Can I rekey a lock if I lost the key?

Author: Ola Wisozk PhD  |  Last update: Sunday, August 6, 2023

Yes, the original key is necessary to use a rekey kit when rekeying a lock. If you do not have the original key, you can choose to hire a locksmith to make a new key or you can replace the lock.

What do I do if I lost the key to my door lock?

Contact a locksmith. If you have lost your only set of house keys, key replacement is your only option. You will need to get in touch with a reputable and experienced local locksmith who will be able to make you a new key. A skilled locksmith will create a key to lock by hand, without needing the original key.

Do you have to change locks if you lose a key?

Keys and locks come in pairs, and of course, if one gets compromised, the entire security system gets compromised. Therefore, if you lose your home keys, it is recommended that you change your door locks as a security measure.

Is it cheaper to replace locks or rekey?

Rekeying is usually cheaper, and it still provides you with a renewed sense of security. If you move into a new home or if your key is lost or stolen, rekeying your lock will almost always suffice. If your lock mechanism is beginning to deteriorate, however, consider changing the lock.

Is it hard to rekey a lock yourself?

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.

How to kwikset rekey smartkey key lost key

Will Ace hardware rekey locks?

We rekey Kwikset and Schlage locks at a fraction of the price of having to replace your locksets. We can also create a 'master key' for superintendents or landlords that need access to multiple units without carrying a hundred keys. We also key Masterlock padlocks to an existing Masterlock key.

How long does a rekey take?

You may choose this service for various reasons, like if you lose your house key and are worried about a stranger gaining entry. In any case, it will likely take the locksmith around 10 to 40 minutes to rekey each lock since they will be replacing the old lock pins with new ones.

What are the easiest locks to rekey?

Although there are many different types of locks, today we're going to talk about rekeying a pin and tumbler lock. This is the most common and one of the easiest types of locks to rekey aside from old-school locks.

Is it bad if you lose your house key?

Protective Measures To Take If You Lose Your House Keys

If you have lost your keys and know that they were not destroyed, someone else could have your keys. For the security of your house, you need to change your locks as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to remove a key from a lock?

Key Extraction

You'll need a locksmith to extract the key so you don't damage the lock and have to replace it, too. A key extraction can cost between $50 and $200. If you have a spare key, you won't have to rekey the lock; you can just duplicate the spare.

Can you replace just the lock on a door?

Changing locks on a door can involve either replacing them or rekeying them. Both methods ensure that old keys will no longer open the lock. At the end of this article, you'll find a full cost comparison of replacing versus rekeying, by a professional locksmith and as a DIY job. Replacing door locks.

Does Ace hardware rekey deadbolts?

Do you have too many keys to get into your house? For $10.00 each, our qualified staff will rekey your Schlage, Kwikset, or Ace brand doorknob or deadbolt. If you have a newer Kwikset lock it may use SmartKey technology, which makes re-keying quick and easy. We'll gladly show you how to rekey those locks for free!

Are keyed deadbolts locks illegal?

While there is no federal law prohibiting deadbolts requiring two keys, you could violate local codes if you upgrade to a double-keyed deadbolt on even just one door in your home.

Can a locksmith make a key from a deadbolt?

Many people do not know that a locksmith can make a key from a lock even if the original key is lost. A key can be copied from a lock in one of three ways: Using an impression device. Code cutting.

Can a locksmith make one key for all locks?

Locks May Not be Compatible – Not every lock can be rekeyed to share a key with another lock. So, if you are adamant about only using a single key, your locksmith will need to replace the locks so they are the same brand.

How much does it cost to rekey a deadbolt lock?

In general, prices average between $20 and $50 for a single lock and can cost up to $130 for a house. However, if you call a locksmith out on an emergency you can expect it to cost an extra $100 to $150. If you need to rekey your vehicle the price ranges from $75 to $180 for most locksmith companies.

Can I get all my locks keyed the same?

As long every lock in your home is the same type then yes. If your locks are different, they will have to be changed in order to use the same keys for all of them.

What are the benefits of rekeying your locks?

7 Benefits of Rekeying Locks
  • Different situations. There are a variety of reasons why you would want to update the locks on your home or company. ...
  • Fixes a security breach. ...
  • No need for new hardware. ...
  • Cost-effective. ...
  • Customized. ...
  • Master key. ...
  • You can change locks differently. ...
  • Wrapping up.

How long does it take a locksmith to change a lock?

A lot of locksmith jobs such as fitting and changing locks can be completed within an hour, although repair jobs may take longer to complete. You can find the nearest locksmith in your area here all our locksmiths are fully vetted and inspected.

Can house locks be rekeyed?

If you know the brand or keyhole style of your locks, you may be able to buy a lock rekeying kit from your local home hardware store. But, while most homeowners already have the tools they need to change locks, rekeying them can require special tools, and those can be expensive.

How safe are Kwikset SmartKey locks?

All SmartKey cylinders feature ANSI Grade 1 security, are bump-proof and highly pick resistant while also passing the most stringent security standards, UL 437, par 11.6 & 11.7.

Can Kwikset door knobs be rekeyed?

Re-keying a new lock to match an existing Kwikset key is simple and easy. And all Kwikset pin & tumbler locks can be re-keyed to achieve convenient one-key operation across multiple locks. All you need is a Kwikset Re-keying Kit, a Kwikset key, and a pin & tumbler lock.

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