bing tracking image
  1. Accessories and Parts
  2. Thule
  3. Hitch Bike Racks
  4. Roof Bike Racks
  5. Roof Box
  6. Roof Rack
  7. Ski and Snowboard Racks
Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks

Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks

Item # 853-1251
Retail:$30.00
Our Price: $25.29
You Save: 16%
Accessories and Parts
Shipping Weight: 0.02 lbs
Add to cart
In Stock
zoom in icon
slider vertical icon
zoom out icon
Comment field cannot be left empty.
Name field cannot be left empty.

Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.

Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.

Product Images

Customer Photos

Videos

Need help with installation?
Locate installers near me
Remove your unlocked Thule lock with this master key and replace it with a Thule One Key System lock (sold separately) to make all your Thule locks keyed alike. 1-800-940-8924 to order Thule accessories and parts part number 853-1251 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Thule products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks. Accessories and Parts reviews from real customers.
  • All Info
  • Reviews (191)
  • Q & A (0)
  • Videos (1)
  • Photos

Thule Accessories and Parts - 853-1251

  • Hitch Bike Racks
  • Roof Bike Racks
  • Roof Box
  • Roof Rack
  • Ski and Snowboard Racks
  • Keys
  • Thule

Remove your unlocked Thule lock with this master key and replace it with a Thule One Key System lock (sold separately) to make all your Thule locks keyed alike.


Features:

  • Universal change key for factory lock cylinders on Thule products
    • Allows you to remove unlocked Thule factory locks and replace them with Thule One Key System locks
    • Designed only for lock cores with an "E" or "N" prefix on the key code


853-1251 Universal Change Key for Thule One-Key Locks

Replaces Thule 8531251





Video of Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks

Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.




Video Transcript for Thule Roof Rack 853-1251 Review

Today we're going to review part number 853-1251. This is the Thule universal change key for Thule locks. This key will allow you to remove your Thule lock with this master change key and replace it with a Thule one key system lock, which we sell separately. This will make all your Thule locks key to like. This will work with all of the Thule one key system locks. Basically I want to show you how this would work is if you have let's say this is a foot pack off of a Thule roof rack.

It already has a lock in it. You have a matching lock cylinder. The number on it is N115, this is a N115. So you want to be able to put this into another Thule product you have on your vehicle. In this case let's say you have, I got an example here of a lock housing for a Thule snug tight hitch lock that you might have.

If you look at it the key says N140. It's a different lock. Instead of having this key and this key you can change it all to the same key basically. You will unlock the lock and then take this universal change key, stick it in, and as you can see it'll remove the locking cylinder. Take the one you want to replace it with, stick it in there, hold it in, pull the key out.

Now it is changed to the N115, which will match that one. You can use this key that works in the roof rack and you can use it to lock your snug tight hitch lock. That's the way this universal change key would work. You can use it to change out locks on any Thule one key system products. That should do it for the review on part number 853-1251, the Thule universal change key for Thule locks..

Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks - 853-1251

Average Customer Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars   (191 Customer Reviews)

Remove your unlocked Thule lock with this master key and replace it with a Thule One Key System lock (sold separately) to make all your Thule locks keyed alike.

by:

etrailer made it easy to get a universal key to change out the lock cores in my cartop case and provided the instructions on how to do it. Thanks so much!



by:

No hassle, delivered in time and exactly what I needed. Very large inventory and let me know when the product shipped. Highly recommend.



by:

Superb racks. Installed the recommended way. I probably don’t even need the locking system though I have it. ...... very happy with all



by:

General comment. The short arm did not come with a key and cylinder which I was expecting. The two attached videos did show a key and suggested purchasing a Master Key, which I did. I misunderstood that the master key was for a one key lock system. My fault. But i did expect that the new arm would come with a new key. Therefore I switched out the locking knob from my damaged arm and it does what it should and the original key works in all locks on the rack. Service was great and the part was delivered quickly.



by:

Excellent service and product



by:

Precisely as advertised, thank you!



by:

Always have exactly what I need! Was able to replace my Thule lock that had a broken key stuck in it without having to go to a locksmith!



by:

Just what I needed to replace my Thule locks. Push the key in, then pull the lock out. Of course, this will only work if the lock is in the unlocked position. BTW, my Thule locks are around 15 years old, and fortunately, Thule has standardized on this, so I was able to take the locks out of old bike trays and put them in new trays. And last but not least, etrailer has this at a good price and shipped it to me right away.

