What is lock rekeying, and how is it different from replacing a lock?
Rekeying changes the pins inside your existing lock so old keys stop working and new ones do. The lock stays exactly where it is on your door — only the tiny metal pins inside the cylinder get swapped out. Replacing a lock means removing the whole unit and installing brand new hardware. Rekeying costs less and takes less time, but it only makes sense when the lock itself is still in good working order.
A rekeying job in Westerville last week
Last week we rekeyed the front and back doors of a home in Westerville for a couple who had just bought the house. The previous owners had lived there for over ten years, and nobody knew exactly how many copies of the key had been made over that time — contractors, family members, house sitters, neighbors. The new owners didn't want to replace all the locks since the hardware was in excellent shape, but they needed to know the old keys were completely useless.
Our technician rekeyed both deadbolts and the side garage entry door in about thirty minutes. Every old key stopped working the moment he was done. The couple left with two fresh sets of keys and a sense of security that is especially valuable when you've just moved into a new home.
When should you choose to rekey rather than replace?
Rekeying is usually the best option when the lock itself isn't the problem. Common reasons people rekey:
- Just moved into a new home and don't know who has old keys
- A key was lost and could be anywhere
- A tenant moved out and may have kept a copy
- An employee left and had a key to your home or business
- You went through a breakup or a roommate situation ended
- You gave a key to a contractor or service worker and want that access removed
When does replacing the lock make more sense?
There are situations where rekeying won't solve the problem and a full replacement is the better move:
- The lock is old, stiff, or worn down and already needs servicing
- The door was damaged in a break-in, and the hardware is compromised
- You want to upgrade to a higher-security deadbolt or a smart lock
- The lock brand or type doesn't match your other doors and you want everything keyed the same
A locksmith can look at your lock in about two minutes and tell you honestly which one makes sense, so you're not paying for new hardware when a rekey would have done the job.
Can a locksmith rekey any lock?
A mobile locksmith can rekey most standard residential deadbolts and knob locks on the spot, so you don't have to make a trip to a shop. High-security locks with restricted keyways can usually be rekeyed too, though they sometimes need manufacturer-specific pins. Smart locks with electronic cylinders are a different case entirely, since they don't use traditional pin tumbler systems, though some models do have a traditional cylinder alongside the electronics.
Can all my locks be rekeyed to the same key?
Yes, in most cases. This is called keying alike or master keying, and it means one key opens every lock in your home instead of needing a different key for each door. It does require that the locks be the same brand or at least compatible pin sizes, so a locksmith will check compatibility before committing to it. Most homes with standard hardware can get the job done in a single visit.
How long does rekeying take?
A single lock usually takes less than fifteen minutes. A full house with three or four exterior doors typically runs thirty to forty-five minutes total. Since a mobile locksmith brings all the equipment to your door, there's no waiting for parts or a shop appointment.
Rekeying service across Westerville and Columbus
We rekey residential and commercial locks for homeowners and businesses across Westerville, Dublin, Worthington, Powell, and the rest of the Columbus area. If you've just moved in, lost a key, or want to cut off old access without replacing your hardware, visit our lock rekerying page to see how we handle it, or check out spare key duplication if you want fresh copies made at the same visit.
Frequently asked questions about lock rekeying
Is rekeying as secure as getting a new lock?
Yes, as long as the existing lock is in good condition. Rekeying makes every previously cut key completely useless, which is the main security goal in most situations.
How much does rekeying cost compared to replacing a lock?
Rekeying is almost always less expensive than replacing the lock, since you're paying for labor and new pins rather than new hardware. The exact cost depends on the number of locks and the lock type.
Can I rekey a lock myself without a locksmith?
Rekeying kits exist for some lock brands, but they require the right tools, the right pin sizes for your specific lock, and some patience. Most people find a locksmith faster and less frustrating, especially when doing multiple locks at once.
What's the difference between rekeying and changing a lock?
Rekeying keeps the same hardware and changes only the internal pins so old keys stop working. Changing a lock means removing and replacing the entire unit with new hardware and new keys.
Can a locksmith rekey a lock without the original key?
Yes. A locksmith can pick or bypass the lock to open the cylinder first, then rekey it. It adds a small amount of time to the job but doesn't require you to have a working key on hand.
Should I rekey after a break-in?
A break-in usually damages the lock itself, so rekeying alone isn't enough in that case. After a forced entry, it's worth having a locksmith check whether the hardware needs repair or full replacement before deciding on rekeying.
