How to Rekey Your Locks After Moving: A Guide by Colourfly Locksmith

The short answerMoving to a new home is exciting—but it also comes with a critical security question that many homeowners overlook: should you rekey your locks after moving?…

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Moving to a new home is exciting—but it also comes with a critical security question that many homeowners overlook: should you rekey your locks after moving? The answer is almost always yes. When you move into a property, you have no way of knowing how many people have copies of your keys. Previous owners, contractors, real estate agents, and even maintenance personnel may have access to your home's locks.

According to industry data, a surprising share of homeowners who purchase a property never rekey their locks, leaving themselves vulnerable to unauthorized entry. This is a significant oversight that can compromise your family's safety and your home's security from day one.

In this comprehensive guide, Colourfly Locksmith walks you through everything you need to know about rekeying locks after moving—including when to do it, how to do it, costs, and why professional service is often the smartest investment.

What Is Rekeying and Why Does It Matter?

Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pins and springs inside a lock cylinder so that a different key is needed to open it. The physical lock remains on your door, but the mechanism inside is reconfigured to match a new key that you control.

Think of it this way: when you purchase a home or rent an apartment, you don't know who has copies of the existing keys. The previous owner might have given sets to family members. Contractors may have kept spares. Real estate agents often hold onto keys for weeks after closing. Even if everyone is well-intentioned, having multiple copies of your keys floating around in unknown hands creates a serious security vulnerability.

Rekeying offers complete peace of mind: you'll be the only person with a working key to your locks (unless you choose to give copies to family or trusted individuals). It's one of the most effective and affordable security investments you can make when moving into a new space.

Why Rekeying Is Essential for Your Safety

Criminal opportunity increases when locks remain unchanged. Burglars often target homes during moving season, knowing that new residents are distracted and security measures may be overlooked. By rekeying immediately, you eliminate a major entry point for unauthorized access.

Additionally, rekeying demonstrates due diligence for insurance purposes. Many homeowners' insurance policies offer better rates when you can demonstrate that you've taken active security measures, such as rekeying locks upon occupancy.

Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks: Which Is Right for You?

Before you decide to rekey, it's worth understanding when replacing locks might be the better option. The two approaches serve different purposes, and choosing wisely can save you money while maximizing security.

Factor	Rekeying	Replacing
Cost	$75–$200 per lock	$150–$400+ per lock
Time Required	30–60 minutes per lock	1–2 hours per lock
Installation	Uses existing hardware	Requires new hardware
Lock Condition	Best for locks in good condition	Necessary if locks are damaged or worn
Upgrade Opportunity	No—keeps existing locks	Yes—can install smart locks or high-security models
Aesthetic Appeal	No visible changes	Can update look of entryways

When to Rekey

Choose rekeying when:

• Your locks are in good mechanical condition
• The lock hardware is attractive and matches your home's aesthetic
• You want the most cost-effective security solution
• You're rekeying multiple locks and want to consolidate keys
• Your budget is limited but security is a priority

When to Replace Locks

Choose replacement when:

• Locks show signs of damage, rust, or wear
• You want to upgrade to smart locks or biometric systems
• The existing locks don't match your security or style goals
• You're installing a new smart home security system
• The locks are outdated and lack modern security features

DIY Rekeying: Step-by-Step Instructions

If you're mechanically inclined and want to save money, rekeying your own locks is possible with the right tools and rekeying kit. However, this task requires precision and patience—mistakes can render locks unusable or compromise security.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before starting, gather the following items:

• Rekeying kit (specific to your lock brand and model) — $15–$50
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Plug follower or follower tool (usually included in kit)
• Small container to hold lock pins and springs
• Your new key (cut to your specifications)
• Work light or headlamp for visibility
• Tweezers for handling small pins

Step-by-Step DIY Rekeying Process

Step 1: Remove the Lock Cylinder

Using your screwdriver, remove the lock cylinder from your door. This typically involves removing screws from the interior side of the lock. Keep all hardware in a safe place—you'll need it for reinstallation.

Step 2: Insert Your Current Key

Insert the old working key into the lock cylinder and turn it to the 90-degree position. This position rotates the pins to a height where they can be safely removed.

