West Coast Locksmith Blog

How Long Does it Take to Rekey a Lock?

by | Apr 11, 2023 | Info Articles

If you’re planning to move to a new home that had former occupants or if you simply want to shore up your home or business’s security, you might be interested in rekeying services. West Coast Locksmith offers a complete lineup of professional locksmith solutions, including lock rekeying. Rekeying locks is an affordable option since it’s much cheaper than replacing locks. Our locksmiths are experienced at lock rekeying and can rekey as many locks as you need. If you need locksmith service in Los Angeles, CA, you can rely on the experienced team at West Coast Locksmith.

How Long Does it Take a Locksmith to Rekey a Lock?

Generally, it takes a professional locksmith between 10 and 40 minutes to rekey a lock. If you need multiple locks rekeyed, you’ll want to plan accordingly as a locksmith is likely to require at least an hour for a job that requires more than one or two locks. The type of lock will impact the job. While other contractors might offer to do the job, it’s best left to an experienced locksmith who will be able to rekey locks quickly and successfully.

How Do Locksmiths Rekey a Lock?

In order to rekey your door lock most efficiently, a locksmith will need your current key. Rekeying can be performed without keys, but the process will take longer. Here are the basic steps involved in rekeying a lock:

  1. Cut a new key to replace the old one.
  2. Put the old key in the lock and remove the doorknob
  3. Remove the lock cylinder and then the c-clip that’s holding the cylinder in place.
  4. Dump out the old pins and remove the old key.
  5. Insert the new key and insert new pins that match the cuts in the new key.
  6. Test the new key to make sure it turns.
  7. Replace the c-clip and reinsert the cylinder into the knob
  8. Reattach the knob to the door and test the new key again.

Can I Rekey Locks Myself?

Although hardware stores and home improvement centers sell lock rekeying kits, it’s best to contact a trained locksmith to tackle this job. West Coast Locksmith features professional locksmiths who have the proper tools for this type of service. They also have the know-how and experience to rekey locks properly and efficiently.

In addition, a locksmith professional can inspect your locks. Older locks might not be suitable for lock rekeying if the parts are worn. In these cases, it may be advisable to replace the locks rather than rekey them. Your home or business’s security is important. Moreover, inviting an untrained contractor to rekey your locks or trying to rekey them yourself could result in lock damage.

Lock Replacement

If your locks are not good candidates for rekeying, we can also replace them. We can also help you upgrade to high-security locks if you want to improve your home or commercial property’s security. Lock replacement costs more than lock rekeying because instead of swapping out a few pins in the lock, you’re getting the entire lock replaced. Our locksmiths can help you source quality locks from leading manufacturers like Schlage and Adams Rite that fit your needs and budget.

Contact West Coast Locksmith if you need lock rekeying or other lock and key services in Los Angeles, CA. We serve residential and commercial property owners. We also offer emergency locksmith service. We can send a mobile locksmith to your location to tackle your home, business, or auto lock emergency. Call us to schedule your lock rekeying appointment. We’ll bring everything needed to tackle this job as well as new keys for your rekeyed locks.

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