Rekeying is the process of altering the internal mechanism of a lock cylinder so that your old key stops working, while a new key will open it. You keep the existing lock hardware, making it a faster and much more affordable alternative to replacing the entire lock.
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.
You'll need a rekeying kit that matches your lock brand, along with basic tools like a screwdriver, plug follower, and tweezers. Follow a simple process: remove the lock, replace old pins with new ones matched to your key, then reassemble.
You might be wondering, “How do you rekey a lock, and why does it matter?” In a nutshell, the process involves changing the key pins inside the locking mechanism, which renders an old key or set of keys unusable. This way, any keys still floating around from past homeowners, renters, or service providers won't work.
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.
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.
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 a lock is not as complicated as you might think. It's a cost-effective way to readjust a lock while maintaining its functionality. 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.
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.
You can get locks professionally rekeyed.
A traditional pin tumbler lock can be rekeyed multiple times, practically as long as the internal components remain in good working condition. There is no strict numerical limit; it is limited by the physical wear of the lock cylinder itself, not the act of rekeying. Special "SmartKey" locks can be rekeyed an unlimited number of times.
SmartKey Security® features re-key technology, which allows you to re-key your locks yourself in seconds, because we realize the person who has your key today may not be the same person you want to have your key tomorrow.
Yes, you can rekey a lock without the original key, but the process depends entirely on the type of lock you have.
Licensing Requirements Across States: As of January 2025, 13 states require locksmith licensing: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Virginia.
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.
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. You are, of course, free to make copies of these keys if you need more.
Home Depot does not offer in-store lock rekeying services. While you can get standard keys duplicated, you will need to rekey existing locks yourself using a DIY rekeying kit (typically $10 to $30) or hire a local locksmith.
WHAT KEYS CANNOT BE COPIED?
Lock replacement costs around $315 on average, while rekeying ranges from $50 to $100, making rekeying the more budget-friendly choice for your home. You should rekey when moving into a new home, after losing a key, or when changing service providers who have copies of your house key.
Do you have a lock that needs rekeying? Do you need more than one key to get into your home? Visit with our qualified staff, we can rekey your door knob or deadbolt.
A professional locksmith typically takes 10 to 30 minutes per lock to rekey a standard lock. For an entire house (usually 4 to 6 doors), the whole process takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
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.
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.
1. Cost: Locksmiths are often much more affordable than dealerships when it comes to replacement keys. You can expect to pay significantly less for a replacement key and programming.