Step 3: Remove the Lock Plug

Gently pull the lock plug (the rotating part) straight out of the lock body. Use your plug follower tool to prevent the spring-loaded pins from flying out. Work slowly and deliberately—this is where most DIY mistakes happen.

Step 4: Extract Old Pins and Springs

Carefully remove each old pin and spring from the lock body using tweezers. Place them in your container. Count them as you go—you'll typically have 5–6 pins per lock.

Step 5: Install New Pins

Consult your rekeying kit documentation to identify which new pins you need for your new key. Each pin has a specific height code. Install the new pins and springs into the lock body in the correct order, starting from the back.

Step 6: Insert Your New Key

With new pins installed, insert your new key into the lock plug and carefully slide the plug back into the lock body. The key should turn smoothly without binding.

Step 7: Test the Mechanism

Before reinstalling, verify that your new key turns the lock smoothly. Test that your old key no longer works. If either test fails, you may need to remove and adjust pin placement.

Step 8: Reinstall the Lock

Reinstall the lock cylinder in your door using the screws you removed in Step 1. Ensure it's secure and functions properly.

Common DIY Rekeying Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong rekeying kit — Not all kits fit all locks. Verify your lock brand and model before purchasing.

Rushing the pin removal process — Springs are under tension and pins can scatter. Work slowly and methodically.

Losing track of pin order — Write down or photograph the pin arrangement before disassembly. When in doubt, contact the lock manufacturer.

Ignoring binding or resistance — If your key won't turn smoothly, don't force it. This indicates a pin is incorrectly positioned.

Professional Rekeying Services: Why Hire an Expert

While DIY rekeying is possible, professional rekeying services offer significant advantages that most homeowners shouldn't overlook. Colourfly Locksmith specializes in fast, reliable rekeying that comes with a warranty and professional guarantee.

Advantages of Professional Rekeying

Speed and Efficiency — A trained locksmith completes a rekey in 30–60 minutes versus 2–4 hours for DIY work. When you're moving in, time is valuable.

Zero Risk of Lock Damage — Professional locksmiths have specialized tools and experience. They won't strip screws, damage pins, or compromise your lock's security.

Proper Key Cutting — Locksmiths have precision key-cutting equipment and ensure your new keys are perfectly cut, preventing binding and wear.

Warranty and Guarantees — Reputable locksmiths, like Colourfly Locksmith, guarantee their work. If something goes wrong, they'll fix it at no additional cost.

Security Consultation — Professional locksmiths assess your entire security posture and recommend additional measures if needed. They might identify security gaps you wouldn't notice.

Multiple Lock Efficiency — If you're rekeying an entire house (front door, back door, garage, etc.), a professional can coordinate the process efficiently, often completing 5–6 locks in a single visit.

Master Key Options — If you want multiple people (family members, tenants, etc.) to have access with different keys, a locksmith can implement a master key system—something that's nearly impossible to DIY correctly.

Choosing a Professional Locksmith

Not all locksmiths are equal. When selecting a professional for your rekeying needs, look for these qualities:

• License and certification — Verify they're licensed in your jurisdiction and insured
• Local presence — Choose someone with a physical location and established reputation in your area
• 24/7 availability — You might need emergency rekeying services
• Transparent pricing — Get a quote before work begins; avoid companies that price over the phone without details
• Customer reviews — Check Google, Yelp, and local directories for verified customer feedback
• Written warranty — Professional work should always come with written protection

Contact Colourfly Locksmith for a professional assessment and quote on your rekeying needs. We offer same-day service and emergency availability across the region.

Costs and Timeline for Rekeying

Understanding the financial and time investment helps you plan your security transition effectively.

Professional Rekeying Cost Breakdown

Per-Lock Cost: $75–$200

The price depends on several factors including lock complexity, your location, and the locksmith's experience level. Standard pin-tumbler locks are on the lower end; high-security locks cost more.

Volume Discounts

Most locksmiths offer bulk pricing. Rekeying 5 locks might cost less per lock than rekeying a single lock. Typical discounts range from 10–25% when rekeying 3+ locks simultaneously.

