Lock Rekey Cost

Last Updated on December 29, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

The process of taking a lock and rekeying it in order to accept a new key is called simply rekeying. This job is very common around homes and businesses as well because it is much cheaper to rekey a lock instead of installing a new one on each door. In general, people choose to rekey a lock when the owner changes.

How Much Does it Cost to Rekey Locks?

The cost of re-keying a lock depends on some factors such as the locksmith you are going to hire to do this job, the geographical location, and the number of doors that have to be done.

In general, a locksmith will charge a minimum service fee to come to your house that is anywhere between $40 and $80, depending on the traveled distance.  At the lower end will be the distances that will be at less than 30 minutes away, while the trips that will take more than 30 minutes will be the most expensive.

After this minimum service fee is applied, you will have to pay anywhere between $15 and $35 for each cylinder which must be re-keyed, depending on the model of the lock. You will have to pay only around $15 per lock, without the service fee, if you are able to take off the locks and take them directly to the locksmith. For example, you can rekey a lock at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Though, according to some online reports, these stores will rekey your locks only if you buy them from them. At the same time, there are people who say that they paid anywhere between $10 and $15 for each lock.

Mark’s Locksmith located in Beaverton, Oregon charges anywhere between $45 and $55 for the minimum service fee plus more than $15 for each lock.

Rekeying a lock details

The locksmith will disassemble every lock that must be dealt with during the rekeying process. If it is necessary, he will be able to also make a master key with which you will be able to open all the locks from your home that were re-keyed. He will do it by removing the springs and pins from the cylinders inside and replacing them with new springs and pins which will be compatible with the new key.

You might also like our articles about the cost to use MinuteKey, to copy a key at Lowe’s, or cut a key at Ace Hardware.

Every lock can be re-keyed unless it is not working properly. The average time for each lock is ten minutes.

What are the extra costs?

You will have to pay anywhere between $7 and $10 for every extra key and another $5 to $7 for each key that says “do not duplicate” or cannot be duplicated.

Expect to pay much more if you want to rekey a motorcycle or automobile compared with what you have to pay for re-keying a home. However, you should know that due to the complexity of this job some locksmiths will not perform this service.

There will be extra fees applied if you need to have the process done within 24 hours.

 

How can I save money?

Rekeying a LockTake into consideration purchasing a Smart Key Kwikset. This features a self-reloading key technology that makes rekeying your locks easier than ever. The kit includes all the tools you’ll need and it can even help change out old keys for new ones if needed. For the locks, you will have to pay around $35, and for the re-keying set only $10. Also, the good thing about these locks is that you’ll never need to worry about your locks breaking easily. They’re so tough that even some of the smartest thieves won’t be able to break through them.

It would be cheaper to purchase a deadbolt kit if one lock must be replaced. Such a kit costs only around $35 and installing a deadbolt is actually easy. If you don’t know how to do it there are many online tutorials and videos that may help you.

Take into consideration looking for a contractor’s pack if buying a lock and deadbolt is considered a bulk purchase.

Look for at least three price offers and compare the costs and what is included in each of them. In the end, go for the one that is the most advantageous for you.

If you are one of those people that like the DIY jobs, there are many rekeying lock kits that can be purchased online at prices that start at $15. For example, you will have to pay around $15 for the popular Defiant rekey kit.

Alec Pow
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