Rekeying Locks A Guide to Home Security

So, you've heard the term "rekeying," but what does it actually mean when it comes to your locks?

Let's break it down. Rekeying a lock means adjusting the inner workings of your existing lock so that it operates with a brand-new key. This process makes the old key completely useless. It's a fast and budget-friendly way to secure your home without having to rip out and replace all the lock hardware. This makes it an ideal solution when you first move into a new place or if you've unfortunately lost a key.

What Does Rekeying a Lock Actually Mean?

Think of it like resetting the password for your online banking. You don't get rid of your entire bank account and start a new one from scratch, right? You just change the login credentials. Rekeying applies that exact same logic to the physical security of your home. The doorknob, the deadbolt, all the hardware you see on the outside remains the same—you're just changing the "password," which in this case, is the key itself.

This is a simple change, but it provides a massive and immediate security boost. When a locksmith rekeys your lock, they aren’t bolting new hardware onto your door. What they do is carefully take apart your current lock cylinder to get to the tiny pins hidden inside.

The Magic Inside the Lock

Those little pins are the secret. They're arranged in a very specific pattern that perfectly matches the grooves and cuts of your current key. A locksmith will take out these old pins and swap them for a new set, arranged in a totally different combination to fit a new key.

Once the lock is put back together, it's effectively brand new from a security perspective. This small adjustment has some big results:

• Old Keys Are Nullified: Every single old key—whether it belonged to the previous homeowner, a former tenant, or a neighbour you gave a spare to—is instantly useless. They simply won't turn in the lock anymore.
• Security is Restored: You regain total control over who can get into your property. You don't have to spend a fortune buying and installing brand new locksets to get that confidence back.
• Convenience is Maintained: The look and feel of your door hardware don't change at all. There's no need to hunt for matching metal finishes or worry about drilling new holes in your door.

This is absolutely vital for anyone moving into a new home. You can never truly know how many copies of the original key are floating around out there. Rekeying wipes the slate clean and gives you immediate peace of mind.

At the end of the day, once you get how rekeying works, you see it's not a second-best option. It's a clever, precise security measure. It tackles the single biggest risk—stray keys—without the hassle and expense of a complete hardware replacement. It’s the right tool for a very specific, and very common, job.

When Rekeying Is the Smartest Security Move

So, now that you know what rekeying is, the big question becomes: when does it actually make sense? It’s easy to think that completely replacing your locks is the only way to go, but honestly, rekeying locks is often the smarter, faster, and more budget-friendly choice. It all comes down to knowing when this specific fix is the right tool for the job.

Certain life events are practically screaming for a rekey. These are the moments when your lock hardware is working just fine, but you've lost track of who might have a key.

Prime Scenarios for Rekeying Your Locks

Moving into a new home is, without a doubt, the number one reason to rekey. Think about it. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the old key are floating around out there—left with former owners, neighbours, dog walkers, or contractors. A quick rekey makes every single one of those old keys instantly useless. It gives you a completely fresh start and total control over your new home’s security right from day one.

Losing a key is another classic trigger. That sinking feeling when you realise your house key is gone can be intense. Instead of tearing out the entire lock, a locksmith can rekey it in minutes, making that lost key obsolete and giving you back your peace of mind. The same goes for breakups or when a roommate moves out; rekeying ensures a former partner can't just walk back in.

For landlords and property managers, rekeying isn't just a good idea—it's a crucial part of the job.

Between tenants, rekeying is a fast and efficient way to secure the property for the next person moving in. It’s a smart, cost-effective operational expense that helps you meet your responsibility to provide a safe home and can protect you from liability down the road.

This logic extends directly to business security. When an employee leaves the company, especially if the departure wasn't on the best of terms, rekeying the locks is an absolute must. It closes the door on any potential for unauthorized entry by former staff who didn't return their key.

The Big Advantages of Choosing to Rekey

The perks of rekeying aren't just about security; they also offer some fantastic practical benefits for any homeowner.

• Significant Cost Savings: Rekeying is almost always cheaper than buying and installing brand-new locks. You’re paying for a locksmith’s expertise and a tiny set of pins, not a whole new piece of hardware for every door.
• Speed and Efficiency: A professional can rekey a typical lock in about 15 minutes. For an entire house, the job is often done within an hour, so it barely disrupts your day.
• Convenience of a Single Key: This one is a game-changer for daily life. If your locks are all from the same manufacturer, a locksmith can rekey them to work with a single, unified key. Imagine getting rid of that heavy, cluttered keychain for just one key that opens the front door, the back door, and the garage.

At the end of the day, rekeying is the perfect fix when your lock hardware is in great shape, but your control over the keys isn't. It's a precise, efficient, and wallet-friendly security upgrade for many of life's most common transitions.

How the Lock Rekeying Process Works

Ever wondered what a locksmith actually does when they rekey a lock? It might sound like some kind of security magic, but the process is surprisingly mechanical and clever. When you understand the steps, you see why it’s such a smart and effective way to secure your home. It’s less about brute force and much more about fine-tuned precision.

