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If you're in a pinch, it's relatively easy to rekey your door locks on your own. The easiest method is to purchase a rekey kit, including pins, keys, and various other tools. Rekey kits typically cost $10 to $25 each. However, don't buy the first rekey kit you find on the hardware store shelf.
Rekeying your lock is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock. This is because of the cheaper price of the key pins inside the locks, whereas when you replace a lock, you are paying for all brand-new parts.
Yes, it is possible for you to rekey a lock without the original key. A locksmith can change your locks even if you have lost or misplaced the original key. In general, it is possible to pick or shim the lock and unlock the door. Then, the locksmith will have a much easier time removing the lock cylinder.
If it's a lost key a locksmith can make you a key without the original, as locksmiths can make keys to lock by hand. By using a blank and a file and the skills, they've developed over the years a locksmith can create a key from scratch without the need for an original key.
When rekeying multiple locks to fit a single key, all locks must first have been made by the same manufacturer. For example, if your front door lock is a Schlage, the other locks you want rekeyed to match must also be made by Schlage.
Installation and Labor
Expect most of your budget to go toward installation fees. According to HomeAdvisor, a professional locksmith charges an hourly fee between $50 and $100 to change a lock, or $75 per hour on average.
Rekeying a lock generally takes about 15 minutes, but this depends on the type of lock as well as the skills of the person working on it. The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the lock from the door – the actual rekeying is much simpler. If it's simple, should you rekey your lock yourself?
A lock rekey kit is exactly what you might imagine. It is a kit that can be used to change the locks in an organization, without having to call a locksmith. There are no tools required, no hardware removal, and you do not have to have the expertise of a locksmith to perform a rekey.
Rekeying a lock is a common task for a locksmith, and this simple project only takes about 30 minutes to complete. The only tools you'll need to rekey your lock yourself are a rekey kit and the current key to the lock. This saves considerable money, especially when you need to access multiple locks with the same key.
When you move into a new home, you should change the locks on your house. You have no idea how many copies of the house keys are floating around out there from the previous homeowners, so changing the locks will keep your new house more secure. Tom recommends changing the locks whenever a new home is purchased.
The main benefit of rekeying is improved security. It's faster and less expensive than replacing all the locks in your home or business – but the effect is just the same. Certainly, if you have numerous locks to replace, then rekeying is going to be a much more cost-effective option than changing all the locks.
Interchangeable Core Cylinder
Also called an IC lock, the Interchangeable Core Cylinders are often used simply because they are easy to rekey. These easy to rekey locks have two types of keys that work for them, making them quite universal.
If your deadbolt requires a separate key from your entry doorknob, you can rekey it if they are the same brand. To rekey the deadbolt, remove it from the door and repin as you do a doorknob.
Pick the key you like the best (or have the most of) and have all the other knobs keyed to it. Remove the locks that need to be rekeyed and take them to a locksmith or a hardware store. Bring a key that works each of the locks and the key you want all the locks keyed to and give us five minutes a lock.
If you love your existing knobs and don't want to replace the entire set, you can simply rekey the lock with a kit labelled for its brand. Have no fear if your knob lock is fine, but your deadbolt needs to be replaced. Changing a deadbolt is even easier than switching out your knobs.
Locksmiths typically charge $50–$75 per hour, or they charge per lock with a flat fee for the visit. A locksmithing job may cost as little as $50 or as much as $400 depending on the following factors. Emergencies: You'll pay extra for service at night or on weekends.
Not all locks are created equally. Yet, the lifespan of a lock in daily-use can mechanically be as high as 30 years — even though they're more typically around 15 to 20 years. That being said, the keys' mechanical durability isn't always parallel with their security protection.
The average annual salary for Locksmith jobs in Australia ranges from $60,000 to $80,000.
A restricted keyway lock is designed to prevent unauthorized duplication of keys. Most of these locks utilize a key that is controlled by one specific locksmith and also requires you to be on a signature card in order to have keys copied.
Benefits of a Single Key
When purchasing more than one lock, look for packages that have the same “key alike” number on the package. Alternatively, our store associates can key all of your locks to work with the same key. You can also purchase a rekeying kit to swap out pins and springs yourself.
While there is no federal law prohibiting deadbolts requiring two keys, you could violate local codes if you upgrade to a double-keyed deadbolt on even just one door in your home.