Rekeying: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What rekeying is

Rekeying changes the internal pins of an existing lock so a new key operates it and the old keys no longer work. It avoids replacing the hardware, which makes it a practical choice after a move, a lost key, or a change in who should have access.

Signs you need it

  • You moved into a home and do not know who still has keys to the locks
  • A key was lost, stolen, or given to someone who should no longer have access
  • A former tenant, employee or household member still has a key
  • You want one key to open several locks, such as the front door, back door and garage
  • The lock is in good condition and you want to keep its hardware

What the pro does

  • Check the lock type and the cylinder to confirm it can be rekeyed without replacing the lock body
  • Remove the cylinder from the door, keeping the lock secure while it is out
  • Take the cylinder apart, remove the old pins, and install a new set of pins that match the new key
  • Reassemble the cylinder and test it with the new key to confirm it turns smoothly
  • Cut the number of new keys you asked for, and check each one in the lock
  • Reinstall the cylinder, then test the lock and the latch on the door

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of locks being rekeyed, and whether they are on exterior doors
  • Lock brand and cylinder type, since some cylinders cannot be rekeyed
  • Whether the locks must be keyed alike or set into a master key system
  • Number of new keys requested
  • Whether a lock must be replaced because its cylinder is worn or cannot be rekeyed
  • Access to the door, including exterior and hard-to-reach doors

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number of locks being rekeyed, and which doors they are on
  • Whether the locks are keyed alike or set into a master key system, and how that is set up
  • The number of new keys and the key type
  • Whether the cylinders are removed and reinstalled, or rekeyed in place
  • Any cylinder replacement, if a lock cannot be rekeyed, listed separately
  • Warranty on the rekeying, and whether the new keys are covered

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can my locks be rekeyed, or do the cylinders need replacing?
  • How many keys will I get, and do you keep a key record?
  • Will all the locks use the same key, or do you set up a master key system?
  • Do you test every lock with the new keys before you leave?
  • Will the lock look the same, or will the finish change?
  • What happens if a key does not work after the rekey?
  • Who keeps the key code or key record for future key cutting?

Red flags

  • They rekey a lock without checking that the cylinder can be rekeyed
  • They will not show you the key record or the key numbers
  • They quote a full replacement when a simple rekey would work
  • They leave without testing every lock with the new keys
  • They refuse to tell you who keeps the key code

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can gather all the keys, mark which door each one opens, and list everyone who has had a key. Do not take a lock cylinder apart or remove pins yourself, because the small parts are easy to lose and the lock can be left unusable. Call a pro for the rekey, the new keys and the testing.

Licenses and permits

Rekeying is commonly done by locksmiths, and some states and local areas license or register locksmiths. Check with your state or local licensing agency about the requirements for the person you hire.

Rekeying questions

Is rekeying as good as replacing the lock?

Rekeying changes the pins, so the old keys stop working, but the lock body stays the same. Replacement gives you new hardware. If the lock is worn or the cylinder is damaged, replacement may be the better choice.

How many keys should I have made?

Make enough keys for every person who needs access, and keep a spare in a safe place off the property. Ask the locksmith to keep the key record so future key cutting is simple.

Can one key open the front door, back door and garage?

Yes, if the locks are keyed alike or set up in a master key system. Ask the locksmith to explain the setup before the work starts, so the keys match the way you use them.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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