Lock Rekeying

Lock Rekeying in Salina, KS: One Key, New Pins, Same Locks

Lock rekeying changes which key opens a lock without replacing the lock itself. Instead of buying and installing new hardware, a locksmith resets the small parts inside the lock so your old key stops working and a new one takes its place, which is faster and cheaper than a full replacement. It is the quickest way to shut out anyone still holding a key you would rather they did not have. Ivey Locksmith and Security rekeys locks across Salina and central Kansas, for homes and businesses, whether you need one door handled or every lock in the building set to a single key.

What Our Lock Rekeying Service Covers

We reset the pins inside your existing locks so a new key works and old keys stop.

We rekey the locks you already have so they answer to a new key, and we can bring several locks onto one key so you carry less. Whether you just moved in, lost a set of keys, or had staff or tenants turn over, we reset your locks quickly and on-site. We handle standard and high-security locks from most brands, and we will tell you honestly when a lock is better replaced than rekeyed.

• Rekeying home locks after a move or lost keys
• Rekeying business locks after employee or tenant turnover
• Matching multiple locks to one key
• Rekeying deadbolts, knob locks, and lever locks
• Master-key rekeying for buildings with several access levels
• Rekeying high-security and different-brand locks
• New keys cut to your rekeyed locks
• Mobile, on-site rekeying for most locks

How Lock Rekeying Works

Inside every pin-tumbler lock is a row of small pins backed by springs, and the lock only turns when the right key pushes those pins to the exact heights that free the cylinder. Rekeying swaps those pins for a new set matched to a different key, so the lock body, the hardware, and the finish all stay exactly as they are. Once we do that, your old key no longer lines the pins up and only the new key works.

The job is quick, usually a matter of minutes per lock with the right tools, and in most cases we work right at your door. Rekeying does normally require a working key for the lock, so if every key is lost we may need to take another approach, which we will sort out when we see the lock.

Should You Rekey or Replace?

Rekeying is the right call when the lock itself is in good shape and you simply need a new key or want to cut off the old ones. It keeps your existing hardware, costs less than buying new locks, and holds the same level of security you had before. Because it is fast and affordable, it is usually the smarter choice for a move-in, a lost key, or turnover.

Replacing a lock makes more sense when the hardware is worn, damaged, or dated, or when you want to step up to a stronger lock than what is on the door now. If you are thinking about an upgrade anyway, we will lay out the difference in cost and security so you can decide with confidence rather than guessing.

When to Rekey Your Locks

The most common reason to rekey is uncertainty about who still has a key, and a few situations bring that on more than others. Any time you cannot account for every copy of a key, rekeying is the clean way to reset control of your doors.

• Moving into a new home or taking over a new commercial space
• Losing a set of keys or having one stolen
• An employee, tenant, roommate, or contractor moving on
• Too many old copies floating around from years of handing keys out
• Wanting one key to open several doors instead of a crowded keyring

DIY Kits vs. a Professional Rekey

Simple locks can be rekeyed with a store-bought kit, and some, such as Kwikset SmartKey, are built to rekey without taking the lock apart. The catch is that different brands use different pins and tools, the small parts are easy to lose or mismatch, and a wrong move can leave you with a lock that no longer works at all. A professional rekey gets it done right the first time, in minutes, across whatever brands are on your doors.

It is also worth knowing that Kansas does not require a statewide locksmith license, so it is on you to check that whoever handles your locks is credentialed. You will be working with a family-owned shop that has been at this for nearly forty years, now run by fourth-generation locksmith Jerry Ivey alongside his children Nathan and Anna, and our ALOA membership is worth verifying before you trust anyone with your security.

Get Your Locks Rekeyed Today

Whether it is one deadbolt or every lock in the building, we can rekey your doors quickly and set them to work the way you want. To make the visit fast, it helps to have a working key on hand if you still have one, a count of how many locks are involved, and a heads-up on whether you want them all keyed alike. We rekey locks for homes and businesses across Salina, Abilene, McPherson, Lindsborg, and central Kansas, and our Kansas base lets us reach customers statewide, including Wichita, KS. Contact us today and we will get your locks answering to the right key.