Will Ace Hardware rekey locks?

Author: Kristy Moore  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 25, 2023

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.

Can I rekey my own locks?

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.

Are all locks able to be rekeyed?

To rekey locks to use the same key, all of them must be from the same manufacturer. You can't rekey a Kwikset lock to use a Schlage key because each maker's locks have different size holes that will only accept their own keys.

How do I get my locks keyed the same?

Pick the key you like the best (or have the most of) and have all the other knobs keyed to it. Remove the locks that need to be rekeyed and take them to a locksmith or a hardware store. Bring a key that works each of the locks and the key you want all the locks keyed to and give us five minutes a lock.

What is the difference between changing locks and rekeying locks?

The main difference between a lock rekey and changing your locks is that rekeying locks fixes your existing hardware and changing your locks means you want to replace your hardware.

How to rekey a lock 101

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

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. If it's simple, should you rekey your lock yourself?

Can I rekey a lock without the original key?

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.

Can I rekey a Schlage lock myself?

Schlage Rekeying Kits provide everything you need to get the job done—including all the tools and parts you need for repinning the cylinders of most Schlage locksets so that they work with a single key. Navigating your way through the Kit tray.

Is it cheaper to replace door locks or rekey?

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.

What are the easiest locks to rekey?

Although there are many different types of locks, today we're going to talk about rekeying a pin and tumbler lock. This is the most common and one of the easiest types of locks to rekey aside from old-school locks.

Can you rekey without changing lock?

Rekeying Your Locks

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.

Should you change the locks after buying a house?

While you get the keys to your new home at the closing, you can't know how many copies of the keys the previous owners had made and how many might still be floating around. That's why it's important to have the locks changed out.

Can I rekey a deadbolt?

You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home. (If you're lucky, they'll all be the same brand!) Each kit will re-key six locks, but you can order extra pins if you need to do more. The kit will work on entrance and deadbolt locks, and it comes with two keys and all the tools you'll need except a screwdriver.

What is a rekey kit?

A lock rekey kit is exactly what you might imagine. It is a kit that can be used to change the locks in an organization, without having to call a locksmith. There are no tools required, no hardware removal, and you do not have to have the expertise of a locksmith to perform a rekey.

Does Ace Hardware rekey deadbolts?

Do you have too many keys to get into your house? For $10.00 each, our qualified staff will rekey your Schlage, Kwikset, or Ace brand doorknob or deadbolt. If you have a newer Kwikset lock it may use SmartKey technology, which makes re-keying quick and easy. We'll gladly show you how to rekey those locks for free!

How do I 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.

Can you rekey a Kwikset lock more than once?

Unlimited amount of times. All you need is the Smarkey Security tool.

What does it mean to rekey?

: 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.

How does Smart Key rekey work?

First, insert the functioning key and turn it ¼-turn clockwise. Then, insert and remove the SmartKey learn tool. Follow by removing the functioning key, inserting a new key, and turning it ½-turn counter-clockwise. Your lock is then successfully re-keyed.

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