Replacing door locks is a relatively simple DIY project. If you know your way around a basic screwdriver, you should be able to tackle it in under an hour. Full installation instructions come with the new locks and customer support hotlines are often available to answer any questions.
Rekeying your lock is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock. This is because of the cheaper price of the key pins inside the locks, whereas when you replace a lock, you are paying for all brand-new parts.
When you rekey a lock by yourself, you will need to purchase a rekey kit that is specific to your brand of doorknob, lever, or deadbolt. You will receive several keys (often between three and six keys), all identically cut.
Rekeying a lock does not hurt the security of the lock, nor does it make it more secure. One of the factors that makes a lock secure is how many pins are inside of it. As long as the locksmith swaps the old 5 pins with 5 new ones, the lock will remain just as secure as it was before.
You can rekey all of your locks to match an existing key when the locks all have the same keyway. You can test if the locks use the same keyway by taking the existing key you want to use and seeing if it slides into the keyholes of the locks you want to match that key.
Changing a lock is a relatively quick project and definitely one of the very first things that you should be doing after moving into your home.
Most deadbolt locksets come with keys when purchased new. If not, you can rekey these locks to fit the current keys you already have. But keep in mind that rekeying cannot be performed on all types of door locks. For older locks, check their condition to see if they can be rekeyed or if they should be replaced.
Expect to pay $80 to $300 per lock, depending on quality, and up to $200 more for professional installation. Many door locks, however, are DIY-friendly and come with installation instructions.
Home Depot will rekey locks such as Schlage, Kwikset, doorknobs, deadbolts, single and double cylinders for $5 to $15 per lock. If your local store does not offer the service, you may purchase a rekey kit or visit Lowe's or Ace Hardware. Home Depot does not rekey car locks as they often require specialized technology.
A locksmith will use something called a pinning kit to change the pins inside the lock. Keep in mind that to quickly do so, the locksmith needs a copy of the original key. If you don't have a single copy of the key, the locksmith will have to pick the lock, which can result in higher labor costs for you.
When you rekey your locks, you're altering the lock mechanism so that the old key will no longer open it. Instead, a new key will be necessary. In many circumstances, rekeying your locks makes more sense than changing your locks.
Customers can bring in their locks (if an eligible brand to be rekeyed at Lowe's) and have their locks rekeyed for around $5. Lowe's also offers rekeying kits so customers can rekey their own locks at home. If customers need additional keys cut, some Lowe's stores offer Minute Key kiosks to have keys cut.
Definition of rekey
transitive verb. 1 : to key (something) again There's no sense in rekeying data that you already have in your computer.— Richard O. Mann. 2 : to provide (something) with a new key rekeyed the house/room/door You can take your lock and key to a locksmith and have them rekey it, making it unique. —
When rekeying multiple locks to fit a single key, all locks must first have been made by the same manufacturer. For example, if your front door lock is a Schlage, the other locks you want rekeyed to match must also be made by Schlage.
The wide range of door locks offers different quality, so expect to pay around $40 to $300 for a new lock. If you need a professional installation, it can cost $80 up to $200 more.
Deadbolt Type
You can typically purchase a single cylindrical deadbolt for $20 to $70, while keyless deadbolts can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 or more depending on the type you purchase.
Landlords and tenants can't remove, add to or alter any locks without the other person's consent. If you don't have consent or a reasonable excuse, it is unlawful. If you're then taken to the Tenancy Tribunal you may have to pay a penalty.
Rekeying Home Locks
Rekeying locks on your home typically costs $80 to $160. If you call the locksmith to your home, you might pay a trip fee of $50 to $100. The cost to rekey is $30 to $60 per lock, bringing you to that total. Rekeying is different and more affordable than replacing the locks.
How long does it take? As you imagine, lock rekeying might not be easy, but within 10 to 20 minutes, a locksmith with a great experience of dealing with all kinds of locks will be able to rekey a single lock.
If you have a traditional pin and tumbler lock, rekeying isn't as difficult as it sounds. First, you'll need to purchase a rekey kit for the brand of lock you have. The kit should contain various tools to aid in the lock's removal and a set of different sized pins.