How to Rekey a Lock (And Why You Should Leave It to a Locksmith)
If you’ve just moved into a new home, had a roommate move out, or lost a set of keys, rekeying your locks is one of the smartest security moves you can make — and one of the most affordable. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Rekeying?
Rekeying means changing the internal pins inside your lock cylinder so that the old key no longer works. Your lock hardware stays the same — only the key pattern changes. A locksmith pins the lock to match a new key in minutes, and your old keys become useless.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Your Locks
| Rekeying | Lock Replacement | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $25–$45 per lock | $85–$150 per lock installed |
| How long it takes | 5–10 minutes/lock | 15–30 minutes/lock |
| Hardware changes? | No — same lock | Yes — new lock |
| Best for | New home, lost keys, roommate | Damaged locks, security upgrade |
When Should You Rekey?
- You just bought or rented a home — you don’t know how many copies of the old key exist
- A roommate, ex-partner, or house cleaner moved out
- You lost your keys
- You want all locks on one key (matched rekeying)
Can You Rekey a Lock Yourself?
Technically yes — DIY rekey kits exist for common brands like Kwikset (SmartKey) and some Schlage locks. However: you need the current working key to start, the kits only work on certain compatible models, and mistakes can leave you with a lock that doesn’t work at all. A locksmith does it in minutes and can handle any brand. At $25–$45 per lock, it’s usually not worth the DIY hassle.
Rekey Service in Boise — We Come to You
We rekey locks throughout Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, and surrounding areas. We bring our equipment to your door — no need to remove locks and drive anywhere. Most houses are done in under an hour.