Without the matching key, the only way to rekey the lock will be to pick it open, and although it's usually not a problem for a skilled locksmith, it will often incur additional charges which can make it more expensive than replacing the lock altogether.
Yes, it is possible for you to rekey a lock without the original key. A locksmith can change your locks even if you have lost or misplaced the original key. In general, it is possible to pick or shim the lock and unlock the door. Then, the locksmith will have a much easier time removing the lock cylinder.
It is strongly advised that you replace all external locks that you have lost keys, you may not have actually lost your keys they mate have been taken from you, putting the security of your property in danger. losing keys and not replacing the locks at the time will invalidate most home insurance policies.
In most cases, a locksmith can rekey your locks even if you've lost or misplaced the original key. He/she can either shim or pick the lock in order to unlock the door. When rekeying a lock cylinder, the locksmith will have an easier time removing the lock cylinder after bringing the lock to the “unlock” position.
Keyed alike means one key fits all locks, for example your front and back door locks can both use the same key or every lock in an office can use the same key. Having your locks keyed alike is very beneficial if you want to open & close all your door locks with one key.
A locksmith can help with apartment, flat & office lockouts
If you are locked out of your home, flat or office a locksmith can pick the lock open securely without damaging the lock, common lockout problems a locksmith can help with are: Locked out with no key.
Rekeying your lock is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock. This is because of the cheaper price of the key pins inside the locks, whereas when you replace a lock, you are paying for all brand-new parts.
Rekeying a lock generally takes about 15 minutes, but this depends on the type of lock as well as the skills of the person working on it. The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the lock from the door – the actual rekeying is much simpler. If it's simple, should you rekey your lock yourself?
Costs of rekeying can vary for the locksmith company. In general, prices average between $20 and $50 for a single lock and can cost up to $130 for a house. However, if you call a locksmith out on an emergency you can expect it to cost an extra $100 to $150.
To get a replacement car key quickly and on site, you need a locksmith. Using a mobile service van, the technician can reach out to you and replace your key without delay. Even if you lost the only key to your car, a licensed and skilled locksmith would be able to help you. So, you just have called a locksmith.
If you're in a pinch, it's relatively easy to rekey your door locks on your own. The easiest method is to purchase a rekey kit, including pins, keys, and various other tools. Rekey kits typically cost $10 to $25 each. However, don't buy the first rekey kit you find on the hardware store shelf.
Due to the extremely low price of the key pins in the locks, rekeying is almost always much cheaper than getting your locks changed. When rekeying your locks, you are only being charged for the labor, whereas when you get your locks changed, you're paying both for labor and parts.
Since most homes have multiple doors with multiple locks, re-keying can get expensive. You can re-key a lock like a pro at a fraction of the cost. Re-keying kits are available for most lock brands but they're not interchangeable. You must buy a kit for each brand of lock in your home.
Rekeying Home Locks
Rekeying locks on your home typically costs $80 to $160. If you call the locksmith to your home, you might pay a trip fee of $50 to $100. The cost to rekey is $30 to $60 per lock, bringing you to that total. Rekeying is different and more affordable than replacing the locks.
When you move into a new home, you should change the locks on your house. You have no idea how many copies of the house keys are floating around out there from the previous homeowners, so changing the locks will keep your new house more secure. Tom recommends changing the locks whenever a new home is purchased.
Additional locksmith services are not covered under your home warranty, but you may pay the service provider directly to rekey your gates, windows, garage door openers, padlocks, or other devices while they're at your home. Moving is tough. There's lots to do, and even more to think about.
If a person doesn't have proof, the locksmith will verify before leaving. Many documents verify a person's residency: drivers license, gas bill, electric bill, emails, car registration and more. If they fail to produce verification they can lock and close the door. Then call the police and let them sort it out.
You can expect to pay between $65 to $200. A locksmith should be able to open your door in minutes by picking your lock. You should be wary of a locksmith attempting to use a drill immediately for this task.
When purchasing more than one lock, look for packages that have the same “key alike” number on the package. Alternatively, our store associates can key all of your locks to work with the same key. You can also purchase a rekeying kit to swap out pins and springs yourself.
To get your locks re-keyed, visit your local locksmith to have them do it for you. Or, just ask the store you're purchasing the locks from to re-key the lock to one you may already own. It's a process that should only take a few minutes.