Almost every call that starts with "I need my locks changed" ends one of two ways: we rekey the locks you already have, or we replace the hardware entirely. Both leave you with locks only your keys open. The difference is cost, condition, and what you want out of the door afterwards.
What rekeying actually is
Inside every standard lock cylinder is a stack of small brass pins cut to match one key. Rekeying swaps those pins for a new combination and cuts you a new key to match. The deadbolt, handle, and strike plate never leave the door. Old keys — the ones held by a previous owner, a former tenant, a contractor, or an ex-roommate — stop working the moment the job is done.
- Keeps hardware you already like and that already fits the door
- Cheapest way to cut off everyone holding an old key
- Several locks can be keyed alike, so one key opens them all
- Typically 10–20 minutes per lock on site
What replacement involves
Replacement means removing the existing lockset and installing new hardware. It takes longer and costs more, but it is the right call when the lock itself is the problem — or when rekeying simply cannot give you what you want, like a smart lock, a keypad, or a graded commercial lock on a high-traffic door.
- Fixes worn, sticking, seized, or damaged locks
- Required after most break-ins and forced-entry damage
- Lets you upgrade to a smart lock, keypad, or higher security grade
- Fixes mismatched finishes and non-standard old hardware
When to choose which
Rekey when…
- You just moved into a house, condo, or rental unit
- A tenant, roommate, cleaner, or contractor moved out
- A key was lost or stolen but the lock works fine
- You want one key for the front door, back door, and garage
- The hardware is in good shape and the right style
Replace when…
- The lock sticks, grinds, or the key is hard to turn
- The door was kicked in or the lock was drilled or punched
- The lock is old, corroded, or missing parts
- You want a smart lock, keypad, or lever-handle conversion
- A commercial door needs a graded, code-compliant lock
What it costs
Rekeying is almost always the cheaper of the two because you are paying for labour and a small pin kit, not new hardware. Replacement adds the price of the lockset you choose. Our service call starts at $85 and varies with location and time of day, and we confirm the full cost with you before any work begins.
Common questions
- What does it mean to rekey a lock?
- Rekeying means changing the internal pins of your existing lock cylinder so the old keys no longer work and a new key does. The lock body, handle, and deadbolt all stay on the door — only the inside of the cylinder changes.
- Is rekeying cheaper than replacing a lock?
- Usually yes. Rekeying reuses the hardware you already own, so you pay for labour and a small parts kit rather than a new lockset. Replacement makes more sense when the hardware is worn, damaged, or you want a different type of lock.
- How long does rekeying take?
- Most residential locks take about 10 to 20 minutes each once the locksmith is on site. A typical house or condo with two or three locks is finished in a single visit.
- Can all locks be rekeyed?
- Most standard pin-tumbler deadbolts and knob sets can be rekeyed, including many Schlage, Kwikset, and Weiser locks. High-security, euro-profile, and some smart locks may need a matching cylinder or a full replacement instead.