How Much Does It Cost to Rekey a Lock in NJ?

Lock Rekeying Costs in New Jersey — Everything You Need to Know

Rekeying is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home security. If you have recently moved into a new home, lost your keys, or had a roommate move out, rekeying your locks ensures that old keys no longer work — without the expense of buying and installing entirely new lock hardware. Here is a complete guide to lock rekeying costs in NJ and when it makes sense for your situation.

How Much Does Lock Rekeying Cost in NJ?

The average cost to rekey a lock in New Jersey breaks down like this:

Example scenario: You just moved into a 3-bedroom home in Bergen County with 4 exterior locks. Rekeying all four locks would cost approximately $50-$100 for the service call plus $60-$120 for the rekeying, totaling $110-$220. Compare that to replacing all four locks at $100-$200 each ($400-$800 total), and the savings are significant.

What Exactly Is Lock Rekeying?

Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pin configuration of a lock so that the old keys no longer work and new keys are required. Here is how it works:

1. The locksmith removes the lock cylinder from the door hardware using a follower tool.
2. The existing pins are removed from the cylinder. Standard pin-tumbler locks have 5 or 6 spring-loaded pins of varying heights.
3. New pins are installed that match a different key pattern. The locksmith selects pin heights from a rekeying kit to match the new key.
4. The cylinder is reassembled and reinstalled in the lock body. The lock hardware itself — the knob, lever, or deadbolt — stays the same.
5. New keys are cut and tested to confirm the lock operates smoothly.

The entire process takes about 5-10 minutes per lock for an experienced locksmith. Your lock looks identical from the outside, and the new keys work seamlessly.

When Should You Rekey Your Locks?

Rekeying is the right choice in many common situations:

• Moving into a new home — This is the number one reason people rekey their locks. You have no way of knowing who has copies of the existing keys. Previous owners, their family members, neighbors, real estate agents, cleaning services, and contractors may all have copies.
• Lost or stolen keys — If you cannot account for your keys, rekeying is faster and cheaper than replacing all your locks. Once rekeyed, the lost keys become useless.
• Roommate or tenant moves out — Whether it was amicable or not, rekeying ensures the former occupant cannot re-enter.
• After a break-in (if locks are undamaged) — If the burglar used a copy of your key or picked the lock without damaging it, rekeying changes the combination so the same technique will not work again.
• After ending a relationship — Divorce, separation, or a breakup where the other person had a key to your home.
• Service workers had keys — After a contractor, cleaning service, dog walker, or babysitter no longer needs access.
• You want all locks keyed alike — If your front door, back door, side door, and garage door all use different keys, a locksmith can rekey them all to work with a single key for about $15-$30 per lock.

Rekey vs. Replace: A Detailed Comparison

Bottom line: If your existing locks are in good condition and you just need to invalidate old keys, rekeying saves 50-70% compared to replacement. If your locks are old, damaged, or low-quality, replacing them is the better investment.

Can You Rekey Smart Locks?

It depends on the type of smart lock:

• Smart locks with a key cylinder (like Schlage Encode or Kwikset SmartCode) — Yes, the mechanical key cylinder can be rekeyed just like a standard lock. The electronic codes are changed separately through the lock's app or keypad.
• Kwikset SmartKey locks — These can be rekeyed by the homeowner without a locksmith using a special SmartKey tool and a new key. It takes about 15 seconds per lock.
• Keyless-only smart locks (like August Wi-Fi Smart Lock) — These have no key cylinder, so rekeying does not apply. You change access by updating codes or removing users in the app.

DIY Rekeying: Is It Worth It?

You can buy rekeying kits online for about $10-$20. However, there are a few things to consider:

• You need to correctly identify your lock brand and model to buy the right kit
• Disassembling and reassembling the cylinder requires precision — dropping pins is common for beginners
• If you make a mistake, you could damage the lock or lock yourself out
• A locksmith can rekey 4-6 locks in the time it takes a DIYer to do one
• Professional rekeying comes with a warranty; DIY does not

For a single lock, DIY might save you some money. For multiple locks, the professional route is more reliable and not much more expensive when you factor in the service call fee being spread across multiple locks.

How to Save Money on Lock Rekeying

• Bundle multiple locks — The service call fee ($50-$100) is a one-time charge. The more locks you rekey in a single visit, the lower the per-lock cost.
• Schedule during business hours — Avoid after-hours and weekend surcharges.
• Combine with other services — If you also need a lock replaced or a deadbolt installed, having it done in the same visit eliminates an extra service call.
• Ask about keying alike — Having all locks set to one key during rekeying usually costs the same as rekeying them to different keys.

Call Paul Quick Locksmith for Lock Rekeying

Paul Quick Locksmith provides fast, professional lock rekeying services throughout New Jersey. We carry a full inventory of rekeying pins for all major lock brands and can have your home rekeyed in about 30 minutes. We also offer complete residential locksmith services if you decide to upgrade your locks instead.

Ready to rekey your locks? Call us today: (201) 822-9313 or (973) 358-8464

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