Rekeying a lock does not hurt the security of the lock, nor does it make it more secure. One of the factors that makes a lock secure is how many pins are inside of it. As long as the locksmith swaps the old 5 pins with 5 new ones, the lock will remain just as secure as it was before.
Rekeying a lock is much cheaper than changing it because you don't have to purchase a whole new locking mechanism. The only things you will have to pay for are cheap replacement pins, a new set of keys, and the labor.
When you rekey a lock by yourself, you will need to purchase a rekey kit that is specific to your brand of doorknob, lever, or deadbolt. You will receive several keys (often between three and six keys), all identically cut.
Some locksmiths may tell you that you should change your locks. But in many cases, you can just rekey them, which means changing the existing lock system so a new key operates it. A locksmith simply replaces the tumblers and pins to create a lock that can be opened by a brand-new key.
Changing the locks (also referred to as rekeying the locks) on a new home is always a good idea, since you really can't be sure who has access to the property otherwise. The phrase for this is key control, which refers to the ability to be able to account for each of the keys to your home and who has them.
When you move into a new home, you should change the locks on your house. You have no idea how many copies of the house keys are floating around out there from the previous homeowners, so changing the locks will keep your new house more secure. Tom recommends changing the locks whenever a new home is purchased.
If your deadbolt requires a separate key from your entry doorknob, you can rekey it if they are the same brand. To rekey the deadbolt, remove it from the door and repin as you do a doorknob.
You can rekey all of your locks to match an existing key when the locks all have the same keyway. You can test if the locks use the same keyway by taking the existing key you want to use and seeing if it slides into the keyholes of the locks you want to match that key.
When you rekey your locks, you're altering the lock mechanism so that the old key will no longer open it. Instead, a new key will be necessary. In many circumstances, rekeying your locks makes more sense than changing your locks.
Expect to pay $80 to $300 per lock, depending on quality, and up to $200 more for professional installation. Many door locks, however, are DIY-friendly and come with installation instructions.
Home Depot will rekey locks such as Schlage, Kwikset, doorknobs, deadbolts, single and double cylinders for $5 to $15 per lock. If your local store does not offer the service, you may purchase a rekey kit or visit Lowe's or Ace Hardware. Home Depot does not rekey car locks as they often require specialized technology.
Definition of rekey
transitive verb. 1 : to key (something) again There's no sense in rekeying data that you already have in your computer.— Richard O. Mann. 2 : to provide (something) with a new key rekeyed the house/room/door You can take your lock and key to a locksmith and have them rekey it, making it unique. —
Yes, it is possible for you to rekey a lock without the original key. A locksmith can change your locks even if you have lost or misplaced the original key. In general, it is possible to pick or shim the lock and unlock the door. Then, the locksmith will have a much easier time removing the lock cylinder.
All packages with the same key number use the same key.
So if you have 3 knobs and 2 deadbolts you all want keyed alike, buy 3 knob+deadbolt sets of the same number. Generally there are 3-8 lock packages in a carton (all with the same style/color/SKU).
In the U.S., there is no single comprehensive law against dual-cylinder deadbolts. Individual cities and states have local property and fire codes that may prohibit the use of dual-cylinder deadbolts. The code may prohibit the use of dual-cylinder deadbolts in some buildings and allow them in others.
Customers can bring in their locks (if an eligible brand to be rekeyed at Lowe's) and have their locks rekeyed for around $5. Lowe's also offers rekeying kits so customers can rekey their own locks at home. If customers need additional keys cut, some Lowe's stores offer Minute Key kiosks to have keys cut.
Deadbolt Type
You can typically purchase a single cylindrical deadbolt for $20 to $70, while keyless deadbolts can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 or more depending on the type you purchase.
A lock impression allows a locksmith to make a key without decoding the lock. For a qualified locksmith this can be an efficient way to create a new key. A blank key is inserted into the lock and turned. The pins will press against the key leaving marks where cuts need to be made.
Most deadbolt locksets come with keys when purchased new. If not, you can rekey these locks to fit the current keys you already have. But keep in mind that rekeying cannot be performed on all types of door locks. For older locks, check their condition to see if they can be rekeyed or if they should be replaced.
Landlords and tenants can't remove, add to or alter any locks without the other person's consent. If you don't have consent or a reasonable excuse, it is unlawful. If you're then taken to the Tenancy Tribunal you may have to pay a penalty.
If you need to change the lock on a uPVC door, you can change just the lock barrel which is an easy job and only takes five minutes.