You just moved in, handed out keys to too many people, or had someone lose a key — and now you need to rekey. Most Dallas homeowners pay between $100 and $250 to rekey a typical house, depending on how many locks you’ve got and what type they are. If someone’s quoting you $500 for a three-bedroom, they’re either including extra work or banking on you not asking questions.
Here’s exactly what rekeying costs, what drives the price, and when you should actually replace the locks instead.
How Much Does It Cost to Rekey a House?
Rekeying means changing the pins inside the lock so the old keys won’t work anymore. You get new keys, keep your hardware, and save money compared to full replacement.
| Scope | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Service call + first lock | $75–$100 |
| Each additional lock | $15–$25 |
| 3-lock house (typical) | $100–$150 |
| 5-lock house | $150–$200 |
| High-security locks (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) | $30–$50 per lock |
The first lock always costs the most because it covers the trip, labor setup, and initial work. After that, each additional lock is cheap — we’re already there with tools out.
Rekey vs Replace: What’s the Price Difference?
If your locks are beat up, outdated, or you want to upgrade security, replacing them entirely might make more sense.
| Service | Cost per Lock | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Rekey | $15–$50 | Functional locks, just need new keys |
| Replace (standard) | $100–$200 | Broken hardware, outdated locks, upgrading security |
| Replace (high-security) | $200–$400 | Maximum security, smart locks, keyless entry |
If your deadbolt sticks, the knob wobbles, or you’re still using builder-grade junk from 1998, don’t rekey — replace. Rekeying doesn’t fix broken mechanisms.
What Affects the Price of Rekeying
Number of Locks
Most single-family homes have 3–5 exterior locks. Every lock we rekey adds to the bill, but the per-lock price drops after the first one.
Lock Brand and Type
Standard Kwikset and Schlage locks? Easy and cheap. High-security brands like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock take longer and cost more because the internal mechanics are more complex.
Service Call Timing
Emergency after-hours rekeying — middle of the night, weekends, holidays — costs more. If it’s not urgent, schedule during normal business hours and save $50–$100.
Master Key Systems
If you want all locks keyed alike (one key opens everything) or need a master key setup, that adds a bit to the labor. Still way cheaper than buying all new hardware.
When Rekeying Makes Sense
Go with rekeying your home if:
- You just bought or moved into the house
- You lost a key or someone you don’t fully trust has one
- Your locks work fine but you want fresh key control
- You’re renting out a property and need to reset between tenants
Don’t rekey if the lock itself is broken, rusted, or so old that parts aren’t available. At that point, you’re throwing money at hardware that’s going to fail soon anyway.
Can I Rekey Locks Myself?
Technically yes, if you buy a rekey kit and have steady hands. But most people screw it up the first time — pins in the wrong order, springs flying across the room, locks that won’t turn after reassembly.
If you’ve got one lock and want to try it as a learning project, go ahead. If you’ve got five locks and need them working by tonight, call a licensed locksmith. We bring the tools, do it in 20 minutes, and guarantee the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to rekey a house?
A typical 3–5 lock house takes 30–45 minutes once we’re on-site. Most of that time is prepping the locks and cutting new keys. The actual pin swapping is quick.
Do all my locks need to be the same brand to rekey them to one key?
Not always, but it’s easier if they’re the same brand. Some brands use compatible keyways and can be matched. Others can’t. We’ll tell you up front which locks can share a key.
Will rekeying damage my locks?
No. Rekeying is a non-destructive process. We disassemble the lock cylinder, swap the pins, reassemble, and test. The lock functions exactly the same, just with a new key.
Should I rekey after a break-in?
If nothing was stolen and the locks weren’t forced, rekeying works. But if the door got kicked in or the lock was damaged during entry, you need full replacement — the hardware is compromised.
Can I rekey locks that are already keyed alike?
Yes. If your front and back door currently use the same key, we can rekey both to a new key and keep them matched. You won’t need two separate keys after the job.
Ready to Rekey Your House in Dallas?
We’ll give you a free quote over the phone based on how many locks you have and what kind they are. No hidden fees, no surprise charges when we show up. Our licensed, insured technicians carry everything needed to rekey on the spot, and you only pay after the work’s done.
Call (972) 479-5005 or visit DFW Local Locksmith to schedule your Dallas rekeying service.
