How much does it cost to rekey locks?
Rekeying a house often costs $95 - $270 for several exterior locks. The final price depends on the service call, number of cylinders, whether all locks can use one key, and whether any hardware is worn or damaged.
Rekeying is usually the best move after buying a home because it disables old keys without replacing every lock.
Rekey pricing by situation
One or two cylinders
$80 - $160+How to tellOne entry door or one knob/deadbolt pair
The fixChange pins and cut new keys
Typical house rekey
$95 - $270How to tellThree exterior doors or several cylinders
The fixRekey all compatible locks to a new key
Multiple brands or keyways
$150 - $400+How to tellKwikset, Schlage, old mortise, or mismatched hardware mixed together
The fixRekey what is compatible and replace incompatible cylinders if needed
Worn or damaged lock
Adds parts and laborHow to tellKey sticks, cylinder spins, latch drags, or hardware is loose
The fixRepair, replace cylinder, or replace lock instead of only rekeying
Before rekeying
- Count cylinders, not doors. A door with a knob lock and deadbolt may be two cylinders.
- Check whether the locks are the same brand or keyway. One-key convenience is easier when hardware is compatible.
- Decide how many spare keys you need before the locksmith leaves.
- Ask whether the quote includes key copies and whether any lock may need replacement.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a locksmith, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- You bought or rented a new home
- Keys were lost or a contractor, roommate, tenant, or prior owner may still have one
- You want one key to work across multiple exterior doors
- The locks are sticking and should be evaluated before you pay for rekeying
Rekey or replace?
Rekey if the lock is mechanically sound and the goal is access control. Replace if the hardware is cheap, damaged, corroded, insecure, or incompatible with the keying plan you want. A good locksmith should tell you when rekeying is enough instead of pushing unnecessary replacement.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the locksmith checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
Can all locks be rekeyed to the same key?
Only if the locks are compatible keyways. Many homes have mixed brands, so some cylinders may need replacement to create one-key access.
Should I rekey after buying a house?
Yes, it is usually a sensible first-week task. You do not know how many keys prior owners, contractors, agents, tenants, or neighbors may have.
Is rekeying cheaper than changing locks?
Usually. Rekeying keeps the existing hardware and changes the key that operates it. Changing locks adds new hardware and installation labor.
How long does rekeying take?
A typical house can often be done in under an hour once the locksmith is onsite, but stuck hardware, mismatched keyways, or repairs can add time.