Have you ever thought about changing who can open your front entrance without spending a fortune? Today, I’m chatting about lock rekeying, a clever way to update access without buying all-new equipment. As someone who’s helped hundreds of clients improve their security, I’ll share how it works, why it’s often the best move, and when you might need a full swap instead.
Grab a coffee, and let’s dive into simple expert tips that will leave you feeling confident and in control. We know exactly why you need lock rekey services.
What Are Lock Rekey Services and How Do They Work?
At its simplest, lock rekeying means adjusting the pins inside a cylinder so old profiles no longer open. Instead of tossing your hardware, a pro technician swaps or resets tiny pins to match a fresh pattern. This process takes minutes, costs less than a full swap, and quickly restores security after you move or lose an opener.
When you call a professional, they remove the cylinder, insert new pin sets, and test with your new tag. There’s no drilling, little mess, and almost no downtime. Within a short visit, only your fresh cut will work, keeping unwanted access at bay and giving you peace of mind.
EXCELLENT Based on 229 reviews Zainab Q2025-05-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing service from John. He did everything in 5 minutes. I will keep in touch for more of his service. Definitely recommend! Brittany Lockhart2025-05-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and efficient. Friendly staff. Can be there in emergencies. Mary-Grace Capobianco2025-05-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was a refreshingly good experience! John promptly responded to my early morning call about my keypad lock not working. He came within 20 minutes, offered alternate ways to try to get the lock open and eventually got it open. We had to purchase a new lock, I called John again for the installation, and he arrived at the stated time and installed our new lock quickly, efficiently, and without mess!!!!! A very knowledgeable and polite person. Highly recommend this locksmith. leeanna campos2025-05-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John was the nicest, professional and efficient. Came right away was a great help:) oluseyi ojo2025-05-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Spoke to John on the phone and he was at my place in less than 15mins. He fixed the issue with my car in less 5 mins at a very reasonable price. He’s very fast and efficient. I recommend him anytime, anyday. Keep up the good work 👍 Shahin Jafari2025-05-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John was incredibly helpful and handy in getting me into my apartment. He was very skillful and compassionate and opened the lock within 5 minutes. Highly recommend. JoJo Zhou2025-05-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great customer service. Very quick, very helpful and very nice! Mario Sgandurra2025-04-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Showed up on time, quick, clean and efficient work and reasonable price. Jessica2025-04-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John was knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with! I was stuck in a plaza with a 2 year old and called 3 other companies including CAA they all gave me a very long window to wait. So glad I called 770, John was there within the hour and I was very gratefulVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

The Difference Between Rekeying and Replacing a Lock
When you compare lock rekeying to replacement, you’ll notice rekeying focuses on the cylinder core, while replacing means swapping the entire set, from the thumb-turn to the strike plate. Choosing rekeying saves time and cash because you keep existing parts. Replacement gives you fresh hardware, new finishes, and often upgraded features like anti-bump designs.
If you want a style refresh or stronger materials, a full swap might be worth it. But when your goal is quick security updates—like after a lost opener—rekeying is usually smarter and simpler for most folks.
When Should You Rekey or Replace Your Locks?
If you just moved, got a new roommate, or misplaced your opener, lock rekeying is perfect. It instantly cancels any old profiles and gives you fresh control. Landlords and business owners often use it to manage access for tenants or staff without pricey replacements.
On the other hand, if hardware looks worn, jams often, or you crave a design upgrade, installing new gear makes sense. Fresh pieces bring updated style, electronic options, or better durability. Weigh how much time and cash you want to spend when deciding.
Benefits of Choosing Lock Rekey Services
Choosing lock rekey services offers clear wins. Here’s why many people choose this route:
- Budget-friendly: Pay for pins and labor, not a full kit.
- Fast service: Most jobs finish in under an hour.
- Clean and easy: Minimal mess, fewer parts to handle.
Altogether, it’s a simple, low-cost way to boost security.
How a Professional Locksmith Can Help with Rekeying Your Locks
A trained expert brings the right tools and know-how. They can take apart stubborn cylinders, match precise pin sets, and ensure smooth operation. That expertise reduces the risk of damage and speeds up the visit, so you’re back inside quickly.
Beyond that, pros can suggest smart upgrades like bump-resistant cores or keyless systems. They’ll offer honest advice on whether tweaking or replacing makes sense, helping you pick a solution that fits style, budget, and security needs.
Conclusion: Are Lock Rekey Services Right For You?
Lock rekey services shine when you want fast, affordable security updates without a full swap. It’s ideal after moves, lost openers, or when sharing access. But swapping hardware makes sense for worn or dated gear. Now that you know the benefits and differences, you can choose the path that fits your situation best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to re-key or replace locks?
It’s always cheaper to rekey a lock than buy a new one. Rekeying focuses on swapping pins and springs inside the existing cylinder, and you pay only for labor and a new key profile, rather than full hardware replacement or knob swap. So rekeying saves nearly half the cost.
How expensive is it to hire lock rekey services?
Typically, it costs between $15 and $30 per cylinder, labor included. Costs vary with complexity and region. Rekeying a lock often includes cutting and resetting the pins and springs inside your existing lock cylinder. It’s a budget-friendly way to refresh security without full replacement.
Is it safe to rekey lock?
Yes, rekeying a lock is safe when performed by a qualified technician. They disassemble and reassemble the cylinder, replace pins and springs, and verify smooth operation through the keyhole. Rekeyed cylinders work like new, and old keys no longer fit. You can easily set up a master key system.