Posted by DDH Staff on 8/20/2024 to Tips

We often get questions from customers about keying door knobs alike. This process can enhance your home security by letting you use a single key for multiple locks. But there are a few important things to keep in mind to make sure you have a smooth experience. Here’s a quick guide on keying instructions to help you understand the keying process and make informed decisions about your door hardware.

Stick to One Brand

When it comes to keying door knobs alike, the most important thing is consistency with the brand of door hardware you choose. Not all brands are compatible for keying alike. By sticking to one brand throughout your home, you can make sure that your locks can be keyed alike. Plus, using the same brand guarantees that the finish of your door hardware stays consistent. While different manufacturers might label their finishes the same/similarly, like oil-rubbed bronze, some variations can occur. These differences might not seem like a big deal, but they can be noticeable if you have two different brands side by side.

Matching Keyways

If you have existing locks that you want to keep and you’re adding new locks, a locksmith will probably need to come to your home to rekey the new locks to match the existing ones. The challenge here is that the existing locks might use a different keyway than the new locks you buy. This can make it impossible to key them alike unless they are from the same manufacturer.

Our Offerings at Direct Door Hardware

We offer door knobs and locksets from several manufacturers. While we aim to provide a wide selection, it’s important to remember that locks from different brands typically cannot be keyed alike. When shopping for new door hardware, if you want all your keyed locks to use the same key, make sure to choose locks, deadbolts, and handlesets from the same brand.

For interior door knobs, like passage and privacy sets, keying isn’t a concern since these types of locks are not keyed. This means you have more flexibility in choosing different styles or brands for these interior applications without worrying about key compatibility.

Free Keying Services

One of the perks of purchasing from Direct Door Hardware is that most of the time, keying services are offered for free. This adds a lot of value to your purchase and simplifies the process of getting your locks keyed alike without extra costs.

Tips for Keying Your Locks Alike

  1. Plan Ahead
    Before buying new locks, take inventory of your existing locks. Note the brand and model to make sure they’re compatible with your new purchases. If you're unsure, our customer service team is always here to help you find the right match.

  2. Consult a Locksmith
    For homes with existing locks from different brands, consulting a locksmith can provide clarity on what’s possible. They can rekey your new locks to match the existing ones, provided the keyways are compatible. While there might be a small fee for the service, it can save you the hassle of dealing with multiple keys.

  3. Consider Future Needs
    Think about future additions to your home security setup. If you plan to add more locks later, sticking with a single brand from the start can make future keying processes much easier.
Achieve Seamless Home Security with Keyed-Alike Locks

Keying door knobs alike is a great way to enhance the convenience and security of your home. By sticking with one brand, consulting professionals when needed, and taking advantage of our free keying services, you can achieve a uniform locking system.

We're committed to helping you find the best solutions for your home, so we hope these keying instructions were helpful. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for door hardware help from our experts. We also have the option for notes in our check out comment box, find details and more info on how to get your door locks keyed alike. We're here to make your shopping experience as smooth as possible!