What is lock rekeying and when should I do it?

Rekeying changes the internal pins of your lock so old keys no longer work. Rekey when moving into a new home, after losing a key, after a tenant change, or if unauthorized copies may exist.

How much does lock rekeying cost in Scottsdale?

Lock rekeying costs $20 to $50 per lock. Most single-family homes average $100 to $200 for a full rekeying. Same-day service is available with upfront pricing.

Is rekeying more affordable than replacing locks?

Yes. Rekeying is 50 to 70 percent less expensive than replacing locks because it changes only the internal pins while keeping your existing hardware in place.

Can all locks be rekeyed?

Most pin tumbler locks including Kwikset, Schlage, Baldwin, and Medeco can be rekeyed. Worn or damaged locks may need replacement instead. We assess your locks before starting.

How long does rekeying take?

Rekeying a single lock takes about 15 minutes. A full home rekeying of 4 to 6 locks typically takes under one hour. Same-day appointments are available throughout Scottsdale.

Lock Rekeying Services | Scottsdale, AZ

Professional Lock Rekeying Services in Scottsdale, AZ

Rekeying is one of the most practical and cost-effective security services a locksmith provides. When you rekey a lock, the internal pin configuration inside the cylinder is changed so that your old keys no longer work and only new keys can open the lock. The lock hardware itself stays in place — you get the security of new locks at a fraction of the cost of replacing them.

North Valley Locksmith provides residential and commercial rekeying services throughout Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Anthem, and the greater North Phoenix metro. Our technicians arrive with the tools and pin kits needed to rekey virtually any brand of cylinder on the spot, cutting and providing new keys before leaving your property.

When Should You Rekey Your Locks?

Most locksmiths recommend rekeying in specific situations where key control has been compromised or uncertain. The most common situations include:

Moving into a new home or apartment. You never know how many copies of the keys exist or who has them — previous owners, their family members, real estate agents, contractors, and former tenants may all have copies. Rekeying on move-in day is the single most important security step new Scottsdale homeowners and renters can take.
After a breakup or change in household members. When a partner, roommate, or family member moves out, rekeying ensures they no longer have access — even if they return copies of their keys.
After losing or misplacing a key. A lost key that you cannot account for is a potential security risk. Rekeying is faster and cheaper than replacing locks and eliminates the risk from that lost key entirely.
After a contractor, housekeeper, or service provider had a key. Anyone who had temporary access and no longer needs it is a reason to rekey. This includes cleaning services, dog walkers, contractors, or anyone else who was given a key.
After a break-in or attempted break-in. If the entry was through a lock (rather than a kicked door or window), rekeying or replacing the compromised cylinder is essential. We can also assess the lock for damage and recommend an upgrade if the existing hardware is inadequate.
After buying a business or taking over a commercial property. Commercial properties often have extensive key histories. A professional rekey or master key system rebuild eliminates access by former employees, vendors, and previous tenants.

Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks — Which Do You Need?

Rekeying and lock replacement accomplish the same primary goal — ensuring that old keys no longer work. The choice between them comes down to the condition and quality of the existing hardware. If your current lock hardware is in good condition and provides adequate security for your property, rekeying is the right choice. It costs less and accomplishes the same goal.

Lock replacement makes sense when your existing hardware is worn, damaged, or of lower security quality than your property warrants. If you are moving into a home with inexpensive builder-grade locks, you may want to upgrade to higher-quality hardware at the same time as rekeying — in which case replacement is the better investment. Our technicians will give you an honest assessment of your existing hardware and recommend the most cost-effective approach for your situation.

Rekeying to a Common Key (Master Keying)

If your home or business has multiple exterior doors with separate keys, we can rekey all the locks to work on a single key — a process called keying alike. Instead of carrying a separate key for the front door, back door, garage entry, and side gate, a single key opens everything. This is one of the most popular rekeying requests we receive from Scottsdale homeowners, particularly those moving into homes where the previous owners had different keys on different cylinders.

For commercial properties with multiple access levels, we design and implement master key systems — hierarchical key arrangements where different personnel carry keys that open only their authorized areas, while management carries a master key that opens everything. We document every master key system we create so that future rekeying or expansion integrates seamlessly.

Lock Brands We Rekey

Our technicians carry pin kits and the tooling needed to rekey the full range of residential and commercial lock brands found across Scottsdale and North Phoenix. We regularly rekey Kwikset, Schlage, Baldwin, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA ABLOY, Yale, Weiser, Master Lock, and Sargent cylinders. For restricted-keyway cylinders (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Primus, and similar high-security systems), we carry the authorized key blanks and equipment needed to provide full service on these locks.

Rekeying Service Process

A residential rekeying service call with North Valley Locksmith typically works as follows: our technician arrives at your property, removes the cylinders from each lock you want rekeyed, repins the cylinders to a new key code, reassembles the locks, cuts new keys on-site, and tests each lock and key before completing the call. The entire process for a standard Scottsdale home with two to four exterior door locks typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. You receive the new keys at the end of the service call and the old keys are permanently deactivated.

Frequently Asked Questions — Lock Rekeying Services

How much does rekeying cost in Scottsdale?

Rekeying a standard Kwikset or Schlage deadbolt or knob lock typically costs $20 to $35 per cylinder, plus a service call fee. For a typical Scottsdale home with two to three exterior door locks, total cost is usually $100 to $175 for the complete visit including the service call fee, rekeying all cylinders, and providing new keys. Pricing varies based on the number of cylinders, lock brand, and any additional services requested. Call (480) 688-9335 for an upfront quote.

How many new keys will I get after rekeying?

Standard rekeying service includes two new keys per lock. Additional key copies can be cut on-site during the same service call at a per-key charge. If you need multiple copies for family members or employees, let us know when scheduling so we bring sufficient key blanks for your brand.

Can a rekeyed lock be rekeyed again in the future?

Yes. A rekeyed lock can be rekeyed again any number of times. Rekeying does not wear out or alter the lock hardware — it only changes the pin configuration inside the cylinder. You can rekey the same lock as many times as needed over its lifespan.

Is rekeying as secure as replacing locks?

Yes, for the purpose of key control. Rekeying makes all existing keys permanently non-functional and creates a new key that only works with the current pin configuration. The only reason rekeying would be less secure than replacement is if the lock hardware itself is old, worn, or of a lower security grade — in which case we would recommend replacement rather than rekeying to address the hardware vulnerability.