What does rekeying a lock actually involve for a homeowner?
Rekeying means a locksmith changes the inside of each lock so it works with a new key and the old keys stop working. The locks stay on the doors, and you end up with one new key that fits every exterior lock, plus copies for everyone in your household.
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The one thing that can change this is the condition of the hardware. If a lock is worn, damaged or a mismatched type that cannot be matched to the others, the locksmith will usually suggest replacing that lock instead of rekeying it.
Why rekey after moving in
When you take over a home, you cannot know who still holds a working key. A previous owner, a contractor, a former tenant or a letting agent may have one, and the number of copies is unknowable. Rekeying settles the question: once the locks are done, every earlier key is useless.
It also tidies up daily life. Instead of a ring with a different key for the front door, back door and garage side door, the locksmith can set every exterior lock to one key. That includes any gate or shed lock you want included.
The summer moving season is when this work stacks up, so it is worth booking rather than leaving it until later.
What you can do before the locksmith arrives
- Walk the property and list every lockCount the front and back doors, the garage side door, and any gate, shed or outbuilding lock. A full list lets the locksmith give you a complete estimate.
- Note any lock that feels wornA key that sticks, a handle that wobbles or a lock that turns stiffly may be better replaced than rekeyed. Mention these when you call.
- Decide how many keys you needThink about everyone in the household who needs a key, and whether you want spares for a trusted neighbour or relative.
- Gather proof that you live thereA driver's licence with the address, a lease or a utility bill all work. The locksmith will ask for identification and proof that you are entitled to the property.
When to call a locksmith
Rekeying is work for a locksmith, not a do-it-yourself job, because it involves taking each lock apart and setting it up again so that it still works smoothly. Call as soon as you have moved in, or sooner if you already have the keys and want the locks changed before the first night. To arrange a visit with an independent locksmith, call (866) 690-5848.
One Call Locksmiths is a referral and scheduling service, so the locksmith does the work, not us. Every job comes with a free estimate. The locksmith looks at your locks, gives you the price, and work begins only after you agree to it. As on any visit to a home, the locksmith will ask for identification and proof that you are entitled to the property before working on its locks. Locksmith licensing varies by state, so check with your state or city if you want to know what applies where you live.
What the locksmith will do
- Rekey every exterior lock to one new keyEach lock is reset so the same new key fits front, back and side doors. The old keys no longer work in them.
- Replace locks that are worn or mismatchedWhere a lock is too worn to rekey well, or cannot be matched to the rest, the locksmith can fit a new one that works with your key.
- Include the garage side door, gates and shedsTell the locksmith about every lock you want covered so they all work with the same key.
- Cut keys for the householdYou leave with a working key for each person who needs one, and each is tested in the lock.
Related questions
- Is rekeying the same as changing the locks?
- Not quite. Rekeying keeps the existing lock hardware and changes how it works with keys. Changing a lock means fitting a new one. Which suits you depends on the condition of the lock and what you want from it.
- Will my old keys still work after rekeying?
- No. Once a lock is rekeyed, the old keys no longer work in it, including any copies you do not know about. Only the new keys will.
- What affects the cost of rekeying a home?
- The main factors are the number of locks, the type of each lock, whether any need replacing, how many keys you want cut and the time of day of the visit. The estimate is free, and the price is agreed before any work starts.
- Do I need to be home while it is done?
- Plan on it. The locksmith will ask for identification and proof that you are entitled to the property, and you will want to receive the new keys and check that they work.
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