TheSamba.com :: View topic - Re-key door lock cylinder?

Mon Apr 29, 2013 5:30 pm

I have the door handle off and would like to key the cylinder to fit a particular key.

Never done it before - any help, esp. illustrated guides on the internet?

also, I don't see how to even get the little brass plugs out - is there a special tool I need?

Moderator note: All these threads are related:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=553954
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392080
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=419907

Mon Apr 29, 2013 5:54 pm

I've done it. It's super easy. Have a clean work space and watch out for the tiny springs. IIRC, there is a little tiny roll pin holding the lock cylinder together. You will need a small punch to get it out.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=247730&highlight=rekey+locks

Mon Apr 29, 2013 5:57 pm

Oh snap!!!!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=456974&highlight=rekey+locks

Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:43 pm

Randy, Randy, Randy, the FAQ is your friend:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=419907

ALWAYS look there first and also search.

I am fairly sure there is a tumbler decoder too, but not sure.

I know it is in my factory dealer only key book which I have not looked at or for in quite some time.

The tumblers just pull out with a small pair of pliers.

In the old days they would fall out.

Now the grease is old and sticky, and the locks worn so the tumblers may be slightly stuck.

Careful of the tiny springs.

Clear the parts and use some new Bosch grease.

PS I see you asked questions in the above thread a few years ago, too.........

Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:00 pm

I looked in the FAQ and did a search also - thanks much, r39, 39, 39, but I did not find a thread that explained how to do the lock cylinders in detail.

As you must know I am aware of the door handle thread you linked as I posted on it.[/i]

Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:05 pm

SteveVanB wrote: Oh snap!!!!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=456974&highlight=rekey+locks

Thx for the Beetle thread. Is that quick & dirty procedure likely to compromise security much? It seems like it might make many other keys work in the lock... (?)

Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:01 pm

Swap tumbler wafers until the least are protruding as little as possible. It will not compromise security much if any. If you are concerned, then pick up a couple extra lock cylinders and steal the largest tumblers. Then grind them down so they are level with the cylinder on both sides. Only the one key will work that way.

Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:05 pm

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392080
Half way down the page talks about the lock cylinders.

Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:20 pm

Thx - I found that one too - I call it "the German thread" - anybody want to translate?

I guess the ignition cylinder has to work the same as the door cylinders (?)

Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:25 pm

The basic knowledge applies to all the locks including the ignition. When you stick the key in all of the wafers lay flat to the cylinder. If any are higher or lower than the cylinder body it keeps the key from turning.
They are super easy once you take one apart and figure out how they function. I have been able to rekey anything on a vanagon with what little I learned from the door locks.

Tue Apr 30, 2013 7:06 am

syncrodoka wrote: If any are higher or lower than the cylinder body it keeps the key from turning.

Actually if they are lower they don't prevent turning, just so long as they aren't protruding out the other side of the cylinder.

Tue Apr 30, 2013 8:14 am

Andrew A. Libby wrote: just so long as they aren't protruding out the other side of the cylinder.
yup, that is exactly what they do when they aren't flush to the cylinder body. There are wafers facing in both directions so any that are higher or lower than the body will prevent turning.

Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:05 pm

randywebb wrote: Thx - I found that one too - I call it "the German thread" - anybody want to translate?

I guess the ignition cylinder has to work the same as the door cylinders (?)
See: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=553954

Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:54 pm

syncrodoka wrote: Andrew A. Libby wrote: just so long as they aren't protruding out the other side of the cylinder.
yup, that is exactly what they do when they aren't flush to the cylinder body. There are wafers facing in both directions so any that are higher or lower than the body will prevent turning.

I understand fully how they work. I have re-keyed many locks. If ones that were protruding are ground down on the protruding side, often they are below the cylinder on the other side. That does *not* prevent the cylinder from turning.

Tue Apr 30, 2013 5:47 pm

Thanks for translating that "German thread"!

Tue Apr 30, 2013 8:46 pm

Andrew A. Libby wrote: I understand fully how they work. I have re-keyed many locks. If ones that were protruding are ground down on the protruding side, often they are below the cylinder on the other side. That does *not* prevent the cylinder from turning.
You aren't talking about rekeying the locks you are grinding material off of the wafers to make it work which is obviouly different. Grinding off material makes it easier for different keys to work in the lock if a key is close enough.
Not the way that i would rekey any lock.

Tue Apr 30, 2013 9:56 pm

I am not promoting any particular method. I was just attempting to clear up your incorrect and misleading statement in case anyone wanted to make their own educated decision on how to proceed with their own locks. Tumblers below the surface of the cylinder do *not* prevent the cylinder from turning. Only the ones poking up prevent the cylinder from turning.

Tue Apr 30, 2013 10:06 pm

Andrew A. Libby wrote: I am not promoting any particular method. I was just attempting to clear up your incorrect and misleading statement in case anyone wanted to make their own educated decision on how to proceed with their own locks. Tumblers below the surface of the cylinder do *not* prevent the cylinder from turning. Only the ones poking up prevent the cylinder from turning.

Wed May 01, 2013 8:29 am

Andrew A. Libby wrote: I was just attempting to clear up your incorrect and misleading statement in case anyone wanted to make their own educated decision on how to proceed with their own locks. Tumblers below the surface of the cylinder do *not* prevent the cylinder from turning. Only the ones poking up prevent the cylinder from turning.
What i posted is neither incorrect nor misleading. The tumbler is the assembly you are talking about the wafers and they do prevent it from turning as there is a slot on either side that the wafer will get caught in and prevent it from turning.
I can post pix for you later if you would since you cannot understand what i am attempting to explain but the above picture should help.

Wed May 01, 2013 2:02 pm

I'm pretty certain that more keys will fit and turn the cylinder if the tabs are filed down.

Whether that makes a practical difference when a rock can be used to smash a window is another question...