Q&A for How to Rekey a Lock

Generally, getting your locks rekeyed is cheaper than replacing them altogether. Replacing your locks is a good option if the old locks are falling apart or you want more secure, newer locks.

It depends on your experience level and the kind of lock you’re dealing with. An experienced locksmith can rekey a lock in 2-3 minutes, but it might take 10-15 minutes for someone who’s new to the process. Getting the lock out of the door can take longer.

On average, it costs around $20-$50. Complicated locks with electronic components tend to be costlier than simple, old-fashioned locks.

If the door is open, the screws are usually accessible. So unscrew the lock and dismantle it to replace the cylinder. If the door is locked, you'll need to get it open first, best done by a locksmith. If you have the skill, you can pick the lock open as well. Once open, unscrew the lock.

Yes, you just have to figure out which pins go where. Sometimes you might need to file down a pin or two to make it work. The key (no pun intended) is to have all the pins flush when you insert your key in the hole.

The re-keying kit comes with new bottom pins of varying size to match a new key. Without a re-keying kit, your only option would be to rearrange the existing pins. You would then have to file down a new key.

When rekeying a pin tumbler lock, yes, generally the top pins are all the same size. If a locksmith had rekyed the lock previously, at times they will match shorter top pins to longer bottom pins. This is especially true if the lock is part of an established master key system. If it is, you MUST use various sized top pins in order to account for extra space taken up by master pins in each cylinder hole. It is worth mentioning that even though on a non master keyed lock the top pins are generally the same size, the correct size is important. It is better to go a bit too short than too long.

If you take the pins out then the lock can be turned with anything, like a flathead screwdriver, any key that fits, or even a fingernail. If you want to disable the key side of the deadbolt, you want to put something into at least one of the holes for the pins to lock the tumbler in place. Brass pins like the ones used in knifemaking to attach handle scales might work, you just have to measure. This only works if you can get the lock back together without turning the tumbler.

You can pick the lock yourself ,then rekey it, or have a locksmith do it for you.