How we help
Rekey compatible locks so old keys stop working and a new set puts access back in your hands. A practical option after a move, lost keys or a change of tenants.
Common situations
- Former tenant never returned the keys
- Too many different keys for one house
- Lost a key but the locks still work fine
- Contractor or cleaner no longer needs access
What the service includes
- 01Each lock is checked to confirm it works well and is a standard pin-tumbler cylinder that can be rekeyed.
- 02The cylinder is removed from the lock, and the plug is pulled from the housing with a plug follower so the top pins and springs stay in place.
- 03The old bottom pins come out and new ones cut to a new key code go in, so the pin stack shears at the correct line only with the new key.
- 04The cylinder is reassembled, reinstalled, and tested with the new key and the turn piece several times.
- 05The process repeats for every lock you want on the same key, then the number of keys you need is cut and tested.
Typical time: 10-20 minutes per lock
Options
- Rekey to a new key
- New pins in each cylinder so only the new key works.
- Key alike
- Several locks of the same keyway rekeyed to one key.
- Master key system
- Each door on its own key plus one key that opens all of them, for buildings and offices.
Compatibility and limits
- Rekeying cuts off old keys but does not make a lock harder to pick, bump or force.
- Locks from different brands or keyways may need new cylinders before they can share one key.
- Kwikset SmartKey locks can be rekeyed only to a Kwikset (KW1) key, so they cannot share a key with Schlage or other brands without a cylinder change.
- High-security cylinders usually need authorized parts and key blanks.
What does rekeying a lock actually do?
Read the answer
A pin-tumbler lock has a plug that turns only when every pin stack is lifted to exactly the shear line. Each key has a specific pattern of cuts, and the bottom pins inside the plug are sized to match it. Rekeying means replacing those bottom pins (and sometimes master or top pins) with a new set that matches a different key.
The lock body, the deadbolt, the handle and the finish all stay the same. Only the internal combination changes. That is why rekeying is quick and cheaper than buying new locks, and why it produces no waste.
Kwikset SmartKey locks can be rekeyed by the owner with a small tool and the current key, but only to a Kwikset (KW1) key. If you want them on the same key as a Schlage or another brand, a locksmith may have to replace the cylinder rather than rekey it.
Can all my locks work with one key?
Read the answer
Usually yes, as long as they share a compatible keyway. Most Schlage locks use the SC1 keyway and most Kwikset locks use KW1. A locksmith can rekey several locks of the same keyway to one key, which is called keying alike.
When your locks are from different brands, there are two options: replace the odd cylinders with ones from the same family, or use cylinders that accept one key profile. A locksmith can tell you which locks can be converted and which need new cylinders.
For apartment buildings and small offices, a step up is a master key system, where each door has its own key but one master key opens all of them. That requires planning the pin combinations for every door, not just rekeying them alike.
Common questions
How long does rekeying take?
About 10-20 minutes per standard cylinder. A home with three exterior locks usually takes under an hour, including cutting keys.
Can every lock be rekeyed?
Most pin-tumbler locks can. Very cheap locks, some wafer locks, and damaged cylinders may be cheaper to replace, and high-security cylinders often need authorized parts.
Do I need my old key to rekey?
It helps but is not required. Without the key, the locksmith can remove and decode or pick the cylinder first, which may add time.
Does rekeying make my lock more secure?
It cuts off old keys, but it does not upgrade the lock's resistance to picking, bumping or forced entry. For that you need a better lock or a high-security cylinder.
Can a Medeco or Mul-T-Lock be rekeyed?
High-security cylinders use patented keys and special pins that are controlled by the manufacturer. Rekeying usually requires authorized parts and key blanks, so it costs more and may take extra time.