How Much Does It Cost to Rekey Locks? (2026 Guide)
Rekeying a single lock costs $50–$130. A whole house rekey runs $100–$300. Here's exactly what's included, when rekeying makes more sense than replacing, and how to get a fair price.
Per Lock Rekey
$50–$130
Whole House (3–5 locks)
$100–$300
Service Call Fee
$50–$75
Lock Replacement
$100–$300
Lock Rekey Price Breakdown
Most locksmith bills have two parts: the service call fee (charged to show up) and the per-lock fee. Here's how a typical rekeying job gets priced.
Rekeying vs Replacing: Which Should You Choose?
This is the most common question locksmiths get — and the answer depends on the condition of your existing hardware and your reason for calling.
✓ Rekey When:
• You just moved into a new home or apartment
• A roommate, ex-partner, or cleaner has a key you want to void
• You lost a key and want to prevent access
• After a break-in where keys were taken (but lock is undamaged)
• You have good quality existing hardware you want to keep
• You want all locks keyed to work with one key
✗ Replace When:
• Lock is physically damaged or worn out
• Lock was drilled or forced open during a break-in
• You want to upgrade to a higher security grade (Grade 1 vs Grade 3)
• You want to add smart lock or keypad functionality
• Lock is a cheap builder-grade lock you want to improve
• Keys are restricted and only replaceable by the manufacturer
Can You Rekey Locks Yourself?
DIY rekeying is feasible for standard consumer locks — particularly Kwikset and Schlage, which are the most common brands in US homes. Here's an honest assessment of the DIY option:
Kwikset SmartKey: Designed for consumer rekeying. You can rekey it yourself in 2–3 minutes using just a key and a rekey tool (included with the lock or $5 online). No locksmith needed.
Standard Kwikset / Schlage: Rekeying kits cost $10–$25 on Amazon. Requires some dexterity with small springs and pins. Takes 15–20 minutes per lock for a first-timer.
High-security locks: Not DIY-friendly. Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Abloy require brand-specific tools and authorised dealers. Don't attempt these yourself.
Bottom line: For 1–2 Kwikset or Schlage locks, the DIY kit saves money. For 3+ locks, or mixed brands, a locksmith visit is often comparable in cost and much faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rekey a lock?
Rekeying a single lock typically costs $50–$130, with a national average of around $80. Most locksmiths charge a service call fee of $50–$75 just to show up, then $15–$40 per lock for the actual rekeying. If you have multiple locks, the per-lock cost often drops — rekeying 3–5 locks usually runs $100–$200 total including the call-out fee.
How much does it cost to rekey a whole house?
A full house rekey (typically 3–5 door locks) costs $100–$300, with most homeowners paying around $150–$200. The price includes the locksmith's service call fee and the per-lock rekeying charge. Some locksmiths offer package pricing for whole-home rekeying that's cheaper than paying per-lock rates.
Is rekeying cheaper than replacing locks?
Almost always, yes. Rekeying a lock costs $50–$130 per lock, while replacing the entire hardware costs $100–$300 per lock (including the lock itself). If your existing locks are in good physical condition and you just want to prevent old key holders from having access, rekeying is the smart financial choice. Replacement makes sense when the lock is physically damaged, visibly worn, or an upgrade in security grade is needed.
When should I rekey instead of replace my locks?
Rekey when you've moved into a new home (previous owners and their contacts may have copies), after a roommate or partner moves out, after a break-in where keys were taken but the lock wasn't damaged, or after losing a key. Replace the lock when it's physically damaged, a deadbolt upgrade is needed, you want a different brand or style, or you're adding smart lock functionality.
How does rekeying a lock work?
Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration inside the lock cylinder so it responds to a new key and no longer works with old ones. The locksmith removes the cylinder, replaces the pins and springs with ones matching a new key cut, then reassembles. The process takes 10–15 minutes per lock and requires no damage to the door or frame. The physical lock hardware remains unchanged.
Can I rekey a lock myself?
Yes — rekeying kits are available for $10–$30 on Amazon and work with most Schlage, Kwikset, and similar consumer-grade locks. The kit includes a follower tool, new pins, and instructions. However, if you have multiple locks or security hardware, a locksmith is typically faster and cheaper than buying separate kits for each lock type. DIY rekeying is practical for Kwikset SmartKey locks specifically, which are designed for easy consumer rekeying.
How long does it take to rekey a lock?
Each lock takes about 10–15 minutes to rekey. A full house rekey of 3–5 locks takes 30–60 minutes total. The locksmith will typically cut new keys on-site using a key-cutting machine in their vehicle. Factor in 15–30 minutes for the locksmith to arrive after you call.
Do locksmiths rekey all brands of locks?
Most locksmiths can rekey any standard lock brand, including Schlage, Kwikset, Weiser, Baldwin, and Yale. High-security locks (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy Protec) require brand-specific pins and tools and may cost more — $80–$150 per lock. Some restricted key systems can only be rekeyed by an authorised dealer for that brand.
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