Question 1

How does rekeying work — exactly what do you change inside the lock?

Accepted Answer

A pin tumbler lock (the most common type in NYC apartments) has a series of spring-loaded pin stacks inside the cylinder. Each stack has a key pin and a driver pin. Rekeying replaces only the key pins with a new set cut to different heights. Your original key no longer lifts the pins to the shear line; the new key does. The lock body, deadbolt mechanism, and exterior hardware are untouched.

Question 2

The five situations where you must rekey immediately

Accepted Answer

(1) You moved into a new apartment or house — prior occupants may have copies. (2) You lost a key or had one stolen. (3) A roommate moved out and you want their key to stop working. (4) You ended a relationship with someone who had your key. (5) Your building recently had a common-area security incident. In all five, rekeying is the fastest and cheapest fix.

Question 3

Can all locks be rekeyed, or only certain types?

Accepted Answer

Most residential pin tumbler locks can be rekeyed — Schlage, Kwikset, Weiser, and most commercial-brand cylinders are all rekeyable. Some exceptions: very old or damaged cylinders with worn pins that cannot hold new cuts reliably (replacement is better), and certain electronic smart locks that use a different mechanism. Wafer locks (common on filing cabinets and cheap furniture) are replaced, not rekeyed. We inspect before confirming.

Question 4

How many keys can I get cut when you rekey?

Accepted Answer

As many as you need. We cut keys on-site using the van-mounted key machine immediately after rekeying. Standard key cuts are $5–$10 each. High-security restricted-keyway cuts (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) are $25–$65 each. Most customers get 2–4 copies. We recommend at least one backup stored somewhere other than your key ring.

Question 5

I have four locks in my apartment — can they all be rekeyed to the same key?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Keying multiple locks alike (so one key opens all of them) is standard and typically included in the per-lock rekeying price. We repin all cylinders to the same combination. You can also choose to key some locks differently — for example, deadbolt and door knob alike but mailbox lock separate.

Lock Rekeying in Brooklyn, NY — From $65

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Replace — right when:

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