Security tips
Rekeying changes the inside of a lock so old keys stop working and a new key takes over, without replacing the hardware. It is a cost-effective choice after a move, a lost key or a change in who has access.
Most residential locks use a pin tumbler design. Inside the cylinder are small pins of different lengths that line up when the correct key is inserted, allowing the cylinder to turn.
When a locksmith rekeys a lock, they remove the cylinder and replace those pins with a new set that matches a different key. The outside of the lock stays exactly the same, but the old key no longer lines up the pins.
You keep your existing handles, knobs and deadbolts, and you get fresh keys that only you control.
The process does not involve drilling or removing the lock from the door in most cases. The cylinder slides out, gets repinned and slides back in, which is why rekeying is often a quick job for a trained technician.
Rekeying and replacing both stop old keys from working. The difference is what happens to the hardware.
If your locks work well and you like their look, rekeying is usually the practical choice. Our guide on reasons to replace your locks covers when new hardware is the better route.
Rekeying is worth considering any time you are unsure who has a working key.
Landlords often rekey between tenants. Businesses rekey after staff changes or when restructuring a master key system.
Rekeying is also a reasonable step if you simply cannot remember how many copies you have handed out over the years. Starting fresh gives you an exact count and a clear list of who holds each key.
Many homes end up with a different key for the front door, back door, side gate and garage entry. Rekeying can set them all to the same key, which simplifies life for everyone in the household.
This works when the locks share a compatible keyway, which often means the same brand or family of locks. A locksmith can check your locks and tell you which ones can be matched. Mismatched locks can sometimes be swapped for compatible hardware during the same visit.
The technician will confirm you own or have the right to change the locks, then remove each cylinder, repin it and test it with the new key. Locks are reinstalled and checked so they turn smoothly and the bolts line up.
Have every key you use for those doors on hand, including spares, so the technician can confirm which locks are part of the job. Old keys can be collected and discarded once the new ones are tested.
It is a good time to ask for extra copies of the new key, so you do not have to make a separate trip. You can also ask the locksmith to look at strike plates and screws while they are there.
You will get a quote from Advantage Lock And Key Los Angeles before the cylinders come out, and we take major credit cards.
We offer residential rekeying for homes and apartments, and emergency rekeying when a key has just been lost or stolen and you want peace of mind tonight. Businesses can reach our commercial locksmith team for rekeying and master key work.
Call 310-819-3002 to check availability and get a quote. If you plan to change locks soon anyway, mention it on the call so we can help you decide whether rekeying or new hardware is the better use of your budget.
A deadbolt adds a solid steel bolt that a spring latch cannot match, making a door much harder to force. Choosing the right grade, cylinder type and strike plate setup makes the biggest difference.
Read the article
Most lockouts come from a few avoidable habits, and most damage comes from how people react. Fix these five mistakes and you will be locked out less often, with less cost when it does happen.
Read the article
A locksmith can walk your property, check every way in, and point out the weak spots a burglar would look for first. You get a clear list of fixes, from simple habit changes to hardware upgrades.
Read the articleRekeying makes old keys useless, so for that purpose it works just as well. If your locks are low quality or worn, replacing them may add strength. See residential rekeying for details.
Most leases require landlord approval for lock changes, so check first. We can coordinate an apartment lock change or rekey with permission.
Call 310-819-3002 to check today's availability in your part of Los Angeles.