Think of it this way: the heart of your lock is the cylinder, the part where you slide in your key. This cylinder is filled with tiny, spring-loaded pins of different heights. When you insert the correct key, its unique grooves and cuts lift those pins to a perfectly straight line, allowing the cylinder to turn and unlock the door.

When a locksmith rekeys that lock, they’re essentially changing the internal code. They rearrange the pins so that your old key no longer works, and only a brand-new key can create that perfect alignment.

Deconstructing and Rebuilding Your Lock

First things first, the locksmith needs to carefully take the lock cylinder out of the doorknob or deadbolt. This takes special tools and a delicate hand to make sure none of your door hardware gets scratched or damaged. Once the cylinder is out, the real work can get underway.

Using a specific tool called a plug follower, the locksmith gently pushes the inner part of the cylinder (the plug) out of its housing. This is a crucial move. It's done to prevent the tiny upper pins and springs from shooting out all over the place. A steady hand is everything here; if even one of those tiny parts goes missing, the lock is toast. With the plug safely removed, the old bottom pins—the ones matched to your old key—are simply tipped out and set aside.

The infographic below gives you a great visual of how the lock cylinder is put back together with a completely new key and pin combination.

As you can see, it's all about precision. The new pins have to be placed just right to match the cuts on the new key.

Installing the New Pins for a New Key

With a clean slate, the locksmith takes your new key and inserts it into the now-empty plug. They then reach for their pinning kit—a handy little organizer box full of pins in various standardized lengths. One by one, new bottom pins are carefully dropped into the chambers of the plug.

The height of each new pin is chosen to correspond exactly with the depth of the cut on the key directly beneath it. Once all the new pins are in, their tops should form a perfectly flat surface right at the edge of the plug. This creates the new "shear line" that allows the lock to turn.

The success of rekeying a lock hinges entirely on this precise alignment. If even one pin is the wrong size, the new key won't turn. Worse, the lock could become faulty and much easier to pick. This is where a professional’s experience really pays off.

Finally, it's time to put it all back together. The locksmith slides the newly pinned plug back into the cylinder sleeve, again using the plug follower to keep everything in place. They re-engage the springs and secure the entire cylinder back into the lock on your door. The last step is to test the new key multiple times, making sure it turns smoothly and, most importantly, that the old key is now just a useless piece of metal. The whole process is a fantastic example of how tiny, precise changes can completely reset your home’s security.

Comparing the Costs: Rekeying vs. Replacing

When you need to change your locks, you’re faced with two main choices: rekeying or a full replacement. Both get the job done by making old keys useless, but they hit your wallet in very different ways. Getting a handle on these financial differences is crucial for making a smart security decision that doesn't break the bank.

Let’s cut to the chase: rekeying your locks is almost always the more budget-friendly option. It’s a simple but effective fix. Because you're keeping your existing lock hardware—the deadbolts and doorknobs you already have—you’re only paying for a locksmith's time and the inexpensive new pins that go inside. No new hardware, no big expense.

Breaking Down the Numbers

So, what does this look like in real dollars? For most homeowners, the cost difference is significant. A professional locksmith can typically rekey a lock for $50 to $100. It’s a quick job, too, often taking a skilled technician just 15 minutes per lock.

On the other hand, completely replacing a lock is a much bigger investment. You could be looking at anywhere from $130 to over $500 per lock, especially if you opt for high-quality hardware. The labour also takes longer, which adds to the final bill. When you do the math for multiple doors—like the front, back, and garage—the savings from rekeying really start to add up.

The core reason for the price difference is simple: rekeying is a service, while replacing is a service plus a product. You avoid the markup on new lock hardware, which can be the most expensive part of the job.

A Clear Financial Comparison

To really see the difference, let’s compare the costs side-by-side. Imagine you need to secure a typical house with three exterior door locks.

Cost Comparison: Rekeying vs. Replacing a Lock

As you can see from the numbers, choosing to rekey can easily save you 50% or more. It delivers the same peace of mind for a fraction of the cost.

So, when does it make sense to replace a lock instead? The answer is straightforward: only when your existing locks are broken, worn out, or you’re ready for a serious security upgrade. If your hardware is still in good shape, rekeying is the smarter, more economical path every time. For a deeper dive, you can learn about the optimal timing for upgrading to high-security locks in our detailed guide.

Hiring a Locksmith vs. Using a DIY Kit

When it's time to rekey, you’ll find yourself at a crossroads: do you call in a professional, or do you head to the hardware store for a DIY kit? Both options can get you to the same place—a more secure home—but the path you take involves different costs, challenges, and potential headaches. Your final decision should really come down to your own skills, the type of locks you have, and how comfortable you are tinkering with your home’s first line of defence.

