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Rekey Your Locks

The clean upgrade after moving in, changing roommates, or losing a key — often cheaper than replacing.

Do this. In this order.

Four simple steps. No jargon, no panic. Walk through them in order and you'll come out fine.

Step 1 — Count your locks

Walk the doors. How many separate cylinders need to be rekeyed? Front door, back door, side gate, garage entry?

Step 2 — Decide "keyed alike"

Want one key to open every door? Tell the locksmith up front. It's the easiest small upgrade you can make.

Step 3 — Ask for the math

"Service-call fee plus per-cylinder rate — what's the total, and how many keys are included?"

Step 4 — Test every lock

Before they leave, walk every door with the new key. Make sure each one turns smoothly both ways.

Phone Script

Copy this. Read it word-for-word.

“I have [N] cylinders to rekey, all to a single new key. What's the service-call fee plus per-cylinder price, and how many keys are included?”
Hang Up Immediately If…

Instant red flags

  • They push a full lock replacement when your hardware is fine.
  • They charge per pin instead of per cylinder.
  • They won't tell you how many keys come with the job.

Read the full scam guide — 9 red flags + a 5-question quiz →

Take a minute: how this actually plays out

A 60-second visual walkthrough of the four steps above — consistent, on-brand, and never blocked by an ad or a 404'd YouTube link.

Quick answers

The questions everyone asks the moment they pick up the phone.

Is rekeying really cheaper than changing locks?

Yes — usually 30–60% cheaper, as long as your existing locks are in good shape and from a brand the locksmith services.

How many keys should I ask for?

Two is standard. Ask the per-extra-key rate so a third or fourth doesn't become a surprise line item.

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