Lock rekey in South Bend, IN
Moved into a new place, lost a key, or ended a tenancy? Rekeying changes what opens the lock, so the old keys stop working and the lock itself stays.
- Same locks, new keys
- Homes and businesses
- Old keys stop working
What rekeying is
Inside a pin tumbler lock sits a row of small pins. A key lifts each pin to exactly the right height, and the lock turns. Rekeying changes the pins so that a different key does that job. The old key lifts the pins to the wrong heights, and the lock stays shut.
It is the usual answer when you do not know who holds a copy of your key: a new home, a lost key, a tenant who has moved out, a family change. The hardware stays on the door, only the key changes.
- You bought or rented a new place
- A key was lost or stolen
- A tenant, a contractor or an employee had a key
- You want one key to fit several locks
- Old keys have been passed around for years
What you get with Lock rekey
Old keys stop working
After a rekey, any key that was cut for the old setting no longer turns the lock.
The lock stays on the door
The hardware is kept, which is useful when the locks are fine and the keys are the question.
One key for several doors
We can set several locks to the same key, so you carry one key rather than a ring of them.
Done at your door
The locksmith comes to the property and does the work on site.
Rekey or replace
Rekeying is right when the lock is in good condition. A lock that is worn, loose or damaged is better replaced, and we will tell you which one we think it is before we start.
- Rekey: the lock is sound and the key is the question
- Replace: the lock is worn, damaged or out of date
- Upgrade: you want a stronger or a keypad lock
What we need to know
Tell us how many locks you have and whether they are on exterior doors. A visit is quicker when we know the number, and we can bring what is needed.
Lock rekey questions
Is rekeying the same as changing the locks?
No. Changing the locks means taking out the hardware and fitting new locks. Rekeying keeps the lock and changes the internal pins so that a different key works and the old keys do not.
Can you make all my locks work with one key?
In many cases yes. Locks from the same maker can often be set to share a key. Tell us what you have on your doors and we will say what is possible.
Do I need to have the old key for a rekey?
It helps but it is not always needed. If you have no working key at all, say so when you call, because the visit then starts with opening the lock before it is rekeyed.
Should I rekey after moving into a new home?
It is a sensible step. You cannot know how many copies of the old keys exist, and a rekey makes all of them stop working in a single visit.
Want new keys for your locks?
Tell us what is locked, leave your number, and we call you back. If it is an emergency, call instead.