For most homeowners, bringing in a professional locksmith is the path of least resistance. You're not just paying for the service; you're paying for experience. An expert has seen it all and can rekey a standard lock in about 15 minutes, getting the job done right the first time. That speed and reliability are huge, especially if you need your locks changed quickly.

Plus, a pro stands by their work. If there's an issue with the rekeyed lock, they'll come back and fix it. This kind of guarantee is priceless, particularly when dealing with high-security locks, electronic systems, or finicky old hardware that doesn't tolerate mistakes. If you decide to go this route, it pays to learn how to find an affordable locksmith near you so you get top-notch service without breaking the bank.

The Allure and Risks of DIY Rekeying

On the flip side, there's the appeal of the DIY rekeying kit. For the hands-on type, this can seem like a great weekend project. The biggest draw is definitely the cost. You can often buy a kit that covers several locks for less than what you’d pay a locksmith for a single service call. There's also a certain satisfaction that comes from securing your own home.

But this path isn't for the faint of heart. Rekeying requires a steady hand and a good deal of patience. One tiny mistake—like a pin put in the wrong chamber or a spring that flies across the room, never to be seen again—can completely ruin the lock. Worse, you could damage it in a way that makes it easier for someone to bypass, not harder.

An incorrectly rekeyed lock creates a dangerous false sense of security. It might seem to turn just fine, but a subtle internal error could leave your home vulnerable, and you'd never know until it was too late.

Making the Right Decision for You

So, what's the right call for your situation? Think of it this way: a DIY kit might be a good fit if, and only if, you have very common lock brands (like Schlage or Kwikset), you’re genuinely comfortable with small, precise mechanical work, and you're mentally prepared to buy a whole new lock if you mess up.

For just about everyone else, calling a professional is the smarter, safer bet. Here in Canada, professional rekeying is an incredibly common and affordable service for both homes and businesses. With a typical cost ranging from $50 to $100 per lock, many people find the peace of mind is well worth the price—especially when you consider a full lock replacement could run you upwards of $500. Ultimately, hiring an expert takes all the guesswork out of the equation and ensures your home's security is in good hands.

Common Questions About Rekeying Locks

Even after you get the hang of what rekeying is, it’s completely normal to have a few more questions pop up. Choosing how to secure your home is a big decision, and you want to have all the facts straight before you commit. We’ve pulled together some of the most common things homeowners ask to help you fill in the blanks.

Think of this as the final piece of the puzzle. We'll clear up any lingering doubts with practical, straightforward answers—from which locks can actually be rekeyed to what on earth you should do when a key goes missing. Let's get you the details you need to move forward with confidence.

Can All Types of Locks Be Rekeyed?

This is easily one of the most common—and important—questions we hear. The good news? The vast majority of standard locks on homes today can be rekeyed without a problem. This includes most deadbolts and knob locks from well-known brands like Schlage, Weiser, and Kwikset. If your hardware is from a common manufacturer, it's almost certainly a perfect candidate for rekeying.

That said, not every lock is built the same. Some high-security locks with complex, patented mechanisms or very old, obscure models might not be rekeyable. In those rare situations, a full replacement becomes the only real option. The surefire way to know is to have a professional locksmith take a look at your specific hardware.

What if I Have Lost the Original Key?

Losing a key is a real pain, and it’s often the very reason people look into rekeying in the first place. A common worry is that without the original key, the lock is a lost cause. Thankfully, that’s not the case. While having the original key definitely makes a locksmith's job quicker and easier, a skilled technician can absolutely rekey a lock without it.

The process is a bit more involved; it requires picking the lock to turn the cylinder, which then allows it to be removed. This extra step takes a specialized skill set and might bump up the service cost slightly, but it gets the job done and secures your home. It’s definitely a task for the pros—trying to rekey a lock yourself without the original key is a recipe for frustration.

If you ever find yourself locked out entirely, remember there are immediate steps you can take. For those in the GTA, knowing who to call is key; you can learn more about what to do if you’re locked out in Etobicoke in our guide.

How Does Rekeying Work for Smart Locks?

The boom in smart locks has introduced a cool new layer to home security, but the basic principles often stay the same. Many smart locks are actually hybrids, offering electronic access (like a keypad or your phone) alongside a traditional keyhole for backup.

That mechanical keyway can be rekeyed just like any standard lock. A locksmith can change the internal pins so that a new physical key works, without touching the electronic side of things at all. It’s crucial to remember that rekeying the physical lock doesn't affect the digital access. To truly secure a smart lock, you need to do both:

• Rekey the physical lock cylinder to make any old, stray keys useless.
• Update the digital access by going into the lock's app or software to delete old user codes, fingerprints, or guest permissions.

Tackling it from both angles ensures both the physical and digital doors to your home are locked down tight.

Feeling more confident about rekeying? If you need fast, reliable, and professional locksmith services in the Greater Toronto Area, My Locksmiths is here to help. Our expert technicians can handle any rekeying job, ensuring your home is secure and giving you total peace of mind.

Secure your home today with our expert rekeying services

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