How to Rekey a Door Lock: Secure Your Property Fast
Published Date: Oct 30, 2025
The crew just finished your kitchen remodel, and you realize the spare you gave them never made it back. Don’t panic — you can quickly regain control over who can enter without changing the look of your hardware. That’s exactly why people rekey locks: the pins inside the cylinder are reset to match a new key, so old copies stop working while your hardware stays put and curb appeal doesn’t change. In this guide, Sure Lock & Key breaks down how to rekey a door lock, when it’s the better choice than replacement, and what to expect from a quick professional visit.
Need more information?
Get a free quote
Rekey Locks: What Does It Actually Mean?
People often mix up rekeying and replacing. Replacing means installing a brand-new lock. Rekeying is like changing the password for your door. A locksmith adjusts the small pins (or tumblers) inside your existing lock cylinder. Once reset, a new key is cut to match the updated pin combination. The old key can’t lift the pins to the correct height, so the plug won’t turn. This is an ideal way to change door key access without the expense of new hardware. If you’re weighing your options, it’s worth learning how to choose between rekeying and replacing.
When to Rekey Door Lock Hardware
A lock rekeying service is a fast way to reset access without changing your hardware, but knowing when to rekey is just as important as knowing how. Consider it in these situations:
- Moving into a new home: You don’t know how many copies are out there from previous owners, contractors, or real estate agents.
- Lost or unreturned keys: Even if someone finds them, it’s safer to rekey right away.
- Tenant turnover: Property managers and landlords should rekey between occupants to protect new tenants.
- After a breakup or roommate change: Make sure former occupants can’t come back with an old key.
- One-key convenience: A locksmith can rekey compatible locks to one new key and lighten your keyring.
Not sure about timing? Our guide on how often you should rekey your home breaks down simple rules of thumb for different scenarios.
The Professional Process: A Lock Rekeying Service Step-by-Step
So, how to rekey a door lock? If you want it done right, a locksmith rekey service is the way to go. If you’ve wondered what the visit looks like, here’s the process, step by step.
- Remove the lock: The locksmith takes the knob or deadbolt off the door to access the cylinder.
- Access the cylinder: Using a retaining clip (or a retaining tool, depending on the lock), they remove the cylinder (the part your key slides into) from the housing.
- Remove the old pins: With a follower tool, the inner plug is pushed out carefully, exposing the tiny pins and springs matched to the old key.
- Insert new pins: The old pins are discarded, and a new pin set is installed to match a freshly cut key.
- Reassemble and test: The cylinder is reassembled and lightly lubricated, then reinstalled. The new key is tested several times, and the old key is checked to confirm it no longer turns the plug.
Why Hire a Professional Locksmith Rekey Service for Home & Business
You discover a spare key is missing after a contractor’s visit and think, “I’ll grab a kit and do it myself.” That’s where DIY can go sideways. Using the wrong-size pins, which are tiny and easy to lose, or failing to align the cylinder correctly, can permanently damage the lock. You might end up needing a full replacement, which costs more than a locksmith rekey service.
A professional has the right tools and a universal pin kit to handle different brands. They can spot other issues, like a worn-out bolt or a misaligned strike plate, and fix them on the spot. For a simple, reliable solution, calling a home locksmith is the best choice.
The same applies to businesses. Commercial rekeying is standard practice after employee turnover, especially for managers or keyholders, and when you’re setting up a master key system. With a well-planned hierarchy, an owner’s grand master key can open every door while a manager’s key opens only what’s needed. It’s organized access — not shared keys — and it keeps accountability clear. If you manage property, a locksmith for business can design a system that gives you precise control over who goes where.
Your Security is Our Priority
Knowing how to rekey a door lock is a powerful way to manage your property’s security. The concept is simple, but the work calls for precision. For most homeowners and property managers, the quickest, most reliable path is to hire a professional locksmith rekey service. From single doors to whole buildings, Sure Lock & Key tackles rekeying every day and does it right the first time, so you can relax. Have questions or need locksmith services? Reach out anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take a professional to rekey a lock?
An experienced locksmith can typically rekey a door lock in 10-15 minutes. The process is fast and won’t disrupt your day.
Is it more affordable to rekey or replace locks?
Rekeying is almost always more affordable than replacing the entire lock because you are only paying for the service and new keys, not brand-new hardware.
Can any lock be rekeyed?
Most standard doorknobs and deadbolts (like Schlage, Kwikset, etc.) can be rekeyed. Some high-security locks, electronic locks, or very old/damaged locks may not be rekeyable and might need to be replaced.
Will I get new keys when I rekey my locks?
Yes. The whole point of a lock rekeying service is to make new keys that operate the lock, which makes all old keys useless.