How Much Does It Cost to Rekey a Lock?

Rekeying is often the practical way to change who can unlock a home or business without replacing serviceable lock hardware. A locksmith changes the cylinder’s internal keying so the old key stops working and a new key operates the lock.

Your complete quote depends on the number and type of cylinders, hardware condition, key system, required keys, property access, and whether repair or replacement is also needed. For a project-specific price, call 215-858-5626 or request rekeying service from Lockman.

Quick Answer: What Does Rekeying Cost in Philadelphia?

Lockman currently publishes these approximate ranges:

The first range may reflect the service’s starting scope, while the per-lock amount accounts for the cylinders included. Because properties and hardware vary, do not calculate a final total from the table without confirming what the quoted base amount and per-cylinder charge cover.

Ask one direct question before booking:

Lockman’s complete Philadelphia locksmith price guide explains that prices are approximate and that the agreed scope should be confirmed before work begins.

What Does Rekeying a Lock Mean?

Most common keyed locks contain a cylinder that recognizes a particular key pattern. During rekeying, the locksmith changes the cylinder’s internal configuration and supplies a key that matches the new configuration. The previous key should no longer operate that cylinder after the work is completed correctly.

Rekeying normally keeps the existing exterior hardware, including the knob, lever, deadbolt, trim, or mortise lock body. That is why it can cost less than replacing an entire working lockset.

Rekeying does not automatically:

• Repair a damaged latch, bolt, door, strike, or frame
• Upgrade the lock’s physical security grade
• Convert incompatible brands to the same key
• Add electronic access, remote control, or audit history
• Correct every problem with worn or failing hardware
• Prevent entry through another door, window, code, or credential

The locksmith should inspect the lock before recommending rekeying. If the hardware is damaged or unsuitable, lock replacement may provide better value.

What Is Included in a Rekeying Quote?

A useful quote should identify the complete scope instead of showing only a low starting number. Ask whether the price includes:

• The service visit
• Inspection of the listed locks
• Rekeying each specified cylinder
• The number of new keys supplied
• Keying compatible locks alike when requested
• Testing every rekeyed lock
• Taxes and other disclosed charges
• Removal or reinstallation of hardware when required
• Disposal or return of replaced parts
• Any warranty on the agreed work

Also ask which conditions could change the quote. Examples include a different cylinder type, hidden damage, incompatible hardware, restricted key systems, missing parts, failed lock bodies, or additional doors not included in the initial request.

The Number of Cylinders Matters More Than the Number of Doors

Customers often count doors, but locksmiths frequently price rekeying by cylinder. One door can contain more than one keyed cylinder.

Examples:

• A front door with a keyed knob and separate deadbolt may have two cylinders.
• A double-cylinder deadbolt has a keyed cylinder on both sides.
• A commercial door may have a rim cylinder, mortise cylinder, key-in-lever cylinder, or multiple controlled openings.
• A gate, garage, mailbox, storage room, or common-area door may add another cylinder.

Before requesting a quote, count each keyhole that you want changed. Send clear photographs of the inside and outside of every affected door. This helps the locksmith identify hardware types and reduces surprises on arrival.

Seven Factors That Affect the Cost to Rekey Locks

1. Residential or Commercial Hardware

Standard residential cylinders are often more straightforward than commercial systems. Commercial doors may use mortise cylinders, rim cylinders, interchangeable cores, restricted keyways, master-key relationships, or heavier-duty hardware.

Lockman’s published commercial rekey pricing is higher than its residential range because the hardware and system requirements can differ. Businesses should use the commercial locksmith service for an accurate scope.

2. Number of Locks and Cylinders

A single lock costs less overall than a property with many cylinders, although the effective cost per lock may change when several compatible locks are completed during one visit. Provide the full count instead of requesting a one-lock estimate and adding doors later.

For apartment buildings, offices, and multi-unit properties, create a door schedule showing the opening, lock type, current key, desired access, and quantity of new keys.

3. Lock Brand and Keyway Compatibility

Locks that look similar may use different keyways and internal components. Different brands generally cannot be assumed to work with one key. Some can be rekeyed individually but cannot be keyed alike without changing compatible cylinders or hardware.

Share photographs of brand markings and both sides of the hardware. Do not post clear images of working key cuts publicly.

4. Standard, High-Security, or Restricted Key Systems

Patented or restricted key systems may require authorized blanks, special records, credentials, or manufacturer-specific procedures. The cost can include controlled keys, specialized cylinders, or system administration.

If a key is stamped “Do Not Duplicate,” that wording alone does not explain the system. Tell the locksmith the exact brand, keyway, card, code, or authorization documents available.

5. Hardware Condition

Rekeying is most economical when the cylinder and lock body are serviceable. Corrosion, worn components, missing screws, bent latches, loose trim, damaged tailpieces, or a misaligned door can require repair or replacement.

If a key has become difficult to turn, mention it before booking. Rekeying changes key access; it does not necessarily solve a mechanical problem elsewhere in the lock or door.

6. New-Key Quantity and Keying Plan

The quote may include a limited number of keys. Additional copies, specialty blanks, restricted keys, or multiple key groups can increase the price.

Decide whether you want:

• One key for all compatible exterior locks
• Different keys for specific doors
• Separate tenant, staff, manager, or maintenance access
• A formal master-key system
• Extra copies for authorized users

Commercial properties needing layered access should request a documented master key system rather than creating an informal collection of duplicate keys.

