Home · after a move
New key. Same locks.
You do not need new hardware to stop old keys working. You need the inside of the cylinder changed. Minutes per lock, and a fraction of replacement.
When to rekey
- You just moved in. The previous owner, their family, the agent, the cleaner, the contractor and whoever they lent a key to all still have working keys. The most common reason, and the most ignored.
- A tenant moved out. Between tenancies, every time.
- A key went missing with an address attached. A lost bag with mail in it. A stolen purse.
- A relationship ended and you would rather not have the conversation about the key.
- You carry four keys for four doors and want one key for all of them. Same job: rekey them to a shared combination.
What rekeying actually is
Inside the cylinder is a stack of small pins, set to one key shape. Rekeying swaps those pins for a different combination and cuts you keys to match.
The lock, the handle, the finish and the holes in your door stay exactly as they are. Every key cut to the old combination stops working, and you have no idea how many of those exist.
When replacing really is the answer
If the lock is worn, sloppy, seized, or a brand whose cylinder cannot be rekeyed sensibly, new hardware is the honest recommendation.
We will tell you which one you are looking at. We will also tell you when yours is fine.
Words you will hear
After a break-in
If the door or frame was forced, rekeying alone fixes nothing. A split jamb opens to a shoulder regardless of what cylinder is in it.
The usual repair is a reinforced strike plate with long screws into the stud behind the frame. It is the cheapest security upgrade that exists, and the one most doors are missing.
If the police are involved, photograph everything before we touch it.
Need someone now?
A person answers, at any hour, in English or Spanish. If it is not urgent, we will hold a day and a time for you instead.
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