What Rekeying Means
Every pin tumbler lock contains a set of spring-loaded driver pins and key pins inside the cylinder. The heights of those key pins correspond to the cuts on your key. When the right key lifts each pin stack to the precise shear line, the cylinder rotates and the lock opens.
Rekeying replaces those key pins with a different set of heights matched to a brand new key. The old key lifts the pins to the wrong positions and the cylinder will not turn. The lock body, the hardware, and the deadbolt or knob mechanism stay exactly as they are. Only the secret combination inside the cylinder changes.
Rekeying vs Replacing Locks
Replacing a lock means buying new hardware and paying for installation. Rekeying uses the same lock body you already have and only requires labor and a small set of replacement pins. In most cases rekeying costs a fraction of a full lock replacement and achieves the same security outcome: old keys no longer work.
The right choice is replacing rather than rekeying when the lock is damaged, when the existing hardware is a low-grade lock you want to upgrade, or when the door prep does not fit any current hardware. Otherwise, rekeying is almost always the smarter call. See our lock change page for more on when replacement makes sense.
When to Rekey Your Locks
- After moving into a new home or apartment
- After a lost or stolen key
- After a tenant moves out
- After a breakup or roommate change
- When a contractor or service worker had access and no longer should
- After a house lockout where you are unsure who may have found your key
Lock Brands We Rekey
We rekey all common residential lock brands including Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Defiant, Weiser, and Yale. We also rekey most commercial-grade cylinders. If you are not sure what brand your locks are, call us and we can usually identify the hardware from a description or photo.
Keying Alike: One Key for Every Door
If your home has multiple entry points with different keys, we can rekey all of them to work on a single key. This is called keying alike and it is one of the most popular services we offer. No more searching through a key ring every time you come home. As long as the locks are the same brand family, keying alike is a straightforward process completed in a single visit.
For our full range of residential services, visit the Residential Locksmith page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lock rekeying and how does it work?
Rekeying changes the internal pin tumbler configuration inside your lock cylinder so that only a new key will operate it. The locksmith removes the cylinder, replaces the driver and key pins with a different combination, and reassembles the lock. The hardware stays the same and the old keys are permanently useless.
Is rekeying cheaper than replacing locks?
Yes, almost always. Rekeying uses your existing lock body and cylinder. You only pay for labor and the small cost of replacement pins. Replacing a lock means buying new hardware plus paying for installation. Unless your current lock is damaged or too low-grade to be worth keeping, rekeying gives you the same security outcome at a significantly lower cost.
Can you rekey all my locks to use one key?
Yes. This is called keying alike. We rekey every lock in your home so a single key opens all of them. This is one of the most requested services we do, especially for homeowners who are tired of carrying a separate key for each door. As long as the locks are the same brand and series, keying alike is straightforward.
How long does rekeying take?
A single lock typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. A full home with three or four entry points usually takes 30 to 60 minutes total depending on lock brand and condition. We do everything on-site from our mobile unit, so there is no waiting for parts or a shop appointment.
Do I need to be home while you rekey my locks?
For your security, yes. We require the property owner or an authorized occupant to be present when rekeying residential locks. This protects you and ensures we are working at the right address with the right authorization. If you are a landlord scheduling rekeying between tenants, contact us to discuss options.