already re-keyed, he can do it for you. He might even have
some blanks with "do not duplicate" embosed on them. I keep two sets of
cylinder locks for a condo I own and the guy who does my locks keeps good
records.

These guys are bonded and trustworthy (heck, if he is any good, he can
unlock a door with his picks almost as fast as most folks can use a key) so
you really don't have anything to worry about in his keeping key records.

"John Gilmer" wrote in message
...
One approach is to have two sets of locks. Each set will be keyed
alike.

When someone moves, you simply replace one set of locks with the other set
and hand out new keys.

You take the original set of locks to a locksmith and he will re-key them
and give you a bunch of "cut" keys made by a key cutter rather than from a
key duplicator. I hope it goes without saying that the locks all have to
take the same key blank and be made by the same company. If one of the
locks is worn to the point where the key operation is marginal, he can
just sell you a replacement.

You keep the second set (and keys) around for the day when another tenant
moves out. If a roomie loses the keys, with a alternate set of locks you
can quickly make the old keys obsolete.

Keys aren't expensive but each time a new "roommate" comes it, you should
charge a "key fee" to pay for the re-keying effort.

Just replacing the lock sets is an easy DIY job. It takes less than 5
minutes/lock to replace the knob with key insert or the dead bolt locking
part.

Yes, you CAN bring over a locksmith each time but you will be paying for
his travel time and the time it takes him to remove and replace each lock.
He is much happier just re-keying in his air conditioned/heated shop.
Some/most of these guys will keep records so that if you want more keys to
a lock he has already re-keyed, he can do it for you. He might even have
some blanks with "do not duplicate" embosed on them. I keep two sets of
cylinder locks for a condo I own and the guy who does my locks keeps good
records.

These guys are bonded and trustworthy (heck, if he is any good, he can
unlock a door with his picks almost as fast as most folks can use a key)
so you really don't have anything to worry about in his keeping key
records.

Translates ............... $$$$$$$

Qwikset and Schlage lock keys marked DO NOT DUPLICATE. Where do they honor
that on this planet?

Steve

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