Locksmithing 101 | Re-keying locks? Don't make this mistake! 

I always check for master pins even in residential. Some builders use contractor keyed locks that contain master pins. On older homes it may have been a rental at some time that was masterkeyed. Never hurts to check every lock, every time. I find it doesn't take much time and I find master pins in locks where you would never expect them. #lockboss

I have never in life rekeyed anything, I watched this one time and understood the entire process. There is a guy here that is charging people to do this as if anyone has time to mail their locks to this guy and wait for it to come back. He also makes it seem like you must replace the wagers which you don’t. Thank you my man you are awesome

You missed checking the bottom pin to top pin sizing for each pin cell or chamber. When rekeying cylinders like Sargent and Schlage you must consider Pin Stack Height to prevent spring compression. If you replace a low bitting or smaller pin with a longer or deeper one without replacing the top pin the spring may crush when you insert your change key and may even trap the key. The performance of the cylinder may suffer due to "Key Insertion Pressure". If you apply the same considerations when replacing larger bottom pins with smaller you would have less spring pressure, etc. The CLK pin kit chart shown in the video shows the correct size top pins for each bottom pin. Be sure to check it out and use it when needed. Make another video explaining this and keep up these amazing and well constructed Five Star educational videos! You're a winner PJ!

With that Pro-Lok follower, be careful of the engraving on the low area. I ran into the top pins binding in the engraving and had a heck of a time getting it to release them.

That tool will come greatly in handy thanks!

Man I've got to get one of those! That would have saved sooo much time.

I like the Pro Lock LT. 370 , didn't know about this tool. Thanks

I have this master pin follower it's nice and all, but just don't trust it. I find it faster to just dump the cylinder on a pinning mat then to check the chambers individually. It also gives you better look at the springs and wear on the top pins in older locks. Also you can check the uper chambers for wear.

I use the HPC TPIN-2 Top Pin Loader after letting all the drivers and springs fly out by just pulling out the plug without a follower (check to make sure all springs are out)-- Load up the HPC Top Pin Loader with new springs & proper size drivers. Then I know I've loaded new springs with the proper length drivers. A fast way to load springs & drivers (as long as you are aware to use the correct drivers in relation to the key pins / key bitting). A bit of a pain, but works for me ALSO the Keedex "EZ LOAD" is a great tool for doing chambers one at a time -- simple & fast.

I just bought the master key followed. The follower should have been made with a ramp on the top front so it can be removed out the back of the lock cylinder without trapping the longer top pins after the master pins are removed. Sometimes it can’t be rotated to remove the follower from the lock cylinder. Try it. Jim

Not only for the cross keying scenario, but sometimes the key itself won't release. Which is a tell tale sign that a larger master pin is in the cylinder that the follow through tube didn't get.

cj, great video! i actually use same version of prolok follower. it makes it so much easier. like how you showed everybody the correct way of using!

That's was a awesome tool the lck. I'm trying to get those pins out but don't have the best tool. Thank You for sharing and showing. Andre C.

Very nice tool!

I use the master pin follower for every lock I re-key....without fail for the reasons you stated in the video.

Thanks for that valuable Info. I have to get that tool Vaughn BK Locks

Definitely not checking for top pins, ALWAYS check, even if the customer tells you it's NOT masterkeyed.... Also, because you said "assuming it's a large office building job", but even if it's just a multi door residential... another thing I'd like to bring up... label the cylinders... (I use sharpie on the back) that way everything goes back where it was... A lot of times, especially if you're dealing with older or "well used but still functional" hardware, doors that have settled, etc... putting the exact cylinder back in the exact same locks can save some time.... It's one of those things that "IN THEORY" shouldn't make a difference, but you add a few years of heavy use, and even if the cylinder's still good, it can be a time saver.

Love the right tool

very good job

Good job 👍👍

I have a need for one for sure.

Definitely have to get that

I have the master pin follower, purchase it from CLK Supplies 👍😎🤠🇺🇸

If I suspect master pins, I just let the guts spill on the table. After this, I clean the cylinder, which it often needs, and put each spring and driver back in with tweezers. I have found a lot of messed up springs doing it this way, and feel better about having a fully clean, inspected, and lubricated mechanism before it goes back to work for my tenants.

I just bought one. New to this but getting very interested in doing the master locking. Great info. #lockboss

Keedex master pin follower is my favorite.

Shove the tweezers in three deep drop the masters and repeat on the rear of cylinder. Favorite plug follower is what learned on HPC hollow brass follower. Still using the same plug follower from 1998 and on my 4 shim.

I tend to drop all top pins out for any commercial building rekey. I can check for master pins, check correct length top pins and that the springs are still good. Also provides a chance for me to upsell the client to spool or security pins for future pick resistance

Nice job

Nice tool..

Brilliant bro! I won’t do this, but handy to ask my locksmith if he’s checking for those on my house. Idk if it’s standard practice to use master pins on a house, but nice to know!

That was helpingful

Yeah try that with an F series, the top pins come out too regardless of the special follower. ON the plus side, I like the technique with the tweezers. Surprisingly I never thought of that although I might try it with a screwdriver instead.