Ian

1/20/2020

Still working great one year later.



by:

Picked up a used Thule bicycle rack for my truck but it was missing a couple of locks. This "key" let's remove/install the locks. Works great, still have it.

etrailer has been awesome to purchase from. They always seem to go above and beyond!

Ryan R.

4/13/2020

Still works like the day I got it.



by:

We lost keys to roof rack and folks at etrailer resolved very quickly! Thanks for great service and plenty of email support!



by:

I have purchased replacement keys before. When I had to change a lock this was the kit. Arrived very quickly with simple instructions.

John

2/21/2022

Just a quick heads up to people who arent sure what to do? Looks like some comments. This key allows you to remove the old lock. and rotate clockwise and wiggle and pull, lock comes out. Then you can put a new cylinder in. I recently used again when I recored locks so that they would use the same key.



by:

Thank you very much to Amy for your gracious help.



by:

The Key worked great, thank you



by:

I had lost the original lock for my Thule hitch pin. I thought I would have or buy a whole new one. I called etrailer and talked to Tommy. He was able to set me up with this replacement lock. While we talked he also set me up with extra keyed alike cylinders so I can get all my Thule stuff on 1key. If you are having trouble don't hesitate to give them a call.



by:

I lost the Thule Snug Tite lock for my hitch-mounted bike rack. Buying the cylinder that went with the key I already had, plus the housing and the universal change key, and I was all set again, for about half the price of buying the full lock from Thule! Works great!



by:

You didn’t ship the ordered key. You shipped a key to unlock my lock not a change key. And you have failed to correct your error. I was to receive a text that you had shipped the correct key last week I have heard nothing from you. And, my original order was delayed at lest a week by your clerical error. I asked you to not ship this 1 ounce key by ups ground as I needed it weeks ago!!!!!!!!!!

Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

2/11/2022

I will have customer service reach out to you.



by:

This key works like it should. It makes it so you can change out lock cylinders for Thule racks. You of course have to have the correct keys for the locks you want to move or replace so don't think this key will let you unlock all the Thule locks. Works great.



by:

With this key, I was able to move four sets of Thule locks from an old set of car rack covers to a new set. No instructions were included, but it was so easy that none were needed.
Use key lock to unlock the lock mechanism, use the universal key to remove the lock from the plastic cover, insert the lock in the new plastic cover, remove the universal key, and test lock (turn) with lock key. As short as this is, it almost takes longer to read it than it does to do it.



by:

Works great! Just as described, make sure it's compatable with your locks first but definitely reccomend! I had to change my Thule peloton bike rack due to the fork clamp failing and this change key helped me change the locks in 30 seconds! Thanks eTrailer!



by:

We bought Thule lock cores/keys/masterchangekey from etrailer - GREAT experience. The customer service team was attentive and wonderful - we made a mistake ordering online, which c.service helped us identified/isolate/fix. Our order arrived in a timely way, packed well, exactly as ordered and at a great price. Nicely done etrailer!



by:

The Thule OKS (one key system) is brilliant! In under a minute the cylinders on my new to me roof box were swapped to match the cylinders in my rack.

Shipping from etrailer was really quick and inexpensive too with the First Class USPS option for my small and light weight order.



by:

Yup, does what it's supposed to do. If you need to install a lock core or remove a lock core to key everything alike, you will need one of these. I did have a Yakima blank on hand and surprisingly I was able to use it to install a Thule lock core. Unfortunately the Yakima blank would not work on the Thule core that I needed to remove to key my T2 rack all alike - needed the official Thule blank to remove the old core. Works as it should.



by:

The Universal Change Key from Thule is a must have if you want to change your lock cylinders in your Thule System. I recently acquired a car rack and several Thule Criterium 598 bike rack, but wanted to the lock cylinders I already had. It was easy to transfer them with the Universal Change Key.



by:

I ordered replacement parts—short and long arm assembly—for my Thule Easy Fold XT bike carrier. This key allowed me to move the lock form the old assembly to the new assembly parts. E-trailer delivery was quick and ordering the part was easy. They follow up with email to track your order. This company is first rate. A customer oriented company.



by:

Swapping lock cylinders with the Thule system is easy. I have several Thule products including bike rake with built in lock, locking cross bars for our cars, cargo box, and bought cylinders and the Change Key to replace cylinders so I only need one key for all our Thule products.


