How long does rekeying take?

Author: Mrs. Myrtie Schulist V  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

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.

How long does it take to get a car rekeyed?

Getting a car key replacement can be relatively fast if you're using an experienced locksmith. Somewhere in the 20 to 30 minute range. This varies between vehicles and some could take up to an hour to get a car key replacement cut and programmed.

Is it cheaper to replace locks or rekey?

If you're looking to get better security of your locks, changing them to new, higher security ones will be the way to go. Due to the extremely low price of the key pins in the locks, rekeying is almost always much cheaper than getting your locks changed.

How long does it take to make a key for a lock?

A professional locksmith can accurately duplicate a standard key in just a few minutes. Duplicating a more complicated key can take up to 25 minutes. How long it takes to get a key copied could depend on where you go to get your key copied.

Is it difficult to rekey a door lock?

Rekeying a lock is a common task for a locksmith, and this simple project only takes about 30 minutes to complete. The only tools you'll need to rekey your lock yourself are a rekey kit and the current key to the lock. This saves considerable money, especially when you need to access multiple locks with the same key.

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks? | Mr. Locksmith™ Video

How long does a rekey take?

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.

Can a handyman rekey a lock?

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.

How long do locksmiths usually take?

Typically, locksmith door-opening methods start with non-destructive approaches. It usually takes about 10 minutes for a locksmith to regain access to your home. Drilling may take more time, but it is only used if the lock is severely damaged, highly complex, or if time-sensitive situations demand rapid entry.

How long should it take to change a lock?

How long does it take to change a lock on a door? On average changing one lock takes around 30 minutes, but this time may change depending on the type of door, make of lock, condition of your door and other variables.

Can you rekey a lock to match an existing key?

To change a lock so that it fits an existing key, you simply work in the opposite direction: You change the pattern of the pins in the lock so that it matches the pattern of notches in the key. If the lock is designed with a universal keying system, any locksmith can re-key the lock in no time.

Does Home Depot rekey locks?

Most Home Depot's have an associate on staff that can rekey door locks. Call your local Home Depot and make sure that the person that does the rekeying service is there before you arrive. Also there may be a charge for this service.

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.

Does Lowes rekey locks?

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.

How long does it take a dealership to reprogram a key?

Smart Keys and Keyless Entry Systems:

Smart keys with advanced features, such as proximity sensors and keyless entry, may require more time for programming. The process can take five minutes to an hour, and it may involve additional steps to ensure seamless integration with the vehicle's electronic system.

How much to get your car rekeyed?

At their most basic, ignition cylinders are simply locks and can be reconfigured as such. An experienced auto locksmith can take the cylinder apart and reconfigure its internal components for compatibility with a new key. The cost of rekeying your car's ignition will likely be between $120 and $225.

What is involved in rekeying locks?

Rekeying a lock involves changing the pins and springs inside the lock to work with a different key. The lock assembly itself remains inside the door. Homeowners most often rekey a door lock when the same lock needs to be used with a new key, or when the original key is lost or stolen.

How long does it take to rekey a door lock?

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.

How much should I charge to change a lock?

Installation and Labor

According to HomeAdvisor, a professional locksmith charges an hourly fee between $50 and $100 to change a lock, or $75 per hour on average. Other locksmiths may charge per project based on the number of locks, type of locks, and complexity of the installation process.

How many times can you rekey a lock?

Unlimited amount of times.

How long does it take to rekey a car?

The entire process typically takes less than an hour. Since the locks are not replaced, rekeying is often much cheaper than getting a new set of keys.

What do locksmiths charge per hour?

Locksmith services in the US typically range from $50 to $215 per hour, with a national average service call cost of approximately $156. Various factors, including service type, time of service, location, job complexity, locksmith experience, and additional services, can affect pricing.

Do locksmiths make good money?

How much locksmiths make depends on the type of service they provide. However, PayScale.com estimates an average locksmith salary of $38,135. It also depends on your location. As of November 23, 2022, the average locksmith salary in California is $56,560, and $55,983 in New Jersey, which is below the national average.

Is it cheaper to rekey or buy new locks?

It's usually cheaper to rekey a lock than to replace it outright. Replacing a lock costs an average of $315, as it requires a fair amount of both materials and labor. Rekeying a lock, on the other hand, is a relatively simple process that a pro gets done in around an hour.

Can a handyman install a deadbolt?

Handyman knows how to install doors and can also install a deadbolt in your home.

Can you have a deadbolt rekeyed?

Rekeying Deadbolt Locks

If the brand of lock is the same as the door knob, you can use the same rekeying kit. However, if they are different brands, you'll need to purchase the correct rekeying kit. Remove the deadbolt from the door and repin the same way you would a door knob.

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