What is Rekeying?

Rekeying a lock means changing the lock mechanism. Locks are comprised of key pins, which are also known as tumblers. Keys are put in these tumblers and turned. Taking out the cylinder of the lock and replacing the key pins ensures that the door is not opened by using old keys. If you have different locks in your home, you can rekey all the locks to one key. This will help you carry only one key instead of a bundle of keys. 

This blog will highlight the price to rekey a lock. 

What Is the Price to Rekey a Lock?

The rekey fee is a common question that arises in our minds whenever our car’s or home’s key is lost. A locksmith is the one who makes keys and deals with locks. His charges depend on different factors. The cost to have locksmith rekey locks depends on the following factors:

Locksmiths normally charge between $50 and $75 per hour. They also charge by the lock type for a set visit price. Depending on the following factors, a locksmithing job could cost as little as $50 or as much as $400.

Emergencies: The cost of emergency locksmith services also varies according to the situation or time. Emergency services after work hours or on the weekend cost more.

Lock type: The rekey fee also depends on the lock type. Services associated with electric locks cost more as compared to normal manual locks.

Service: The type of service also defines the cost of rekeying. For example,it is easy to understand how much to rekey a house lock, which is definitely higher than the cost of opening a car door. 

Trip costs: You will normally be charged a set rate for a locksmith visit, which could be more expensive in rural or other remote locations.

Locksmith Costs - Different for Different Services

It is not that simple that we often think that the locksmith cost to change locks is same. Locksmith services demand different skills. A trainee can complete some simple tasks, but complex jobs require a master locksmith. Installing a new lock requires more money. 

Home Locks Changing

In the case of changing your home’s lock, the first question that arises is How much does it cost to get your locks changed? A master locksmith may charge up to $125 per hour for this work. Whereas an ordinary locksmith may charge $50 to $75 per hour. They might charge a trip fee in addition to $20 to $80 per lock. A new lock system can range in price from $50 to $300 total. 

Commercial Locksmithing

Commercial facilities have more heavy-duty doors and locks, which is why commercial locksmiths charge extra. An office lockout typically costs $70-$200. Replacing the locks could cost $150 to $450, depending on how complex the system is.

Cost of Installing Deadbolt Locks

Exterior doors are secured by installing deadbolts. The cost of installing them varies with their quality. Simple cylindrical deadbolts range in price from $40 to $60, while cylinder lever locks and mortise locks cost $75 to 125. The cost of a locksmith estimates from $40 to $75. If you are changing the lock on the door, it can only be $20.

Cost Associated with Electrical Locks

Electrical locks are costly. Locksmith average price for installing electronic locks typically costs between $100 and $500. Up to $2,000 can be spent on the installation of an entire smart home security system.

Making Duplicate Keys

Locksmith masters normally charge $1 to $10 for a key. In the case of a duplicate transponder key for your car or a fob for your smart home lock, each key costs $75 to $400.

Extracting Keys from Locks

Sometimes keys break off in locks, and a locksmith will need to extract the fragment. Expenses for extracting a key could be around $50 to $200.

Car Rekeying

If your keys are misplaced or stop working, car rekeying is the best option. It is uncommon to change the actual lock on your car's doors or ignition. A car locksmith can instead rekey the existing locks so that only a new key will operate. Rekeying car locks cost lies between $30 and $50 per lock. The cost of rekeying the ignition is between $50 and $150.

Home Lock Rekeying

You can also rekey a house's locks so that the original keys are no longer functional. This is frequently faster and less expensive than changing the locks. The only disadvantage is that new locks have a guarantee, whereas rekeying does not. The locksmith rekeys the lock by repositioning the pins within the tumbler and then cutting a new key to unlock it. They could charge an hourly fee.

Cost of a Safe Locksmith

The cost of replacing a safe lock or upgrading to an electronic lock is between $50 and $150. Manually opening a locked safe typically costs approximately $150, but can cost $250-$450 if drilling into the safe is required.

Unlocking a Door

If you are locked out of your residence, a locksmith will normally charge you between $50 and $200, including travel expenses. Emergency and after working hours assistance will be more expensive.

Conclusion

Rekeying is faster and less expensive than replacing all the locks on your property. If you have a large number of locks to replace, then rekeying is a better option than changing all the locks. Rekeying costs depend on the skill level of the locksmith and the types of locks, among others. It usually lies between $10 and $400.