Rekeying a door lock is a highly manageable DIY project that takes about 10 to 15 minutes per lock. If you have a lock with "SmartKey" technology, the process is incredibly easy and takes only about 10 seconds with no disassembly required. Standard pin-tumbler locks take a bit more patience but are still very straightforward.
Yes, you can absolutely rekey your own locks. Doing it yourself is a highly approachable DIY project that allows you to keep your existing hardware while changing the key, saving you the cost of hiring a professional locksmith.
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.
Most lock-updating services cost around $15–$50 per cylinder, depending on the number of locks and whether you already have an existing key. For a typical three-door house, a full rekeying job usually lands in the $150–$250 range, including the service call.
Rekeying a lock generally takes about 15 minutes, but this depends on the type of lock as well as the skills of the person working on it. The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the lock from the door – the actual rekeying is much simpler.
Home Depot generally charges about $𝟓 to $𝟐𝟎 per lock cylinder to rekey a lock. However, pricing and availability are determined on a store-by-store basis. Many locations perform the service entirely for free if you buy the new lock in-store.
If you were looking to pull in these kinds of £60-100K salaries, you would need to work tens of hours per week. Our estimates suggest you would need to work around 80+ hours per week to bring in that kind of income if your skills top out at what we teach during a 3-to-5-day training course for locksmiths.
Bring in your deadbolt or door knob for repair, replacement, or re-keying service. Get new keys made for your home, car or truck. Purchase pre-cut lumber for projects, saving time and money. Choose the perfect colors to match your style and decor.
Rekeying made easy
Simply submit a rekey service request, pay your normal service fee, and a locksmith will rekey up to six keyholes with four identical keys on functioning, non-electronic deadbolts and knobs on doors accessing your home's structural walls.
If you like the current locks it would be MUCH cheaper to have a locksmith come out to rekey them. Just make sure you call a reputable locksmith in your area and avoid any 1-800 numbers. I would also suggest buying your locks from a local locksmith if they have a storefront.
At Lowe's, the service fee to rekey a lock is typically about $𝟓. However, this in-store service generally comes with a few specific conditions:
Most standard locks can be rekeyed, but not all of them. Locks with pin-and-tumbler cylinders, deadbolts, and knob locks are commonly rekeyed. However, keyless locks, damaged locks, and those without removable cylinders cannot be rekeyed.
A lock installed by a handyman will only work with the new keys that come with that lock. A locksmith can cut additional keys and can even provide a service to reduce down the amount of keys required by having one key that operates all locks.
You can get locks professionally rekeyed.
There's no fixed timeline for changing your home's locks, but you should update them anytime security may be compromised, such as after moving, losing keys, or experiencing a break-in. If your locks are functioning properly and key control hasn't been lost, routine replacement isn't typically necessary.
Yes, you can rekey a lock without the original key, but the process depends entirely on the type of lock you have.
Home Depot does not offer a dedicated in-store rekeying service. Instead, you can either buy a DIY rekeying kit (usually $10–$15), upgrade to "SmartKey" locks, or call a local locksmith for professional service.
Key bumping (or lock bumping) is a covert lock-picking technique that uses a specially modified key (a "bump key") to quickly unlock standard pin-tumbler locks. It relies on kinetic energy to force the lock's internal pins to jump out of the way, allowing the door to open in seconds.
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.
Kwikset SmartKey locks are generally considered safe for standard residential use and are highly convenient, though they are not as secure as high-security or commercial-grade locks. They are designed to resist common forced entry techniques like lock-picking and bumping, but they can be vulnerable to severe physical force or potential internal mechanical failures over time.
Keys that cannot be easily or legally copied include patented/restricted keys, high-security keys requiring authorization cards, and specific electronic, transponder, or VATS car keys. While a "Do Not Duplicate" stamp is merely a request, restricted keys have key blanks legally protected by the manufacturer, preventing hardware stores from cutting them.
Top 10 Lock Pick Sets
Certain lock varieties force locksmiths to risk damage during opening procedures, including digital vault systems, mechanical combination safes, and fingerprint-activated locks. These security devices demand specialized equipment or advanced opening techniques that standard locksmith tools cannot handle.
Yes, there is a shortage of Locksmiths because the pay is abysmal, and to say that it's easier on the body than other trades is not accurate at all. Matthew feel free to get in contact with us to discuss if you would like more information.