7. Urgency, Timing, Location, and Access

The property location, service timing, parking, building access, current demand, and urgency can affect availability and the final quote. Describe these conditions during the first call.

Lockman uses flat-rate pricing for the agreed scope rather than hourly billing. Confirm the complete price and any conditions that may change it before dispatch or work begins.

Is It Cheaper to Rekey or Replace Locks?

Rekeying is usually less expensive when existing hardware is compatible, secure enough for the application, and in good working condition. The locksmith changes key access while retaining most of the installed hardware.

Replacement costs more when new hardware, installation, door preparation, or alignment is required, but it may solve problems rekeying cannot address.

Do not replace good hardware solely because someone says every lost key requires a new lock. Conversely, do not rekey a failed lock merely because it appears cheaper. The correct choice depends on condition, compatibility, and security needs.

When Should You Rekey Your House Locks?

Rekeying may make sense when:

• You move into a previously occupied home
• A house key is lost or stolen
• A former tenant, roommate, caregiver, cleaner, or contractor had a key
• You do not know how many key copies exist
• You want compatible doors to work with one key
• You need to separate access between rooms or units
• A key was shared temporarily and not returned
• Property management or ownership changes

If you are currently outside the property, arrange home lockout service first. Entry and rekeying are different services, so make sure both are included when requesting a combined quote.

Should You Rekey a New Home?

Even when a seller, builder, or prior occupant returns every known key, unknown copies may still exist. Previous residents, relatives, agents, contractors, cleaners, pet sitters, and maintenance providers may have received access at different times.

Rekeying compatible exterior locks establishes a new key set without necessarily replacing every lock. Before the appointment:

1. List all exterior doors, gates, garages, and shared access points.
2. Count the cylinders on each opening.
3. Identify locks that are damaged or difficult to operate.
4. Decide which compatible locks should use the same key.
5. Decide how many new keys are required.
6. Confirm whether any property-association or rental rules apply.

A residential locksmith can inspect the hardware and separate rekeyable locks from those that need repair or replacement.

Residential Rekeying Versus Commercial Rekeying

Residential projects often involve a limited number of entry-door deadbolts, knobs, levers, gates, and garage locks. The goal may be to invalidate old keys and simplify access for a household.

Commercial rekeying can be more complex because access must be coordinated among owners, managers, employees, tenants, vendors, and emergency personnel. It may involve:

• Multiple departments or access groups
• Master and change keys
• Restricted or controlled keyways
• Interchangeable cores
• Rim and mortise cylinders
• Records of key issuance and return
• Heavier-duty Grade 1 or Grade 2 hardware
• Doors subject to fire, egress, accessibility, or building requirements

Hardware grades and performance standards are covered through the ANSI/BHMA standards program. A rekey changes key operation; it does not change the lock’s tested grade or correct a code problem.

Can Smart Locks Be Rekeyed?

It depends on the product. A smart lock may contain a conventional backup cylinder that can be rekeyed, an interchangeable cylinder, a proprietary keyway, or no physical key cylinder at all.

Changing a keypad code or deleting an app user is not the same as mechanically rekeying a backup cylinder. After a move, lost key, employee departure, or access concern, review every credential:

• Physical keys
• Keypad codes
• App users
• Digital keys
• Temporary guest codes
• Voice-assistant connections
• Smart-home integrations
• Backup accounts and recovery methods

If both electronic and mechanical access need changes, ask for a combined scope rather than assuming one action secures the entire lock.

Can You Rekey Locks Yourself?

Some consumer locks have manufacturer-specific rekey features or kits. A careful owner may be able to rekey compatible hardware by following the exact product instructions. However, a kit does not make unrelated locks compatible, repair worn parts, or create a secure commercial master-key plan.

DIY rekeying can go wrong when:

• The lock brand or cylinder is identified incorrectly
• Small components are lost or installed in the wrong order
• The plug turns without a working key and traps components
• The new key works only intermittently
• The cylinder is reassembled but the latch or tailpiece is misaligned
• A double-cylinder or interconnected lock is handled incorrectly
• The project involves high-security or restricted hardware

After any rekey, test the new key with the door open before closing and locking it. Confirm smooth operation from both sides. If the key binds or must be forced, stop and correct the problem before relying on the lock.

How to Prepare for an Accurate Rekeying Quote

Send the locksmith:

• The property address and type
• Residential or commercial use
• Total number of doors
• Total number of keyed cylinders
• Clear photographs of both sides of each lock
• Brand names and model information when visible
• Whether the locks currently work
• Whether any keys are missing or stolen
• Whether you want keyed-alike or keyed-different operation
• Number of new keys needed
• Any master-key, restricted-key, or access-group requirements
• Parking, concierge, gate, or building-access details

Label the photographs by door—for example, “front entry,” “rear entry,” and “garage side door.” For larger properties, use a numbered opening list. Good information makes the quote more useful and helps the technician bring appropriate components.

Questions to Ask Before Approving the Work

Ask these questions in writing or during the booking call:

If the technician discovers different hardware or damage, request an explanation and revised price before additional work begins.

What Happens During a Professional Rekeying Appointment?

A typical appointment follows these steps:

Keep new keys secure and record who receives each copy. Do not label a key with the full property address.

Frequently Asked Questions