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.
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.
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.
A: Yes. Most Home Depot's have an associate on staff that can rekey door locks.
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.
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 you might have the tools to change locks, rekeying them can require special—and expensive—tools. You can buy them as a kit, then follow the instructions.
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.
Lowes won't rekey an old lock you carry in, you have to buy it right there. ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rekeying is the least expensive method, but you will need to replace the entire lock if the only key to it goes missing.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Without the matching key, the only way to rekey the lock will be to pick it open, and although it's usually not a problem for a skilled locksmith, it will often incur additional charges which can make it more expensive than replacing the lock altogether.
Handyman knows how to install doors and can also install a deadbolt in your home.
Alternatively, our store associates can key all of your locks to work with the same key. You can also purchase a rekeying kit to swap out pins and springs yourself. Depending on the manufacturer, some models feature self-rekeying technology that permits quick and simple rekeying using an included tool.
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.
We can cut keys and re-key new locks you buy at Lowe's.
Can I have every lock in my home Keyed Alike? 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.
Fortunately, smart locks offer plenty of long-term value, too, thanks to optional rekeying. Just as you can change your smart lock's access code or eKey to suit your security needs, you can change the lock itself as you see fit — all you need is a little bit of elbow grease.
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.