How Long Does It Take To Rekey Locks?

How Long Does It Take to Rekey a Lock? Understanding the Process, DIY Options, and Lock Replacement

When it comes to ensuring the security of your property, rekeying locks plays a vital role. In this post, we will answer the question of how long it takes to rekey a lock — including single locks, whole-house rekeying, and what factors speed things up or slow them down.

As the trusted Atlanta Locksmith, J&M Locksmith is here to provide insights into the process, discuss DIY options, and explore the possibility of replacing your locks. With our quick response time and exceptional customer service, we are dedicated to offering professional locksmith services in Atlanta since 2013, serving automotive, residential, and commercial needs, all at competitive rates.

How Long Does It Take to Rekey a Lock?

One of the key concerns when considering lock rekeying is the time involved. While the actual duration can vary depending on factors such as lock complexity and the locksmith’s expertise, on average, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to rekey a single lock. However, this estimated timeframe can change based on specific circumstances such as the lock type and manufacturer.

For most homeowners, the more relevant question is: how long does it take to rekey an entire house? If you have three to five locks — a typical Atlanta home — expect the job to take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours from the time the locksmith arrives. That includes disassembly, rekeying each cylinder, cutting new keys, and testing every lock before leaving.

What Factors Affect Rekeying Time?

Not all rekeying jobs are the same. These are the variables that most commonly affect how long it takes:

• Number of locks: Each additional lock adds 15–25 minutes depending on type.
• Lock brand and age: Common brands like Kwikset and Schlage are fast to rekey. Older, worn, or off-brand locks take longer because pins may stick or springs need replacing.
• Deadbolts vs. knobs: Deadbolts take slightly longer to remove from the door. Knobsets are quicker.
• Keying alike: If you want all locks to operate on a single key, the locksmith needs to match pin configurations across cylinders — adds a few minutes per lock but is almost always worth it.
• Lock condition: A lock that hasn’t been maintained or has been forced may need lubrication, new springs, or top pins before rekeying — adding 10–15 minutes.

The Process: How Do Locksmiths Rekey a Lock?

Here you can see a variety of lock cylinders we needed to rekey.

Locksmiths follow a systematic process to rekey locks, ensuring security and convenience. We begin by removing the lock from the door. Then we must disassemble the lock to get to the cylinder, being careful not to lose any parts of the lock including tailpieces, screws, roses, and any other parts that help the lock function properly.

Once we have the cylinder in hand, we can remove the tailpiece and use the existing key to turn the lock at about 45 degrees. Next, we use a plug follower to push the cylinder plug out of the lock. The plug follower helps to keep the top pins and springs in place which are in the cylinder.

With the cylinder removed from the lock, we can now inspect the lock for damage and remove the old pins and keys (which we will recycle).

Next, new pins are inserted to match a new set of keys. Then, we will carefully test the lock’s functionality and make any necessary adjustments to ensure smooth operation. For example, we may need to use slightly different pin lengths, lubricate the lock, replace top pins, or replace springs if they’re worn out.

When Should You Rekey Your Locks?

Rekeying is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to restore security after your key control has been compromised. Common situations where rekeying makes sense:

• Moving into a new home: You have no way of knowing how many copies of the original keys exist. Previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, and neighbors may all have a copy. Rekeying immediately after closing is the single best security upgrade you can make.
• Lost or stolen keys: If your keys are gone and you’re not sure who has them, rekeying is faster and cheaper than replacing the hardware.
• End of a relationship: After a breakup, divorce, or roommate situation ends, rekeying ensures that person no longer has access — even if they claim to have returned all copies.
• Employee turnover: For businesses, rekeying after an employee departure — especially one that didn’t end well — is standard practice. Commercial rekeying can also include master key systems that let you control access by department.
• After a break-in attempt: Even if entry wasn’t gained, an attempted break-in is a signal that someone targeted your property. Rekeying (or upgrading to higher-security locks) closes that vulnerability.

Rekeying vs. Replacing: Which Is Right for You?

Rekeying and lock replacement solve different problems. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Rekey when: The lock hardware is in good condition and you just need to invalidate old keys. It’s faster and typically costs 50–70% less than replacement.
• Replace when: The lock is damaged, worn out, outdated (e.g., no deadbolt), or you want to upgrade to a higher-security grade (Grade 1 deadbolt, smart lock, etc.). Also replace if the lock has been forced or the frame around it is damaged.

In many cases, homeowners who call us expecting a full lock replacement end up getting rekeyed instead — and saving $100–$200 in the process. We’ll always tell you which option actually makes sense for your situation.

How Much Does Rekeying Cost in Atlanta?

At J&M Locksmith, rekeying starts at $25–$35 per lock cylinder, with most whole-house jobs (3–5 locks) running $75–$150 total. That includes labor, new pins, and two keys per lock. Additional key copies are available at a low per-key cost.

Compare that to replacing locks: a quality Schlage or Kwikset deadbolt installed runs $150–$250 per door for hardware plus labor. Rekeying is almost always the smarter call when the hardware itself is solid.

Can You Rekey Locks Yourself?

While DIY lock rekeying is technically possible, it is not recommended for most individuals. Rekeying requires specialized tools and expertise to ensure the job is done accurately and securely. Without proper knowledge, attempting to rekey locks yourself may lead to errors, resulting in compromised security or lock malfunction. For example, you could inadvertently lock the cylinder.

To guarantee the best results and peace of mind, it is advisable to rely on professional locksmith services. A professional can also rekey all of your locks to the same key in a single visit — something that’s tricky to coordinate with DIY kits that are typically sold per-lock-brand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lock Rekeying

Can you rekey a lock without the original key?

Yes, but it requires picking or impressioning the lock first to get the cylinder open — which adds time and cost. If you have no key at all, replacing the lock hardware is often faster and similarly priced. We’ll advise you on which makes more sense when you call.

How many keys do I get when I rekey?

Standard is two keys per lock. Additional copies can be cut on the spot for a few dollars each. If you want all your locks keyed alike (one key opens everything), we can do that in the same visit.

Is rekeying as secure as getting new locks?

Yes — rekeying completely invalidates all previous keys. No old key will work after rekeying. The security level of the lock itself doesn’t change, but your key control is fully restored. If you also want better physical security (pick resistance, bump resistance), that’s when upgrading to a Grade 1 deadbolt or high-security cylinder makes sense.

How soon can you come out for rekeying in Atlanta?

For most Atlanta and metro area locations, we can typically be there within 30–60 minutes. We carry rekeying kits for all major lock brands — Kwikset, Schlage, Baldwin, Defiant, and more — so there’s no wait on parts.

Get Your Locks Rekeyed Today!

Rekeying a lock is an effective way to bolster security, and the process typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes per lock — or under 90 minutes for a full house — when performed by a professional locksmith. While some individuals may consider DIY rekeying, it is generally recommended to rely on the expertise of a trusted locksmith like J&M Locksmith to ensure precision and reliability.

If your locks are damaged, outdated, or need an upgrade, our team can also assist you with lock replacement options. Count on J&M Locksmith, your reliable Atlanta Locksmith, for all your automotive, residential, and commercial locksmith needs. With our commitment to quick response times, excellent customer service, and competitive rates, we are here to provide peace of mind and secure your property. Contact us today for professional locksmith assistance.