Lowes won't rekey an old lock you carry in, you have to buy it right there. ... unless you get an employee in a good mood that feels like helping. They use the 5 digit code on your key to know what pins to put in the lock.
Toole's Ace Hardware can help! 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.
A: Yes. Most Home Depot's have an associate on staff that can rekey door locks.
The cost of having locks rekeyed ranges from $40-$100, plus $5-$25 for each lock cylinder. Many people rekey locks when they buy a new home, if they lose all the keys to a lock or if they're concerned that unauthorized copies of their keys exist.
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.
To rekey locks, you or a handyman professional have to remove the key cores from the locking hardware and replace them with lock patterns that match new keys. This sounds simple but actually is time-consuming and can get costly, as you have to pay for labor and buy new equipment.
The average cost for new locks can range between $40 and $800 for the hardware alone. Homeowners can choose from everything from basic key locks to electronic smart locks. Generally, the lock's durability and its features will determine the cost.
Lock rekeying is the process of altering a lock's internal components to work with a new key while keeping the existing lock hardware. This involves changing the pins or wafers inside the lock cylinder, which are the parts that interact with the key to allow it to, or prevent it from, turning.
Life Pro Tip - If you move into a new house or are just looking to replace locks on your doors, you can take your existing locks out of your doors and get them rekeyed at a hardware store (Home Depot or Lowes) for <$10. This works for most of the common lock manufacturers (Shlage or Kwikset).
A rekey service can take between 10 and 40 minutes per lock. Rekeying only applied to keyed security locks, and not to privacy locks found on bathroom and bedroom doorknobs. New lock installation or replacement can take 30-60 minutes per lock, which is one reason that lock replacement is more expensive.
Lowes won't rekey an old lock you carry in, you have to buy it right there. ...
To rekey a Schlage lock, you'll need a rekeying kit, a screwdriver, and maybe some pliers. The kit will have new keys and pins.
Can all door locks be rekeyed? Most common door locks can be rekeyed, but if you have lost the original key or the lock is broken, the lock will need to be replaced.
Re-keying kits are available for most lock brands but they're not interchangeable. You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home. (If you're lucky, they'll all be the same brand!) Each kit will re-key six locks, but you can order extra pins if you need to do more.
Keys must be purchased from Ace Hardware to be cut or programmed. If you're running late for work, the last thing you need is a missing car key.
Unlimited amount of times.
More complex locks might cost a bit more to rekey, but it's still a reasonably small price to pay for home security and peace of mind. Pro: Rekeying is quick and easy. Rekeying a lock is also much faster and easier than replacing the entire lock.
Homeowners can now re-key door locks
The engineers at Kwikset have developed a new lock technology that allows homeowners to rekey their door locks on their own whenever they have the need.
In most cases, a locksmith can rekey a gun safe, unless the safe or the locking mechanism has been extensively damaged.
Purchase a Rekeying Kit
You can use the same key for each regardless of brand. The rekeying kit comes with everything you need to complete this task, such as tiny picks and tweezers, a key gauge, an assortment of pins and springs, and any other tools you'll need to disassemble and reassemble the lock.
Rekeying is the least expensive method, but you will need to replace the entire lock if the only key to it goes missing.
We can rekey your knobs or deadbolts whether you purchase your locksets from us or bring us your existing locks to be rekeyed. Typical Schlage or KwikSet locksets are easily rekeyed by our expert staff often while you wait but usually the same day.
The short answer to whether you should tip a locksmith is that it is not required, but it is appreciated. Unlike restaurant staff, locksmiths don't rely on tips to make up a bulk of their pay.
Specialized Training and Skills
Locksmiths undergo extensive training to learn their trade. They must be skilled in working with all these various types of locks and security systems, from traditional mechanical locks to modern electronic key systems.
Attempting a DIY lock change can result in damage to both the door and the lock mechanism, compromising your home's security and potentially leading to costly repairs. A professional locksmith will have the tools and expertise to ensure everything is done correctly and efficiently.