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Lock Rekey

Rekey locks without replacing them · One key for every door

Lock rekeying

Same locks, new keys, old keys retired.

  • Old keys stop working
  • Several doors on one key
  • Hardware stays in place
Locksmith replacing pin tumblers in a removed lock cylinder

To rekey locks, a locksmith takes the cylinder apart and swaps its pin tumblers for a new set matched to a new key. The lock body, finish and deadbolt stay on the door; only the key changes. It's the usual step after buying a home, losing a key or a tenant moving out, and we do it for homes and businesses across Los Angeles County.

A rekey only makes sense when the lock is in good shape. If the cylinder is worn or the hardware damaged, a lock change is the better call. Need extra copies of the new key afterward? That's key duplication. Businesses that need different access levels should look at a master key system.

Moved in or lost a key?

Count your exterior doors before you call, including the garage entry and any gates.

(562) 534-1992

Lock rekey services

Doing every exterior door in the same visit is the point: one missed lock leaves the old key useful.

Home rekeying

Front, back, garage entry and gate locks rekeyed to a new key.

Keyed alike

Locks that share a keyway set to one key, so a single key opens every door.

Rental turnover rekeys

Locks rekeyed between tenants so the last occupant's keys no longer work.

Business rekeying

Office and storefront cylinders rekeyed after staff changes or lost keys.

Rekey or change the lock?

01

Rekey when…

The lock works smoothly, you like how it looks, and the only problem is who has keys.

02

Change when…

The lock is worn, damaged or low grade, or you want a different style, a smart lock or a higher-security cylinder.

When to rekey your locks

Rekeying is worth booking when:

  • You bought or moved into a homeYou can't account for every key the previous owners handed out.
  • A key was lost or stolenEspecially if it was on a ring with anything showing your address.
  • A tenant, roommate or employee leftKeys get copied, so collecting the original isn't enough.
  • Your key ring is out of controlRekey the doors to one key and retire the extras.
  • A contractor or cleaner no longer needs accessTake back access without buying new hardware.

Safety first. A rekey won't fix a weak lock or a split door frame. If someone forced entry, have the frame, strike plate and deadbolt checked before relying on new keys.

Why people rekey with us

Pins, not parts

The pins inside the cylinder are changed and your existing hardware stays on the door.

Every door covered

Garage entry, back door and gate are included so no old key still works anywhere.

Count confirmed first

The tech confirms the number of cylinders and the price with you before starting.

Call any time

Keys lost late at night? Phones are answered 24/7.

★★★★★Save on locksmith service

Current offers

Mention an offer when you call. One offer per visit.

Sample offers pending owner approval. Offers can't be combined. Ask the locksmith for details.

FAQs

Lock Rekey FAQs

What does it mean to rekey a lock?

Inside a pin tumbler cylinder are small pins of different lengths that line up when the right key is inserted. Rekeying replaces those pins with a new set cut to match a new key. The lock looks exactly the same, but every old key stops working.

Is rekeying better than replacing locks?

It depends on the hardware. Rekeying uses the lock you already own, so you're paying for labor and pins rather than new hardware. Replacing is the better choice when the lock is worn, damaged or a low grade, or when you want a different style or a smart lock.

Can all my locks be rekeyed to one key?

If they share the same keyway, yes. Many homes have a mix of brands, and a key from one won't enter the other. In that case, the tech can swap a cylinder or suggest changing one lock so everything runs on a single key. Have all your current keys on hand.

Can smart locks be rekeyed?

Many smart locks with a key backup use a standard cylinder that can be rekeyed like any other. It's worth doing, because the physical key bypasses the keypad entirely. Change the user codes and app access at the same time so every way in is under your control.

Should landlords rekey between tenants?

It's good practice. Former tenants may have made copies, and there's no way to confirm every key came back. Rekeying between tenancies gives the new tenant keys that only they and the owner hold, and it's simpler than swapping hardware at every turnover.

Do I need to be home for a rekey?

Someone with authority over the property needs to be there to show ID and proof of ownership or a lease, and to give the tech access to each lock. For rentals, the owner or property manager typically arranges the visit and is present or reachable.

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Areas we serve

Choose your city.

The shop is in Lakewood, and the locksmith works in the cities around it every week. Pick your city, or call and say where you are.

16 listed service areas. marks a shop location. Call to confirm availability for your address.

Our shop

Locked out right now?

Call (562) 534-1992. A locksmith answers 24 hours a day.

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