Deadbolt Rekeying: New Keys Without a New Lock

What deadbolt rekeying actually changes

Inside the cylinder of a standard deadbolt sit five or six small columns of pins. Each column has a bottom pin, called the key pin, that rests on the key, a top pin called the driver, and a spring pushing down on both.

When the right key goes in, each cut on the key lifts its key pin to exactly the right height. At that moment the gap between every key pin and driver lines up with the shear line, the boundary between the turning plug and the fixed housing, and the plug can rotate. The wrong key leaves at least one pin crossing that line, and the plug stays locked.

Deadbolt rekeying replaces the key pins with a new set cut to different lengths. The springs, drivers, plug, housing and bolt all stay. A new key is cut to match the new pins, and from then on the old key leaves pins blocking the shear line.

Text version of this diagram

Panel 1: with the original key, the top of every key pin sits exactly on the shear line, so the plug turns.

Panel 2: after rekeying, new key pins of different lengths are matched by a new key. The pins line up again and the plug turns.

Panel 3: the old key in the rekeyed cylinder leaves every pin stack crossing the shear line, so the plug is blocked.

When deadbolt rekeying is the right call

Rekeying solves a key problem, not a lock problem. These are the situations where it is exactly what you need.

• You just moved in. Previous owners, their relatives, dog walkers and contractors may all still have keys. You have no way of knowing how many copies exist.
• A key was lost or stolen. Especially if it was on a ring with anything that shows your address.
• A tenant, roommate or employee left. Getting keys back does not help if copies were made.
• You want one key for every door. If your locks share a keyway, rekeying them to the same combination ends the fumbling at the door. Our page on keyed alike deadbolts covers this in detail.
• A relationship ended. Rekeying is quick, and it does not tell anyone that anything changed until they try their old key.

Rekey vs replace: how to decide

Both options stop old keys from working. The difference is what you get on top of that. Use this table, then read the notes below it.

Rekeying wins when the lock is in good condition and you are happy with how it looks and performs. If the bolt is loose, the finish is failing, or the lock was the cheapest one at the store when the house was built, put the money toward replacing the deadbolt instead. Rekeying a lock you plan to replace in six months is wasted money.

If you are weighing an upgrade at the same time, our guide to ANSI/BHMA deadbolt grades explains what the higher grades are tested for.

How we rekey a deadbolt, step by step

A professional rekey is quick, but the details matter, so our Deadbolt Fixers technicians follow the same six steps on every cylinder. Done carelessly, it leaves a lock that sticks or works with keys it should reject.

1. Verify access. We confirm ID and right of access before touching the lock. A rekey changes who can enter a home, so we treat it like a lockout.
2. Remove the cylinder. On most residential deadbolts this means taking off the interior half and sliding the cylinder out of the exterior housing.
3. Remove the plug with a follower. A follower tool pushes the plug out while holding the drivers and springs in the housing, so nothing scatters.
4. Swap the key pins. The old pins come out. New pins are chosen to match a new key combination, or to match a key you already use on other doors.
5. Reassemble and test. We test the new key in the lock, then the old key, then operate the bolt with the door open and closed.
6. Cut and hand over keys. You receive the agreed number of keys, and we confirm everyone who needs one has one.

What affects deadbolt rekeying cost

Rekeying is usually one of the most affordable deadbolt services, but no two quotes are identical. These are the factors that move the price:

• Number of cylinders. The visit covers travel and setup once, so each extra lock adds relatively little.
• Lock brand and keyway. Common residential keyways are quick. Restricted or high security keyways need authorized key blanks, and some can only be rekeyed through the key system owner.
• Keying to an existing key. Matching your current back door key is quick if the keyways match.
• Condition of the lock. A seized or very worn cylinder may need cleaning or parts, or may turn the job into a replacement.
• Timing. After-hours visits and weekend emergencies cost more than a scheduled weekday visit.

For typical national price ranges and how quotes are built, see the deadbolt installation cost guide.

Locks that need more than a rekey

Some locks are not good candidates for deadbolt rekeying, and we will tell you so before starting.

If you are locked out and also want the lock rekeyed, we handle both in one visit. See our lockout service for how entry and identity checks work. For buildings where keys need tighter control than a standard rekey can give, a high security deadbolt with a restricted keyway stops unauthorized copies being cut at a hardware store.

Getting the most from deadbolt rekeying

Rekeying works best with a little planning. Before the visit, walk around the property and count every exterior lock, including the garage entry door and any side gates with keyed deadbolts.

Decide who needs a key and how many copies to cut. Then ask for all of them to be done together, so you end the day with one key ring that opens every door and nothing that opens yours. If the brands do not match, our guide to the types of deadbolts helps you decide which cylinders to standardize on.