The short answer
What the question actually means
Rekeying is not the same as replacing your locks. When you replace a lock, you are buying a whole new piece of hardware and screwing it into the door. When we rekey, we take the existing lock apart and change the internal pins. This changes the key pattern so your old keys stop working and a new key takes over. It is the fastest way to secure a home after you move in or lose a set of keys without spending money on brand new handles and deadbolts for every door.
The brands that matter
Most homes in Northwest Florida use standard brands like Schlage or Kwikset. These are straightforward for us to service because the parts are readily available. Some higher-end properties use Medeco or Mult-T-Lock, which are high-security options that require specialized tools and different training to rekey. If you have a strange brand from a big-box store or an imported lock, let us know. Some of those are proprietary and cannot be rekeyed, meaning the whole unit must be swapped.
Pricing — what to expect
How to choose
Common follow-up questions
Costs vary based on how many cylinders we have to pull and the type of hardware installed. A basic deadbolt is different from a commercial grade lock. To choose a locksmith, ask if they are actually mobile or just a dispatch center. Common questions usually involve whether one key can open every door. The answer is yes, we can key your locks alike so you only carry one key. We will give you a clear price before we start drilling or pinning so there are no surprises.
How locksmiths actually work the job
We start by removing the cylinder from the door. We take it to the bench or work on it right there in the mobile van. We remove the old pins using a follower and drop in new pins that match the new key's depth. Once the pins are set, we test the key to ensure it turns smoothly without sticking. Then we reinstall the hardware and test it one last time in the door frame to make sure the bolt throws and retracts perfectly.
When to call vs when to wait
Call us immediately if you lost your keys or if a former tenant still has a copy. That is a security breach that needs a fix today. If you just want to consolidate your keys into one single master key for convenience, that can wait until you have a free afternoon. If you see the lock sticking or the key turning hard, call us soon. It is cheaper to rekey a working lock than to drill out a broken one.
Bottom line
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