The locking mechanism on the sliding door for my balcony is crappy and it sometimes locks people out on the balcony if they aren't careful. One idea I had to make the door safer was to just store a key in the lock. But it would be better if I could re-key the lock using some product that was designed for this application: I'm envisioning a barrel that fits inside standard locks, but doesn't actually have pins or a key hole, and just has a knob or thumb screw.
How can I re-key a lock so it is always openable without needing a key?
Best Answer
An actual locksmith can do that for you at sane cost. Remove as much of the lock mechanism as possible, and bring it on into a shop.
He can also make it a deadbolt, so it can't "autolock behind you" and will only lock if manually operated. You can also get a double-face lock so if they break the glass to reach in, all they find is another key-face (this is OK if it is not an emergency egress route). In my house we never use the autolock, we only deadbolt.