Lawful use first
Locksmithing is a skilled trade, and in many places it is regulated. Depending on where you live, working on locks for other people may require a license, a background check or registration. This article describes the general kinds of tools used for installing, servicing and rekeying locks on doors you own or have clear permission to work on. It is not a guide to getting into locks you are not authorized to open. Check your local rules before offering any paid lock work.
Door and hardware preparation tools
Much of lock work is carpentry. A new deadbolt or knob set often needs holes drilled in a door and edges cut for a latch plate, so a locksmith’s kit overlaps heavily with a basic hand and power tool set.
- Drill and hole saw kit. Most residential locks need a larger bore through the face of the door and a smaller one through the edge. Hole saws sized for these bores are usually sold in kits. A drill with a good grip and adjustable speed keeps the cut controlled. If you need a refresher on matching the bit to the job, the principles of drill bit types apply here.
- Door installation jig. A plastic or metal template clamps to the door and guides both holes, so they line up. It reduces mistakes on the first attempt.
- Chisels. A set of sharp chisels cleans out the mortise for the latch and strike plate. Light taps and shallow cuts reduce the risk of splitting wood. Our notes on chisel sets cover what to look for.
- Measuring and marking tools. A tape measure, combination square and pencil or marking knife are essential, because backset (the distance from the door edge to the center of the bore) must match the hardware. Standard backsets are often sized in common increments, but check the product instructions for the lock you have.
- Screwdrivers and bits. Locks use a range of fasteners, so a set of screw drive types is useful, along with a driver that can set screws without stripping them.
Servicing and rekeying tools
Rekeying changes the internal pins of a lock so a different key operates it, without replacing the whole lock. It is a routine service done when someone moves into a new home or loses a key.
- Plug follower. This is a short tube that lets the cylinder’s plug be pushed out while the pins stay in place, so the parts do not spill. It is one of the most useful small tools in the kit.
- Pinning kit. A set of small pins and springs in various sizes matches the new key’s cuts. Tweezers or a pinning tray help handle parts that are very small.
- Key gauge and pin tools. A gauge helps read or confirm a key’s cuts, and a pin tray keeps the parts organized in order.
- Cylinder removal tools. Many lock bodies require a small tool or screwdriver to release the cylinder. The right one is normally listed in the lock’s instructions.
- Lubricants. Dry graphite or a lock-specific lubricant keeps pins moving. Heavy oils can attract dust and gum up mechanisms, so many technicians prefer products made for locks.
Key cutting equipment
Duplicating or originating keys needs a key cutting machine, which uses a cutter wheel to match a key blank to a pattern. These come as manual machines and more sophisticated code-cutting models. Key blanks are specific to a lock brand or keyway, so a supply of common blanks is part of a professional’s stock. For a homeowner, a hardware store or professional service is usually the practical route for key copies.
Everyday hand tools
A locksmith also carries general-purpose items:
- Pliers, including needle-nose, for small parts. See the basics of pliers types if you are building your own kit.
- A small hammer and a nail set
- Utility knife and files for trimming and deburring
- Screw extractors for damaged hardware, which relate to removing stripped screws
Safety and good practice
Wear safety glasses whenever drilling or chiseling, since metal and wood chips fly. Clamp the door or support it on a stable surface before cutting. Unplug corded tools or remove batteries before changing bits and hole saws. Hole saws can bind and twist in the hand, so hold the drill firmly and follow the manufacturer’s manual.
Small lock parts are easy to lose or inhale if you are working with dusty hardware, so keep a tidy tray and a clean workspace. Tools stored in a tidy box stay accurate and organized. A locking toolbox also helps keep specialized tools secure from theft or misuse when they are left in a vehicle or garage, which matters for a trade where security is the point.
What a homeowner actually needs
If you only plan to swap a doorknob or deadbolt you own, you probably need only a screwdriver, a drill, a hole saw kit if the door has no bore, a chisel for the strike plate and a tape measure. Many modern lock sets include the needed template. For complicated jobs, or if you are locked out, a licensed professional is usually the safer choice.