Locks that can be re-keyed in 30 seconds -- multiple times.

[TXSTBX]

Thanks goes out to my evil NJ MIL who paid for my evil NJ STBX to replace all the locks in my house. Thanks also to the lazy locksmith who bought re-keyable locks from the local home improvement store.


Kwikset makes Smart Key locks that can be reset and re-keyed in seconds.

These locks are mechanical and use a small tool to reset the lock.

1) Insert the existing key, rotate the key 90 Degrees.

2) Use the reset tool to reset the lock. (Or a bent paperclip.)

3) Remove the existing key and insert a new key.

4) Rotate the new key 180 Degrees and you're done!

5) The previous key no longer opens the lock and the new key does.

I found these Kwikset Smart Key locks locally at Lowe's. Locking door knobs are $30 and a deadbolt is $35.


After being locked out, and my stuff thrown to the curb, I broke in to my house and learned all about these awsome locks. Now I have multple sets of keys that I use to keep the NJ out of the house.

When the NJ calls the police because you've changed the locks, you can litterally key them back before the cops arrive on scene. The NJ's key works and she'll look like a complete Nut Job. After the cops leave, re-key them back to a different key. Lather, rinse, repeat...

Despite the NJ's attempt to lock me out of my house, I've used her own technology to keep her living in a hotel at the MIL's expense for a couple of weeks already.

By the way, the NJ has no clue what kind of locks the locksmith installed.

If you need to know more advanced details, like how to disassemble the locks and create a key from scratch whenever someone else tampers with them, drop me a note.

[BubbaGumpShrimp]

Well played, sir.

[Thoughts?]

Cool.

What's your overall strategy? 50-50 by way of attrition through constant lock changing?

[Trevor]

When the NJ calls the police because you've changed the locks, you can litterally key them back before the cops arrive on scene.

Doesn't this presume the courtesy of a warning before showing up with the cops? [Rhet.]

[TXSTBX]

Doesn't this presume the courtesy of a warning before showing up with the cops? [Rhet.]

This is more satire than fact. But controlling access to the home has been valuable. Both in terms of keeping her out and by granting access when I choose.

Keys are so easy to copy that the ability to change them at various times for little or no cost has been valuable and amusing.

If you plan to change locks, change them now and re-key them after a hearing or other significant event makes it necessary. There's no need to hire a locksmith on short notice or at inconvenient times.

[Chris A]

Google bump key and you will never look at door locks the same.

[BubbaGumpShrimp]

Yeah...when I get back into the house, I'll be activating the ADT alarm system. lol. The previous owner had it installed, I just never bothered to re-activate it.