Yes, almost all deadbolts can be rekeyed. Rekeying involves changing the internal tumblers and springs so that the old keys no longer work, while allowing a new key to operate the lock. This saves you the cost of replacing the entire hardware.
Most standard locks can be rekeyed, but not all of them. Locks with pin-and-tumbler cylinders, deadbolts, and knob locks are commonly rekeyed. However, keyless locks, damaged locks, and those without removable cylinders cannot be rekeyed.
Due to the extremely low price of the key pins in the locks, rekeying is almost always much cheaper than getting your locks changed. When rekeying your locks, you are only being charged for the labor, whereas when you get your locks changed, you're paying both for labor and parts.
You can get locks professionally rekeyed.
Home Depot generally charges about $𝟓 to $𝟐𝟎 per lock cylinder to rekey a lock. However, pricing and availability are determined on a store-by-store basis. Many locations perform the service entirely for free if you buy the new lock in-store.
Bring in your deadbolt or door knob for repair, replacement, or re-keying service. Get new keys made for your home, car or truck. Purchase pre-cut lumber for projects, saving time and money. Choose the perfect colors to match your style and decor.
Rekeying is generally the lowest-cost way to secure your home. Most lock-updating services cost around $15–$50 per cylinder, depending on the number of locks and whether you already have an existing key.
Police typically recommend using high-quality deadbolt locks, specifically ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts, for exterior doors.
Rekeying locks may be covered only if the rekeying is required after a covered incident, such as a burglary or theft. For example: If thieves steal your keys during a break-in, insurance may pay to rekey or replace the locks to restore security.
Generally, it takes a professional locksmith between 10 and 40 minutes to rekey a lock. If you need multiple locks rekeyed, you'll want to plan accordingly as a locksmith is likely to require at least an hour for a job that requires more than one or two locks. The type of lock will impact the job.
Unlike a deadbolt, which can be unlocked from the inside without a key, a deadlock is key-operated from both sides. This feature provides an extra layer of security, as there is no accessible turn knob from the inside that could be manipulated to open the door.
Yes, you can rekey a Kwikset deadbolt yourself in minutes. If it has SmartKey Security (a small slot to the right of the keyhole), you can use a SmartKey reset tool to rekey it without taking it off the door. Older "pin & tumbler" models require a Kwikset Re-keying Kit to replace internal pins.
Top Lock Brands Recommended by Locksmiths
Schlage is generally considered more secure than Kwikset, offering superior protection against forced entry and picking. Schlage locks often feature ANSI Grade 1 ratings, thicker metal, and drill-resistant components, while Kwikset focuses on convenience and affordability (often Grade 2). For maximum home security, Schlage is the preferred choice, whereas Kwikset is often chosen for residential turnover and easy rekeying.
Burglars hate anything that makes a break-in noisy, time-consuming, or highly visible. Criminals look for the path of least resistance; if a target requires too much effort or poses a high risk of getting caught, they will simply move on to an easier home.
Yes, steering wheel locks (like The Club) are highly effective deterrents. While a determined thief with power tools or a tow truck can bypass them, their high visibility and physical bulk convince most criminals to simply move on to an easier target.
The best safety lock for your main door combines a heavy-duty Grade 1 Deadbolt (like the Schlage B60N) with a secondary reinforcement, such as a heavy-duty strike plate or a floor-mounted Nightlock Original Door Brace to prevent kick-ins.
1. Cost: Locksmiths are often much more affordable than dealerships when it comes to replacement keys. You can expect to pay significantly less for a replacement key and programming.
If you were looking to pull in these kinds of £60-100K salaries, you would need to work tens of hours per week. Our estimates suggest you would need to work around 80+ hours per week to bring in that kind of income if your skills top out at what we teach during a 3-to-5-day training course for locksmiths.
Yes, but this service varies heavily by store. While Home Depot offers key duplication, in-store lock rekeying depends on whether an associate certified in lock rekeying is working that day.
Yes, Lowe’s will rekey locks, but generally only for new locks purchased at their store. They can match new, qualifying locks to an existing key you bring in, usually at the hardware desk for a small fee. They typically do not rekey old, used locks brought in from your home.
Keys that cannot be easily or legally copied include patented/restricted keys, high-security keys requiring authorization cards, and specific electronic, transponder, or VATS car keys. While a "Do Not Duplicate" stamp is merely a request, restricted keys have key blanks legally protected by the manufacturer, preventing hardware stores from cutting them.
Rekeying a deadbolt lets you change the lock so it works with a new key without having to buy a whole new deadbolt. The process takes about 10–20 minutes and requires a basic lock rekeying kit specific to your lock's brand (e.g., Kwikset or Schlage).