25
191
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Thule Accessories and Parts

  • Does Thule Universal Change Key Fit Thule Lock Core That Starts With "N"
    Yep, it sure will. The actual number of the lock core doesn't matter, it just needs to start with either "N" or "E". So because yours starts with "N" the Thule change key will 100% work for you; the correct part number is the following: - Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks # 853-1251
    view full answer...
  • Is Thule Change Key Part # 853-1251 Required to Change Lock Cylinders on Thule One Key System
    You will need the Thule Universal Change Key, part # 853-1251, in order to remove your existing factory lock cores. With your existing locks in the unlocked position insert the universal control key to remove the core. It may be necessary to wiggle the key a bit to work the core loose. Once the existing core has been removed, pop in the new One Key System core and you are done.
    view full answer...
  • How to Remove a Thule Lock Cylinder using a Universal Change Key # 853-1251
    I spoke with my contact at Thule and she said that you will need to turn the locks to the unlock position, and then insert the change key. This should pop the lock out of its position. I then spoke with our installer who has done many lock cylinder replacements and he said that if you are still having problems you will just need to keep wiggling, and tapping it while the change key is in. He said a couple of times he has had to hold the assembly upside down to use gravity to help it come...
    view full answer...
  • Why Doesn't Thule Cargo Box Allow Removal of Key When Unlocked
    That's actually by design. Thule doesn't want you forgetting that the box is unlocked and then accidentally drive off and have the lid fly open and the contents go everywhere!
    view full answer...
  • How to Change Lock on Thule Cargo Box With Key Cannot be Taken Out
    If you turn the key about 1/8 of the way towards unlock you can get the key to remove so that you can use the change key to remove old lock core and install new lock core.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Key Recommendation for a Thule X-Cargo Box
    I spoke with my contact at Thule and she stated that a replacement key located at the link I have provided for you will work with your Sears X-Cargo Sport 20 Cargo Box. You will just need to enter your key number in the box located below the Shipping Special box.
    view full answer...
  • Is Change Key Needed to Install Thule Lock Core Into Thule Rack
    Yes, you'll need to use the change key to allow the lock core to fully slide into the Thule rack. Once the key is removed it will then be attached to the rack. If you need a change key you'd want part # 853-1251.
    view full answer...
  • How To Remove The Old Lock Core From Spar Tube Assembly For The Thule T2 Pro XT
    To remove your old lock from your old Spar Tube to be able to install your new: -Replacement Spar Tube Assembly for Thule T2 Pro XT # 7524703001, You will just need the Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks # 853-1251. With your lock core unlocked, you will just insert the change key and remove the old core, then insert the new core.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Sportrack Key For Roof Rack
    The number you gave isn't a number for the key to the lock core. If you have the key you can use the number on the key to get a replacement. If not, you will need to replace the lock cores and they come with the key and you can add the quantity needed # 05011500000. To remove the unlocked cores, you will need Universal Change Key for Thule Locks # 853-1251.
    view full answer...
  • How Do I Swap Out Lock Cores On My Sport Rack
    You will need the Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks # 853-1251. This process does require that your current/old core will need to be unlocked to be able to swap it out for a new one. I have linked a video that will describe in detail how to swap out your lock cores on your Sport Rack.
    view full answer...
  • Will Sportrack Key and Lock 05011500000 Work for Vista XL Replacement Key and Core
    Yes the Sportrack replacement lock core and key part # 05011500000 is correct for your Vista XL cargo box. You'll also need the universal change key part # 853-1251 to go along with it as well.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Lock Cylinder & Key N21 Replace Cylinder on Thule Locking Cable
    If you'd like, you can replace the lock cylinder and key on your Thule locking cable with the Replacement Lock Cylinder and Premium Key for Thule One-Key Systems - Key N217 # 1500004217. Keep in mind, in order to remove the lock you have, it needs to already be unlocked, and you'd also need the Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks # 853-1251.
    view full answer...
  • How To Remove Lock Core From Old Thule Spar Tube and Install In New Spar Tube 7524703002
    To remove the Thule One-Key Lock Core from your old Spar Tube and install it in your Replacement Spar Tube # 7524703002 you will just need the Universal Change Key # 853-1251. With the lock core unlocked you will just insert the change key and remove the old core then reinsert it in your new core. I included a video of the # 853-1251 in use for you to take a look at.
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Change Thule One Key Lock Cores
    In order to change Thule One-Key System lock cores you'll need the Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks # 853-1251.
    view full answer...
  • How Does Thule Lock Core Normally Install into Thule Rack
