How Rekeying Works (And Why You Probably Don't Need New Locks)

There is a massive misconception in the security world: If you want to change your keys, you have to buy a brand new lock. This myth costs homeowners and property managers thousands of dollars every year. If you have moved into a new apartment, bought a new house, or simply lost your keyring, you do not need to unscrew your current hardware and throw it in the trash. You just need to have your locks rekeyed.

Here is exactly how the process works and when you should use it.

What is Lock Rekeying?

Standard deadbolts and doorknobs operate using a "pin and tumbler" system. Inside the lock cylinder, there is a series of tiny brass pins of varying lengths. When you insert the correct key, the ridges on the key lift the pins to a perfectly uniform line (called the shear line), allowing the lock cylinder to turn.

When you hire a professional to rekey your locks, the locksmith uses specialized tools to extract the cylinder from the lock housing. They remove the old brass pins and insert a brand-new mathematical combination of pins that perfectly matches a freshly cut key.

The moment the new pins are inserted, every old key that used to open the door instantly becomes useless.

Why is Rekeying Better Than Replacing?

1. It is Highly Cost-Effective: If you have expensive, matching decorative hardware on your front door, throwing it away to buy a new $200 lockset is a waste of money. Rekeying utilizes your existing hardware, meaning you only pay for the locksmith's labor and the tiny brass pins.

2. Ultimate Convenience (One Key for Everything): If your front door, back door, and garage door all use different keys, it is incredibly annoying. A residential locksmith can rekey all of your locks to match the exact same key—provided they are all the same brand (e.g., all Schlage or all Kwikset).

When Should You Rekey Your Locks?

• Moving into a New Home: On closing day, you have no idea how many spare keys the previous owners gave to dog walkers, babysitters, or contractors. Rekey the house immediately.
• Tenant Turnover: Landlords should rekey apartments between every lease to protect the incoming tenants from previous renters.
• Lost or Stolen Keys: If your purse or wallet is stolen with your keys inside, your address is likely compromised. Have your locks rekeyed the same day.

If your locks are deeply rusted or physically broken, replacement is necessary. But if they operate smoothly and you simply want to regain control over who has access to your property, rekeying is the smartest, fastest, and most affordable solution.

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Citation & Security Fact: The National Association of Realtors (NAR) strongly advises that changing access via lock rekeying should be the number one security priority for homebuyers within the first 24 hours of taking possession of a new property.