Is it cheaper to rekey or replace a lock?

Rekeying is usually cheaper — $15–$40 per cylinder versus $80–$200 to replace the hardware — and it makes all the old keys stop working. Replace instead of rekey only when the lock is worn, damaged, or you want a different finish or a smart lock.

Why does the first lock cost more than the rest?

The flat trip fee ($50–$100) is charged once per visit, then each cylinder is only $15–$40 of labor. So rekeying five locks at once is far cheaper per lock than calling someone out for a single cylinder.

Can I rekey my own locks?

Yes, if they are common Kwikset or Schlage cylinders. A Kwikset SmartKey kit ($13–$22) rekeys compatible locks in minutes with no disassembly; traditional pin kits ($10–$40) work on standard cylinders but take more skill.

Should I rekey after moving into a new home?

Yes. You have no idea how many copies of the old keys exist. Rekeying every exterior lock to a single new key is inexpensive and is the standard security step after buying or renting a home.

Cost to Rekey Locks

Updated 2026 Independent estimate

Flattened moving boxes and a pair of work gloves stacked on a house porch beside the front door

Rekeying a lock costs $50–$200 all-in, typically around $120. You pay a $50–$100 trip fee plus $15–$40 per cylinder, so the more locks you do in one visit, the cheaper each gets. A whole house of 5 locks runs $130–$270. DIY kits cost $13–$22 if you are handy.

Typical range $50–$200

Most people pay $120

Price breakdown

Lock rekeying cost (US, 2026)

Service-call / trip fee Locksmith

Flat fee just to dispatch; charged on top of per-lock labor. Some locksmiths waive it when rekeying 3+ locks.

$50–$100
Rekey one lock cylinder (labor only, standard pin-tumbler) Locksmith

Per-cylinder labor rate; add trip fee for total out-of-pocket on a single-lock job ($65–$140 all-in).

$15–$40
Each additional lock cylinder (same visit, volume rate) Locksmith

Many locksmiths discount additional cylinders rekeyed on the same call; incremental cost drops to roughly $10–$25 each.

$10–$25
Whole house – 3 locks (trip fee included) Locksmith

Mid-range is roughly $130.

$95–$175
Whole house – 5 locks (trip fee included) Locksmith

Five locks at $15–$40 each plus a $50–$100 trip fee; high end assumes premium urban market.

$130–$270
High-security lock rekey (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy) Locksmith

Patented keyways and restricted key blanks push per-cylinder labor to $50–$75+; some certified dealers charge more. Not all locksmiths can service these.

$50–$150
Lock replacement – standard deadbolt (rekey alternative) Locksmith

Includes hardware + labor for a standard residential deadbolt. Full-house replacement (6 locks) runs $450–$900+, vs. $150–$240 to rekey.

$80–$200
After-hours / emergency surcharge Locksmith

Added on top of normal rates for evenings, weekends, or holidays. Emergency hourly rates can hit $150–$250/hr vs. $50–$100/hr daytime.

$25–$100
DIY rekey kit – Kwikset SmartKey (1–2 locks) DIY

Kwikset SmartKey rekeying kits retail $13–$22 at Home Depot/Amazon; no tools required beyond the included key gauge. Works only on SmartKey-compatible Kwikset locks.

$13–$22
DIY rekey kit – traditional pin-tumbler (Kwikset / Schlage compatible) DIY

Pin kits + follower tool for standard cylinders. Basic pin sets ~$10–$20; complete multi-brand pro kits run $25–$85. Requires a plug follower and some mechanical comfort.

$10–$40

Rekey it yourself

Rekeying a standard pin-tumbler lock is a manageable DIY job with the right kit. Buy the kit that matches your lock brand.

Kwikset locks

Prime-Line E 2400 Re-Keying Kit for Kwikset (5-pin)

$13.97 as of Oct 12, 2026 09:00 UTC

Pre-cut keys and pins for standard Kwikset pin-tumbler locks. Not for SmartKey locks.

Check price on Amazon

Schlage locks

Prime-Line E 2402 Re-Keying Kit for Schlage (5-pin)

$13.97 as of Oct 12, 2026 09:00 UTC

The same kit for Schlage C-keyway pin-tumbler locks.

Check price on Amazon

Kwikset SmartKey locks

Kwikset SmartKey Re-Key Kit

$12.47 as of Oct 12, 2026 09:00 UTC

SmartKey locks rekey with a tool instead of pins. If your Kwikset lock has a small slot beside the keyway, it is SmartKey and needs this kit.

Check price on Amazon

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What affects the price

Number of locks rekeyed in one visit — trip fee is fixed, so per-lock cost falls sharply as count rises
Lock brand and keyway — standard Kwikset/Schlage much cheaper than high-security patented keyways (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock)
Lock type — deadbolts and knob locks vs. smart/electronic locks (smart locks may not be rekeyable the same way)
Time of day / day of week — after-hours, weekend, and holiday rates add $25–$100+ surcharge
Geographic market — urban metros (NYC, LA, SF) run 20–40% higher than rural areas
Whether you already have a key that works — if lost, locksmith may need to pick or disassemble first, adding labor
Locksmith vs. hardware-store rekey service — some big-box stores (Home Depot, Lowe's) offer in-store rekeying for ~$2–$5/key blank when you bring the lock in
DIY feasibility — Kwikset SmartKey cylinders are designed for easy homeowner rekeying; traditional pin-tumbler rekeying requires more skill

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace a lock?: Rekeying is usually cheaper — $15–$40 per cylinder versus $80–$200 to replace the hardware — and it makes all the old keys stop working. Replace instead of rekey only when the lock is worn, damaged, or you want a different finish or a smart lock.
Why does the first lock cost more than the rest?: The flat trip fee ($50–$100) is charged once per visit, then each cylinder is only $15–$40 of labor. So rekeying five locks at once is far cheaper per lock than calling someone out for a single cylinder.
Can I rekey my own locks?: Yes, if they are common Kwikset or Schlage cylinders. A Kwikset SmartKey kit ($13–$22) rekeys compatible locks in minutes with no disassembly; traditional pin kits ($10–$40) work on standard cylinders but take more skill.
Should I rekey after moving into a new home?: Yes. You have no idea how many copies of the old keys exist. Rekeying every exterior lock to a single new key is inexpensive and is the standard security step after buying or renting a home.

Sources

Prices are independent estimates compiled from the sources above and updated for 2026. Actual quotes vary by location, vehicle, and provider.

Cost to Rekey Locks

Price breakdown

Rekey it yourself

Prime-Line E 2400 Re-Keying Kit for Kwikset (5-pin)

Prime-Line E 2402 Re-Keying Kit for Schlage (5-pin)

Kwikset SmartKey Re-Key Kit

What affects the price

Frequently asked questions

Related

Sources