Lock Rekeying - Change the Key Without Changing the Lock

Have you accidentally locked yourself out of the house, misplaced your spare keys, or given them to someone you no longer want to have access to your property? Do you want to restore the security of your front door without having to pay for a new lock installation? Choose our expert lock rekey service!  We can rekey your locks for a fraction of the price it would cost you to have them replaced. Our specialists are here to assist you with home, car, and office solutions at very affordable rekey service prices.

What is Lock Rekeying?

Lock rekeying entails replacing the pin combination inside the cylinder in order for a new key to be used with the old lock. The new key will render the old key useless. The process is done by taking the lock apart, removing the tumblers and pins, and replacing them with new sets that will only match the fresh key.

When Do You Need to Rekey Your Locks? 

While standard locks can be rekeyed once every few years for extra security, there are certain instances when the decision to rekey your lock should be an important consideration.

• If you have locked yourself out and you need to have your locks picked by an expert locksmith 
• If your home or commercial space has been broken into
• If you have lost or misplaced the keys to your house, car, or commercial space 
• If your keys have been stolen 
• If too many people have access to your spare keys 
• If you are getting ready to move to a new house 
• If you are a landlord with lots of tenants moving in and out of your rental property on a semi-regular basis

Is It Better to Rekey or Change the Lock?

It depends on your particular needs, budget size, and expectations. Sometimes people replace their locks simply because they aren’t aware of the quicker, more affordable, and less stressful lock rekey option. Other times, lock change is absolutely mandatory. This is the case for severely damaged or worn-out locks, including antique locks.  Expert rekey services allow you to keep your old locks, preserve your home's aesthetics and curb appeal, and save money and time. If you need professional guidance on choosing one service or the other, give us a call. 

What Types of Locks Can Be Rekeyed?

All types of locks can be rekeyed. Some require more effort, resources, and tools than others. The LocksmithsPros team specializes in the entire array of residential, commercial, and car rekeying services. 

Home Lock Rekeying

With our home rekeying services , we replace all the pins inside a lock cylinder and ensure that the old key can no longer be used to manipulate the lock. If necessary, home locks can be rekeyed so that they can be operated with a single key. Our technicians work with all lock brands and types of door locks, including deadbolts, doorknobs, and screen door locks. 

Car Lock Rekeying

Car ignition cylinders locks can be taken apart and reassembled with the help of different internal components. The car rekeying process usually takes twenty minutes on average and it is recommended for car owners who have two different keys controlling the ignition and the door locks. By rekeying the automotive locks, you will be able to start the engine and unlock the car with just one key.

Rekeying a Deadbolt

LocksmithsPros can rekey deadbolt locks in less than 20 minutes, depending on the model and the complexity of the lock cylinder. Single-cylinder deadbolts that feature one slot for a key on one side and a turning mechanism or a doorknob on the other side usually take less time to be rekeyed. The lock cylinder needs to be accessed within the deadbolt by either using the original key or by picking the lock if the key is missing. Next, the old pins are removed and new pins are placed inside the cylinder to match the new key. The cylinder is then installed inside the lock and ready to be used. 

Rekeying a Doorknob

Doorknobs are rekeyed in a similar manner, in around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on whether the original key can be used in the process. At times, a doorknob can be rekeyed to work with a certain key. Our experts can also provide copies of the new key when requested. 

Cylinder Lock Rekeying

To rekey a cylinder lock, our locksmiths need to remove the C-clip holding the cylinder in place, remove the key plug from its housing with a follower tube, and attach it to the back of the cylinder while inserting the key in the lock. Some cylinder lock models require the key to be turned 45 degrees before the cylinder plug is pushed out of the cylinder, leaving the plug follower inside the housing to hold the springs and pins into position. The procedure should be completed by a professional locksmith to avoid damage to the lock mechanism.

Office Lock Rekeying Services 

LocksmithsPros can rekey office keys so that you can lock and unlock each door using the same key. This is a good idea for commercial spaces that need to periodically allow access to maintenance workers and cleaning staff on the premises. Lock rekeying can also be used to design and implement a master key system with a certain key hierarchy that can be used by different levels of management and employees.

How Much Does It Cost to Rekey Locks?

As a general rule of thumb, rekeying a lock is almost always cheaper than having a new lock installed. The actual cost of a lock rekey service depends on the type of lock and its complexity. For example, car locks cost more to rekey compared to average home door locks. Having a key to use during the process will make the final cost drop. Having to disassemble the lock in the process will cost more.

Can Smart Locks Be Rekeyed?

Smart key systems rely on microchips and sensors used to unlock the door without having to use a key. However, some models also feature physical backup key options. This allows smart locks to be rekeyed. The procedure can be done by disassembling the smart lock unit and replacing the pins.

Office Lock Rekey

You can re-key office keys so that you can lock and unlock each lock within your office with the same key. This can be very helpful when it comes to allowing access to maintenance workers and cleaners, and it can be used to create a master key system in which there is a hierarchy of keys which can be used by various levels of employees and management. 

Does a Locksmith Need the Original Key To Rekey the Lock?

Having the original key to the lock is helpful in the rekeying process. However, it is not mandatory. A missing key will not make the process impossible, but rather slow it down since the lock also needs to be picked. If you do not have the original key, just let one of our operators know when getting in touch with us. We can easily rekey a lock without the original key, and at an affordable price!