SoCal 24/7 Locksmith team
Previous owners, tenants, contractors, cleaners, a dog walker from three years ago: any of them might still hold a key. Schlage puts it plainly in its own guidance, recommending that you replace or rekey all your locks when moving into a new home because previous occupants may still have keys.
This guide explains how rekeying works, when it makes sense to rekey the locks you already have, and when replacing them is the better call.
What rekeying actually does
A standard pin-tumbler cylinder holds stacks of tiny pins cut to varying lengths. Your key lifts them to exactly the right height so the cylinder can turn. Rekeying swaps those pins for a new set that matches a new key.
- Old keys stop working. Every copy floating around becomes useless.
- The hardware stays. Same knob, same deadbolt, same finish on the door.
- New keys are cut to match the new pin set.
Rekeying doesn't make a lock stronger. It changes who can open it, not how well it resists force.
Rekey or replace: how to decide
| Your situation | Rekey | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Locks work well and you like the look | Yes | Not needed |
| You want one key for every door | Often, if the locks share a keyway | If the brands don't match |
| Lock sticks, wobbles or barely latches | Won't fix it | Yes |
| You want a stronger or graded deadbolt | Won't upgrade it | Yes |
| You want keypad or app access | Not possible | Yes, with a smart lock |
| Hardware is visibly damaged after a break-in | No | Yes |
A mix of brands on the same house is common after a few owners. Different brands usually take different keys, which limits how far rekeying alone can get you toward one key.
Signs it's time to replace instead
Schlage's guidance on replacing door locks lists a lock that doesn't latch or lock properly as a reason to replace. It also points out that sticking can come from the door or frame rather than the lock, so it's worth adjusting those first.
- A deadbolt that only locks if you push or pull the door at the same time.
- A key that has to be jiggled or forced to turn.
- Loose or cracked trim, or a knob that spins without catching.
- Hardware you'd like to upgrade anyway, such as an older knob lock with no deadbolt.
If you're upgrading, our lock replacement service covers swapping old hardware for new.
Can you rekey a lock yourself?
Some locks are designed for it. Kwikset's SmartKey Security cylinders, for example, can be rekeyed by the owner. Kwikset describes three steps using the current working key, the SmartKey tool and the new key, without taking the lock off the door.
Where DIY stops
- Kwikset says that if you've lost the current key, you should contact a builder, a locksmith or Kwikset Support.
- Kwikset also notes that the SmartKey cylinder can't be master-keyed, and only one key cut works at a time.
- Standard pin-tumbler locks without a rekey feature need the cylinder taken apart and repinned, which is locksmith work.
The locks people forget
Front and back doors get rekeyed. The smaller locks around a property often don't, and previous owners may still have keys to them too.
- The garage-to-house entry door. It's an exterior door in practice, even if it doesn't feel like one.
- Side gates and shed padlocks. Cheap padlocks are usually easier to replace than to rekey.
- The mailbox lock, especially on a cluster box where the building or HOA may handle it.
- Sliding door and window locks with keyed cylinders.
Add these to your list before the visit so they're handled in the same trip.
A move-in lock checklist
- Count every exterior door, including the garage entry door and any side gate locks.
- Note the brand stamped on each lock face.
- Check that each deadbolt fully extends and turns smoothly.
- Decide which doors you want on a single key.
- Ask for the garage door opener codes and any keypad codes to be reset too.
- Rekey or replace before the first night, if you can.
If the home came with a keypad or app-connected lock, a rekey of the backup cylinder doesn't remove old codes or user accounts. Reset the lock to factory settings or delete every code you didn't create.
Getting it done
A typical move-in visit covers every exterior lock in one trip. Tell us how many doors you have and which brands are on them, and the tech will go over the options, and what each will cost, with you on site before starting.
Book a rekey visit anywhere in our LA County service area, or call (562) 534-1992.
Need it fixed?
Lock Rekey across Los Angeles County
A Lakewood locksmith shop covering Los Angeles County, with calls answered around the clock.
Frequently asked questions
Is rekeying cheaper than replacing locks?
Rekeying keeps your existing hardware and only changes the pins, so there's no new lockset to buy. The tech will go over the price for your specific locks on site before starting.
Can every lock be rekeyed?
Most standard pin-tumbler locks can. Locks that are worn, damaged or poorly made are better replaced, since rekeying doesn't fix mechanical problems.
Can I get one key for all my doors?
Often, yes, if the locks share a keyway. A house with mixed brands may need one or two locks replaced to get everything on a single key.
Does rekeying reset a smart lock?
No. Rekeying changes the backup key cylinder only. Old keypad codes and app users must be deleted separately, or the lock reset to factory settings.