Service Call Fee

Some locksmiths charge a $25–$75 service call fee, which is often waived if you proceed with the rekeying work.

Emergency or After-Hours Service

Need rekeying at 11 PM on a Sunday? Expect to pay 25–50% more for emergency or after-hours service.

Sample Cost Examples

Scenario	Locks Affected	Est. Cost	Time
Single entry door	1 lock	$100–$150	45 min
Apartment/townhouse	3 locks (front, back, garage)	$225–$375	2–2.5 hours
Single-family home	5 locks (all exterior)	$350–$600	2.5–3 hours
Rental property	8+ locks	$500–$1,000+	4–5 hours

DIY Rekeying Costs

Rekeying kits cost $15–$50 per lock, making DIY significantly cheaper upfront. However, if you make a mistake and need to buy replacement locks, costs escalate quickly. Factor in your time value as well: a 4-hour DIY project versus 1 hour of professional time shifts the value calculation.

Timeline: When to Rekey

Ideally, rekey your locks before your first night in the property. The first 48 hours after moving are when homes are most vulnerable. You're distracted, boxes are everywhere, and security isn't top-of-mind for most people.

If immediate rekeying isn't possible:

• Schedule rekeying for your first business day in the home
• Temporarily change locks (deadbolts) to ensure security until rekeying is complete
• Never leave your home unsecured while waiting for a locksmith appointment

Additional Security Tips After Moving

Rekeying is essential, but it's just one component of comprehensive home security. Consider these additional measures to maximize your safety and peace of mind.

Upgrade Your Front Door Lock

While rekeying existing locks is cost-effective, your front door deserves special attention. Consider installing a high-security deadbolt (Grade 1 or Grade 2 rated) or a smart lock that offers keyless entry and activity logging.

Smart locks like those from Level Lock or August offer benefits beyond security—they let you grant temporary access to contractors, Airbnb guests, or delivery services without duplicating physical keys.

Install Window Locks

Many people focus on door locks and forget windows. Install keyed window locks or security bars on ground-floor windows. These are low-cost ($10–$30 per window) but significantly reduce break-in vulnerability.

Add Exterior Security Lighting

Motion-activated lights around entryways deter burglars by removing shadows and dark corners. Solar-powered options ($30–$100) require no wiring and are quick to install.

Invest in a Security System

A monitored security system is one of the most effective deterrents. Modern systems start at $30–$50/month for monitoring plus equipment costs. Many systems integrate with rekeyed locks for cohesive security.

Install a Video Doorbell

Ring, Nest, and other video doorbells let you see and speak with visitors before opening your door. They also create a record of who approaches your home, which is invaluable if security incidents occur.

Change Door Hardware and Strike Plates

Standard strike plates are held by 1-inch screws. Upgrade to 3-inch screws with reinforced strike plates rated for forced entry. This prevents criminals from kicking in doors, which is one of the most common break-in methods.

Schedule Rekeying for Rental Properties

If you're managing a rental property or have recently inherited a house with tenants, establish a rekeying protocol. Rekey between tenants and after any key loss incident. This protects your investment and future tenants' security.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does professional rekeying take?

A professional locksmith typically completes rekeying of a single lock in 30–60 minutes. For multiple locks (3–5), expect 2–3 hours total. Time depends on lock complexity and accessibility. Rush service may be available for additional fees.

Can I get all my locks keyed to one master key?

Yes, professional locksmiths can implement master key systems where one key opens all locks or where a master key opens everything but individual locks have their own keys. This requires professional-grade rekeying and isn't feasible with DIY kits.

Do I need to rekey if I changed the locks immediately after purchasing?

No. If you've already replaced your locks with new hardware, rekeying is unnecessary. However, if you only changed some locks or used the existing locks, rekeying the remaining ones is still recommended for security consistency.

What should I do if I lose my keys before rekeying is complete?

Contact a locksmith immediately for emergency rekeying or lock replacement. Losing your keys means anyone who finds them has access to your home. Speed is critical—most emergency locksmiths respond within 1–2 hours. Colourfly Locksmith offers 24/7 emergency service for situations exactly like this.