    To install a lock core in a Thule rack you'll need the Thule change key part # 853-1251. You'll put this in the lock core and the insert it and the core into the Thule rack and then once you remove the key the core will be locked into the rack.
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Thule Lock Core That Will Not Release From Lock Housing
    The Universal Change Key for Thule One Key Locks # 853-1251, which is the same as D1251 key you have, is only able to remove unlocked lock cores that have a code beginning with N or E. If you have another code prefix then you will need a locksmith, or you can try drilling out the lock core yourself. If you indeed have N or E at the beginning of the code and the change key still won't remove the lock, then make sure the core is unlocked and spray some lubricant to free up the lock. Then...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Remove a Thule Lock Cylinder and Replace it with a New Lock Cylinder
    You will somehow need to remove the broken key from the lock. If any of the key is exposed, you may be able to get some needle nose pliers on it and pull it out. Otherwise, it may have to be drilled out. If you can get the key out without drilling the lock, you would need a Universal Key Change Master Key, # 853-1251, to remove the old cylinder and replace it with the new one.
    view full answer...
  • How to Swap Out Thule Lock Cylinders
    You will need to insert the universal change key into an unlocked cylinder that is currently in your Thule rack and then remove the cylinder. It may take a little bit of wiggling for the cylinder to work itself loose, but when the change key is inserted into the lock cylinder the cylinder will be free to slide out. If you do not have a change key the part number is # 853-1251 that you have referenced. Next, you will insert the change key into the new cylinder and you will insert the cylinder...
    view full answer...
  • Is a Master Key Needed to Install or Remove a Thule Lock Cylinder
    Yes, you will need the Thule universal change key, # 853-1251, to remove and install new lock cores. the change key pulls down all the tumblers so the lock can be removed or inserted. The existing lock, if present, will have to be unlocked for the change key to work.
    view full answer...
  • Can the Thule Frontier Cargo Boxes Change Lock Cores Like Newer Thule Cargo Boxes
    The Thule Frontier cargo boxes utilize the same Thule One-Key system that will allow you to remove the cores and install the same new cores that are on the newer boxes. If the change key part # 853-1251 will not go all the way into the lock cylinder there is still something left in the cylinder that needs to be removed. Or the core is permanently damaged, I suspect there is still a piece of an old key left in the core. Once you clear out the cylinder the change key should go all they way...
    view full answer...
  • How to Remove Broken Key from Thule Lock Cylinder
    I spoke with my contact at Thule, and she did have a few suggestions for you to try. She said some people have had success retrieving broken keys using a paperclip. Try wiggling the key out using the paperclip along the ridged side of the key. I have had luck in the past using dental picks to work broken keys out of a lock cylinder. If enough of the key stem is protruding from the lock, you could also try grasping the key with needle nosed pliers and removing it that way. If you are...
    view full answer...
  • How to Replace a Thule Lock Cylinder
    Thule lock cylinder # THLOCKN036 is easy to install. If you still have your Thule universal change key then that is the only other part you would need. If you need a new change key you would use # 853-1251. If you are replacing a lock the first thing you need to do is make sure that your keys have number N036 on them because that is the specific key that goes with this specific lock. To replace a lock cylinder you would first make sure it is unlocked. Then you would insert the change key...
    view full answer...
  • Thule Key Will Not Fit Completely Into Lock Core
    If the key works just fine in other matching locks but you are having trouble with just one, then it sounds like you need to remove and replace it. You can try doing this by getting a key extraction tool (some home improvement stores may have this), or you can have a locksmith drill it out. Once the lock core is removed you can order a new one through our site. To find the correct replacement you will simply need to type in the part number "THLOCKN" followed by your key number. For example;...
    view full answer...
  • Availability of Replacement Key 004 For Older Thule Ski Rack
    The availability of a replacement key will depend on when the rack was manufactured. If it was manufactured prior to 1996, replacement keys aren't available. If the rack was manufactured 1996 or later, you'd use # THKEYN004 as a replacement key. Thule offers a Universal Change Key, part # 853-1251 that can be used to remove the lock cylinder, however the lock must be unlocked first and the rack would need be manufactured in 1996 or later.
    view full answer...


< Previous
123. . .10



Do you have a question about this Accessories and Part?


Info for this part was:

Employee Jackie C
Expert Research:
Jackie C
Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee John H
Expert Research:
John H
Employee Brandon M
Expert Research:
Brandon M
Employee Adam R
Expert Research:
Adam R
Employee Tyler C
Written by:
Tyler C
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Matthew S
Updated by:
Matthew S
Employee Noah M
Updated by:
Noah M
Employee Manda E
Updated by:
Manda E

At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.


Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924