Non-destructive entry first, always - and we re-key Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin locks on the spot while you watch
You get a price before we start. It does not change when we arrive. No surprises.
Lock Rekey in Phoenix, AZ
Lock rekeying in Phoenix typically costs $85 to $140 per cylinder, depending on the lock brand and security level, and is usually completed in a single visit. This process involves resetting the internal pins of your existing hardware to accept a new key, rendering all previous keys useless. At Novak Lock & Security Phoenix, we provide this service for homeowners across the Valley, ensuring that you maintain full control over who has access to your property. If you need to secure your residence after a move or a lost set of keys, our team is ready to assist. You can learn more about our general Residential Locksmith in Phoenix services if you need additional hardware upgrades or maintenance.
Rekeying is a precise mechanical procedure. When we perform a rekey, we remove the cylinder from the lock housing, disassemble the plug, and replace the internal tumblers to match a new cut of keys. This is not a task for a handyman or a general contractor; it requires specific pinning kits for your specific lock brand, such as Schlage or Sargent, and the ability to verify the cylinder’s integrity after the work is finished. We operate under The Haven Standard, meaning every job is documented, and the price we quote on the phone is the price you pay on your doorstep. If you are looking for a reliable home security solution that doesn’t involve replacing perfectly functional hardware, rekeying is the most efficient path forward.
When You Need Lock Rekey
Many homeowners in Phoenix assume they need to replace their entire lockset when keys go missing or when they want to update security. In many cases, rekeying is sufficient. We recommend this service in the following scenarios:
- New Home Purchase: When you buy a home in neighborhoods like Arcadia or North Central, you have no way of knowing how many copies of the existing keys were made by previous owners, real estate agents, or contractors.
- Lost or Stolen Keys: If your keys were misplaced in public or taken, the security of your home is compromised. Rekeying immediately invalidates the lost keys.
- Roommate or Tenant Turnover: If a roommate moves out or a rental property changes hands, rekeying ensures that former occupants no longer have access to the premises.
- Worn or Damaged Keys: If your keys are becoming difficult to turn, it is often due to internal wear within the cylinder. We can rekey the lock and cut fresh keys to restore smooth operation.
- Consolidating Keys: If you currently have different keys for your front door, back door, and side gate, we can often rekey them to operate on a single key, simplifying your daily routine.
If you are experiencing any of these situations, call (480) 376-7170 to discuss your hardware. We provide a firm quote before we start any work, adhering to our long-standing policy of upfront pricing. You can also explore our broader range of professional residential locksmith services if you believe your hardware has reached the end of its functional life.
Our Lock Rekey Process

We approach every job with the same technical rigor. Because we service high-security brands like Mul-T-Lock and Abloy, we follow a strict procedure to ensure your security is never left to chance. When you schedule a Residential Locksmith Near Me in Phoenix, AZ technician from Novak Lock & Security Phoenix, here is what you can expect:
- Initial Assessment: Our technician arrives at your home and inspects the existing hardware. We verify the brand, the condition of the cylinder, and the integrity of the door frame.
- Written Quote: Before we turn a single screw, we provide a written price for the job. This quote is final. Under The Haven Standard, our technicians are prohibited from changing the price once they are on-site.
- Cylinder Extraction: We carefully remove the cylinder from the lock assembly. This is where safety matters; we ensure the door remains secure while the lock is disassembled.
- Pinning and Calibration: We remove the old pins and springs, replacing them with new components that match the cuts on your new, original keys. We test the operation of the lock with the new key before re-installing the cylinder.
- Functionality Test: We test the lock multiple times to ensure the key turns smoothly without binding. We also check the latch and strike plate alignment to ensure the door closes securely.
- Documentation: We complete a photo record of the finished work. This documentation is left with you, providing a record of the service performed and the security state of your locks.
This systematic approach is why we have successfully serviced over 60,000 locks since 2002. If you want to return to our home page to see our full list of services, you can find that here.
Lock Rekey Pricing in Phoenix
At Novak Lock & Security Phoenix, we believe in clarity. We do not use “starting at” pricing that changes once the technician arrives. We provide a firm price on the phone, and that is the price on the invoice. Below are the standard ranges for our rekey services in the Phoenix area.
| Service Type | Price Range (Per Cylinder) |
|---|---|
| Standard Residential Rekey | $85 – $140 |
| High-Security Cylinder Rekey (Medeco/Abloy) | $120 – $190 |
| Master Key System Setup | $150 – $250 |
Please note that these prices are estimates based on standard configurations. If your hardware requires specialized parts or if you have a high-security lock that requires proprietary tools, we will quote that clearly before we begin. We also offer a free second opinion on any written estimate you have received from another company. If you are unsure about the type of lock you have, call (480) 376-7170 and describe the brand name stamped on your key or the face of the lock. Our team can help you identify your hardware over the phone.
FAQs - Lock Rekey

Is it cheaper to rekey a lock or replace it?
Rekeying is almost always more cost-effective than replacing the entire lockset, provided your existing hardware is in good working condition. You are paying for the labor and the new pins rather than the cost of new high-quality deadbolts or handlesets. However, if your current locks are entry-grade or show signs of heavy wear, replacing them may be the better long-term investment. Call (480) 376-7170 for Residential Lockout or other professional assessment.
Can you rekey locks from different brands to work with one key?
Generally, no. Different manufacturers like Schlage, Kwikset, and Sargent use different keyway profiles, meaning the key blank for one will not physically enter the cylinder of another. If you want a single key for your entire house, we would need to replace the hardware with matching cylinders. We can discuss this during your residential locksmith consultation.
Do I need to be home for the rekeying service?
Yes, we require the homeowner or an authorized adult to be present during the service. This allows us to verify the work, test the keys with you, and provide the documented photo record required by The Haven Standard. It also ensures that you have immediate access to your property once the work is complete.
How long does it take to rekey a standard house?
A typical rekey job for a standard home with 3 to 5 locks usually takes between 45 minutes and 90 minutes. This includes the time needed to carefully disassemble each lock, replace the pins, test the mechanism, and provide the documentation. If you have high-security locks, the process may take slightly longer due to the complexity of the cylinder design. Call (480) 376-7170 to schedule your service today.
Safety and Professional Standards
Lock hardware involves precision springs and small components that can be easily damaged if handled incorrectly. If you are experiencing a jammed lock or a key that will not turn, do not force it. Applying excessive pressure can break the key off inside the cylinder or damage the internal mechanism, which complicates the repair and adds unnecessary cost. If your door is difficult to operate, it may be a sign of a misalignment in the door frame or a failing strike plate rather than a problem with the lock itself. In these cases, a professional inspection is the safest route to prevent a lockout or a security failure. Our team at Novak Lock & Security Phoenix is trained to identify these issues and resolve them without causing further damage to your doors or frames. We invite you to visit our home page to learn more about our commitment to secure, documented locksmith services.
Written by Daniel Novak, Owner at Novak Lock & Security Phoenix, serving Phoenix.