I use the Pro-lok follower every time!

I just do it manually, but I do have a Keedex follower that is quite nice for demastering.

I definitely need to order extra parts. I always tend to lose parts but luckily I tend to hoard old locks that I have something to figure it out but would be nice to have organized parts #lockboss

What do you when it comes to using the follower for master pins and there spool pins ? Usually the spool pins 2 or 3 get caught and have to start a whole new Rekeying of lock including spring and top pins ... any suggestions 🤔

I check every cylinder being re-keyed for top pins, master, and springs. Have had new locks missing springs and or top pins. Also can check for to short or worn springs and stuck top pins. Takes like 3-5 seconds to check everything.

After awhile I just started dumping everything out. Top pins and springs just to check everything out. Did this when master keying a building. Don't want any extra master pins slipping in there.

I like to use the special tool for the master pins

Large Commercial bldg., I put all pins in order in a pin tray and try to call the bldg owner to ask if this still needs to be on the master. If yes I can usually decode for the master, some owners have keying charts to obtain a new change key bitting. If charts are not available you can look at other keys, possibly in a key cabinet to see what key cuts have been used and what other cuts can be used without interchange, THAT'S THE RIGHT WAY !

If I suspect masters I check a few positions and then dump everything as soon as I find anything. Works everytime.

That is good video I have ru into this myself I wish I known about this video before I did the Job

Haven't tried teasers yet had trouble with the other but now watching video I think I'll be ok with it. #Lockboss

#lockboss.great info

Always check for master pins #BOSS LOCK

Nice

I’ve had that follower. But a few years ago switched to the Keedex. Seems smoother for me

How long has this tool been around? Will this model work on Schlage "C" cylinders?

Master Pin Follower for sure; but; as you probably did at some point….learning to use “tweezers” a d do other way can be important, but having a Master Pin Follower is definitely easier as saves so much time👍🏻

I've had issues trying to spin it back when security pins are present

seem work 🎉🎉🎉

Great video. I never got into it this deep. I didn't know about those master pins. I never ran into them before. Is it storefront locks that have that? So what are they for anyway? Thanks 👍

great tool b ut what about adding security pins #lockboss

Can a 6-pin key fit into a 5-pin cylinder. if that's what's provided in a rekey kit?

I like that tool so much I bought one from you #Lockboss

I prefer Keedex!

I never would’ve thought about the master pins. Do you have to worry about the springs when you it back together? Awesome video!! #lockboss

If the cylinder has spool pins it is almost always a rebuild. PJ design a new follower that fixes that and make that $$.

I'd like to have that tool

I was going too say you didn't check the top lol .😎

I have/use the keedex master follower but prolok looks to be of high quality also...#lockboss

I do a building that had master system. I bought a special follower to chec for left in masters#lockbox!

Hello from servicepro1 Ottawa Ontario Canada

From my experience, I found its always best to check top pins manually. Yes this would be a time saver IF the lock hasn't been rekeyed by an idiot that put too small of top pins in. But in locks with constant use, you can also check easier for spring fatigue. Just a matter of preference, I suppose.

As I’m getting into Lock Smithing I was doing it the hard way stumbled across this video and it was a no brainer ordered it in and not going back to the old way unless I absolutely have to🤘👍🏻😜 I love me so new tools #lockboss

Going to have to get one asap. #lockboss

I always check all my locks that I rekey for the master pins and check condition of the pins. #lockboss

I use the Po Lock

What's the name of this tool please?

I know my question may not be on subject, but I am trying to understand why a key for an apartment entrance comes out in any position. Does not have to be returned to the lock position to remove key.

I was more concerned that you didn't screw the tail piece back on.

not only that, yo! don't forget to check the height of the driver pins to make sure you don't collapse the springs, and to be the most pick resistant that a standard cylinder can be (without factoring in spool drivers, etc...) or else, why would original brand manufacturers do that which i outlined above ? there must be something they know that is not mentioned in your videos...

Help I inserted the wrong pin and now it won't turn.

I'm just a "commoner", but am researching rekeying new tenant locks on a private house I own. What is a "master pin"???

I was thinking it was the master pin. #LB

Pro lock

I use mine all the time #lockboss

Does this kind of lock not have a c-clip either? That's what I thought the mistake was at first lol!

Just reload the top..

what if you don't have the key? can you rekey it

I got the follower that dumps them out. #lockboss

You missed the door!!

Forgot to check masters

what happen if you rekey and forget about the master pin

Why not open the back side?

Is it me or did this guy not blink his eyes thruout the whole video!! Or most of the video??

How do you not blink dude? How?

Why would you just take them out, aren't they there for the fire dept to have a copy?????? Or the property manager or someone???

I find it easier to use the tweezers. If the lock is worn no master is needed I sometimes use bottom pins point down. As top pins. Also Works if the change key and master Are to close. In other word less the .030

Using the tool is better.

WHY ARENT YOU BLINKING

Typically when doing CoRu locks they are hot, and this is it.

You didn't shim it

It's "2021" and realtors are no longer allowed to say "Master" bedroom as it's not politically correct. What the heck are we now going to call the "Master" pins in a lock?

I use mine all the time #lockboss