Residential · Locksmith Service
Lock Rekeying Services
If you want to avoid the old keys from opening your locks, you can opt for the lock rekeying option. This service helps in changing the keys configuration of the existing locks so that the old keys will no longer function, and a new key will operate the locks.
Rekeying is a popular choice after moving to a new space, losing keys, changing employees or tenants, giving someone temporary access, or when you want to organize several locks to operate with a new key. If the locks are faulty or unreliable, consider repair or replacement instead.
Why Would Someone Rekey Their Locks?
- You have no idea who else used that area before you.
- You lose a key, or it is stolen, and you want to ensure the key no longer works.
- You change employees, tenants, etc. who had access to the space.
- End temporary key access without automatically replacing suitable hardware.
- It is also essential to lower the duplication of keys.
- You have multiple locks and want them to be key alike.
What Problems Does Lock Rekeying Solve?
Lock Rekeying helps control access problems. While the customer may still find the lock mechanically functioning, they may prefer to change the access. It also does not automatically upgrade the strength or features of the lock.
| Problem | Best Next Step |
|---|---|
| Old keys should stop working | Rekeying may solve the access problem. |
| Lock sticks, binds or fails mechanically | Assess Lock Repair |
| Hardware is damaged, outdated or unsuitable | Assess Lock Replacement |
| Business needs different key-access levels | Consider Master Key Systems |
Who Is Lock Rekeying For?
Lock rekeying is ideal for homeowners, landlords, property managers, business owners and other authorized key holders. The goal is not the issuance of a new key, but to regain control over which keys work.
- Homeowners after moving or after losing keys.
- Landlords and property managers after tenant change.
- Businesses after changes to employee or contractor access.
- Multi-door properties that want all doors set to compatible locks keyed alike.
- Customers who want to minimize the hardware replacement and reuse existing hardware.
What Is Lock Rekeying?
Rekeying involves changing the internal arrangement of a compatible mechanical lock cylinder. The old key is not able to operate the lock cylinder. The method of rekeying also depends on the design of the lock, the type of cylinder and keyway, and the condition of the lock.
Not all locks should or are able to be rekeyed. Before planning rekeying, compatibility, damage, wear and access control needs should be evaluated.
Can Multiple Locks Be Rekeyed to the Same Key?
Sometimes Multiple Locks can be Keyed Alike. However, different types of cylinders, different hardware designs, differing keyways, etc. can prevent this. If you have a business that requires employees to have access to certain areas, rather than having one key open every door, a master key system can be a better option.
Can a Lock Be Rekeyed Without the Original Key?
Sometimes locks, including cylinders, can be rekeyed without the original key, but this is very dependent on the lock and the current access state. When you request a rekey service, indicate to the locksmith if you have a working key. This will assist them to organize their service effectively.
What Should You Expect as an End Result?
The end result is pretty simple: if we rekey locks to work together, using the existing compatible hardware, the new key will operate the locks and the old key will not. If we are rekeying locks to be used at the same locations, then those doors will also be operable using the same new key.
Rekeying locks will not fix problems associated with misaligned doors or damaged lock hardware. Those will need to be repaired or replaced.
Residential and Commercial Rekeying
Residential rekeying is typically done after moving, losing a key, an occupant change, or when there is uncertainty about whether key copies were made. Employee, tenant, and contractor changes often necessitate commercial rekeying. Large scale commercial key-control systems would warrant moving to the Commercial Locksmith or Master Key Systems route.
Security, Authorization and Hardware Compatibility
Rekeying changes the access to a given area so the service should be performed for the customer personnel and authorization is a must. The locksmith should also examine and determine the lock as to whether it is serviceable and compatible if given the opinion to rekey. One should also avoid the assumption that rekeying can be performed to all standard, high-security, smart or electronic locks.
How it works
How Does the Rekeying Service Work
- 1
Reason for Access Change
Indicate if you moved, lost the key, changed staff/tenants, or if you wish to have the locks keyed alike.
- 2
Property and Locks
Indicate if the property is residential or commercial. How many locks need to be rekeyed? Where will the service be performed? Is there a working key?
- 3
Compatibility and Condition
The condition of all relevant components will be assessed to determine if rekeying is viable.
- 4
Keying Plan
Determine if the locks will need to be assigned separate keys, be set to a keyed alike configuration, or if a more formal keying plan will be formulated.
- 5
Compatible Locks are Rekeyed
The cylinders are rekeyed to the new configuration.
- 6
Access is Tested
New keys are tested and the previous keys no longer operate the rekeyed locks.
How Long Does Lock Rekeying Take?
The time it takes to rekey a lock depends on the number of locks, the type of locks, if keys are in working order, if the locks are hardware compatible, the current condition of the hardware, and if multiple locks are to be used.
How Much Does Lock Rekeying Cost?
The cost of rekeying a lock can vary due to the number of locks or cylinders, the type of hardware, the condition, the type of keyway, the number of keys being provided, if a working key is provided, and if the locks being used are compatible and are being rekeyed to work alike. Costs can be more due to repairs or replacements.
To provide an estimate, tell how many locks are to be rekeyed, what the property type is, and why it is being rekeyed, along with if there is a working key and whether the locks should use the same key.
Rekeying Vs Repair Vs Replace: Is Rekeying the Way to Go?
The choice should always be based on the actual problem instead of selecting a service based on price.
| Need | Likely Service |
|---|---|
| Suitable lock; old keys should stop working | Rekey |
| Mechanical lock problem that can be restored reliably | Repair |
| Damaged, unsuitable, worn or upgrade-needed hardware | Replace |
| Different physical-key access levels across a business | Master Key System |
Lock Rekeying Service Areas
Lock & Key Pros offers lock rekey services throughout our service areas. Please choose the city location below for more local information and to see if the locksmith is available near you.
Lock Rekeying FAQs
What do you mean by rekeying a lock?
This is an action where you alter your lock such that it accepts another key and rejects the existing one.
When should I rekey my locks?
After moving, or if you have concerns about old key copies, have lost or had keys stolen, or have had a tenant or employee change.
Should I rekey after moving?
Yes, if the locks are in good condition but you don't know who has keys, you can reset access to the keys.
Should I rekey after losing a key?
Yes, if the key is still potentially accessible, then all locks should be rekeyed to ensure the key no longer operates the locks.
Can every lock be rekeyed?
No. It depends on the lock and configuration.
Can several locks use one key?
Yes, if the locks are compatible. Whenever there is need for controlled access, you will use a master key.
Can you rekey a lock without the use of the key?
Yes, in some but not all situations.
Is rekeying cheaper than replacing?
Rekeying can be cheaper than replacing because it uses less hardware as long as not all the locks need to be replaced. However, the decision to rekey versus replacing locks should be made depending on whether the issue lies with key access or with the lock itself.
How much does rekeying cost?
The cost of rekeying is based on the number of locks, the condition and type of hardware, whether the locks are compatible, the condition and number of keys, and whether any extra work is needed.
Do you provide emergency rekeying?
Yes. Lock & Key Pros offers emergency lock service at all times, and includes lock rekeying if applicable for the lock and situation. Call us with your location and access problem so we can determine the appropriate service.
Do you rekey locks in Tarzana?
Yes. Lock & Key Pros offers Tarzana lock rekey services for locking systems that are compatible with home and business locks. Please call us to discuss your needs based on the type of property, the number of locks, and if you have a working key so we can provide you the best service.
Ready to Change Who Has Key Access?
We'd like to know if the property is residential or commercial, what the reason is for the change in access, the number of locks, if a key is available, if the locks are compatible and if they should be used with the same key.