Lock Rekeying
Change who can open your lock without replacing the hardware. Rekeying is fast, affordable, and the smart move when you move or lose a key.
About this service
Rekeying means changing the internal pins of your existing lock so old keys no longer work. It is faster and less expensive than full lock replacement, and it makes sense whenever you move into a new home, after a tenant moves out, if you lose a key, or after a breakup or roommate change. We rekey Kwikset, Schlage, and most other residential locks and can key multiple locks alike so one key opens everything.
What you get
- Faster and less involved than full lock replacement
- Old keys immediately stop working
- Multiple locks keyed alike on one visit
- Works with most residential lock brands
- Great choice when moving into a new home
Related Services
Residential Locksmith
Locked out of your home, need a lock rekeyed, or want a smart lock installed? Our residential locksmiths handle lockouts, rekeying, lock replacement and repair, deadbolts, smart locks, and gate locks.
Lock Replacement
Old, damaged, or low-quality locks put your home at risk. We replace residential locks with properly installed hardware that actually works.
Lock Repair
Sticky, loose, or damaged lock? We diagnose and repair residential locks before they become a real problem.
Common Causes of Lock Rekeying
Moving into a new home
You rarely know how many key copies exist for a home you just bought or rented, which makes rekeying the most common move-in task.
Tenant move-out
Landlords rekey between tenants as standard practice so a previous renter's key no longer works.
Lost or stolen key
If a key goes missing and you don't know where it ended up, rekeying closes that risk without replacing the hardware.
Breakup or roommate change
When someone with a key moves out and shouldn't have access anymore, rekeying is the quickest way to restore control.
Wanting one key for every lock
Homes with mismatched locks from different renovations or additions can be rekeyed alike so a single key works everywhere.
A service provider or contractor had a spare key
Once a project wraps up, many homeowners rekey rather than track down every copy that was handed out.
Divorce or separation requiring a change in who has access
When a shared home changes hands between partners, rekeying is the standard way to make sure a former resident's key no longer works.
A property manager standardizing keys across units
Multi-unit owners sometimes rekey several properties to the same key system for easier management, separate from any single lockout or turnover event.
Wanting to remove a spare key given to a neighbor or friend
A key handed out years ago for plant-watering or pet-sitting is easy to forget about until a homeowner decides to formally close that access.
The Risks of DIY Lock Rekeying
Rekeying kits require precise pin alignment
Each pin chamber needs the exact right pin size in the exact right order — one misplaced pin and the cylinder won't turn at all.
Small springs and pins are easy to lose
The internal components are tiny, and losing even one during disassembly can leave the lock unusable until replaced.
Reassembly mistakes can jam the lock
A cylinder put back together incorrectly can bind or lock up, sometimes requiring the whole unit to be drilled out.
No way to verify the job beyond trial and error
Without the right pinning kit and gauge, you're relying on repeated key tests rather than confirmed correct pinning.
Mismatched pin sizes can create a false sense of security
A key that turns doesn't always mean the old key is fully locked out — improper pinning can leave a lock more vulnerable than before.
Voiding a lock's warranty
Opening a cylinder without manufacturer-approved parts or process can void the hardware's warranty coverage.
Rekeying the wrong cylinder type without checking compatibility
Not every lock brand uses the same pinning system, and attempting to rekey an incompatible cylinder with a generic kit can damage the mechanism.
Skipping the tension wrench step during disassembly
Removing the plug without holding proper tension can let the driver pins fall out of order, turning a simple rekey into a full teardown.
Assuming all locks in the house use the same pin kit
Different lock ages or manufacturers in the same home sometimes require different pin kits, and using the wrong one leads to a lock that won't turn.
What Affects the Cost
- Lock brand and cylinder type
- Number of locks being rekeyed
- Whether locks are being keyed alike or kept separate
- Condition of the existing hardware
Palmetto State Locksmith vs. DIY vs. Dealership
| Palmetto State Locksmith | DIY | Dealership / Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Tested and confirmed before we leave | Rekeying kits are inexpensive but require careful, patient work | Big-box stores sell kits but don't perform the rekeying |
| Multiple locks keyed alike in one visit | Matching several locks yourself takes trial and error | Not offered as a service |
| Assessment of whether the lock is a good rekeying candidate | No way to know in advance if the lock is too worn to rekey | Not offered as a service |
How it works
- 1
Schedule your visit
Book online or call. Let us know how many locks you need rekeyed and what brand they are.
- 2
On-site assessment
We look at each lock, confirm it is in good condition to rekey, and quote the final price.
- 3
Rekeying the locks
We remove the cylinder, swap the pins, and test the new keys multiple times.
- 4
Key handoff
You get new keys that work and confirmation that old keys will no longer open the locks.
Lock Rekeying: available in your city
Where we work
Lock Rekeying questions
Is rekeying as secure as replacing the lock?
Can you key all my locks alike?
How long does rekeying take?
Ready to talk about lock rekeying?
Quotes are free and there is no obligation.