Rekeying Locks: What Montgomery Homeowners Need to Know
Rekeying locks means changing the inside of your existing lock so your old keys stop working, while a brand new key takes over. It is faster and cheaper than buying new hardware. So if you just moved in, lost a key, or had a tenant move out, rekeying should be your first call.
That matters here in Montgomery. Residents face roughly a 1 in 27 chance of a property crime each year, and the local burglary rate sits about 65% above the national average, based on 2026 crime data. Your front door is your first line of defense, and rekeying makes sure every key you cannot account for stops working today.
About Time Locksmith serves Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka. Here is what you should know before you book, and you can always call (334) 868-5628 if you would rather just talk it through.
What Rekeying Locks Actually Means
Rekeying changes the small pins inside your lock cylinder so a different key operates it. The lock body, the deadbolt, and the hardware on your door all stay exactly where they are. Only the inside changes.
Here is why it works. Your key turns because its ridges push each spring-loaded pin to the right height. When a locksmith swaps those pins and cuts a fresh key to match, the old pattern no longer lines up. As a result, every old key stops working, including copies you never knew existed.
This is not the same as replacing your locks. With professional rekey lock services, you keep your current hardware and simply reset who can get in.
When You Should Rekey Your Locks
Rekey your locks any time you cannot account for every key to your home. Some moments make it urgent, while others are just smart housekeeping.
Here are the most common triggers:
- You moved into a new home. You have no idea how many copies of the old key are out there. Past contractors, neighbors, and relatives may all still have one.
- A relationship ended. Making sure an ex-partner cannot walk in is a simple safety step.
- A tenant moved out. Rental properties in Prattville and Wetumpka need a clean key record between every occupancy.
- You lost a key. A missing key is an unknown. If you also need spares for the family, pair the rekey with new key replacement in the same visit.
- Your home was broken into. Even if the door was not the entry point, rekeying closes off one repeat risk.
- You bought at auction or an estate sale. Key history is almost always a mystery in these sales.
September is a natural time to do this in Montgomery. As summer wraps up, roommates move out and college students head back to campus. Because household routines shift anyway, it is an easy moment to take stock of who still holds a key.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: How to Choose
Rekey when your locks still work well. Replace when they do not. That one question settles most decisions.
| Rekeying | Replacing | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Locks in good shape with unknown key history | Worn, sticky, damaged, or low-grade locks |
| What changes | Internal pins and your keys | The entire lock and the keys |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time per lock | Usually 5 to 15 minutes | Longer, depends on the door |
| Security upgrade | No, same lock grade | Yes, you can move up a grade |
If your deadbolt sticks, feels loose, or came with the house twenty years ago, then a rekey only refreshes a weak link. In that case, new lock installation gives you a stronger deadbolt for a small step up in price.
Some Montgomery homeowners do both at once. For example, they rekey the side and garage doors while upgrading the front door to keyless entry. Our guide to smart locks and biometric upgrades walks through those options if that interests you.
What Happens During a Rekeying Appointment
A rekey takes about 5 to 15 minutes per lock, so most homes with three or four doors are done in under an hour. Here is the order of work:
- The locksmith removes the lock cylinder from your door.
- Old pins come out using a pinning tray and specialty tools.
- New pins go in, matched to a freshly cut key.
- The cylinder gets reassembled and reinstalled.
- Your new key is tested to confirm it turns smoothly.
Why DIY Kits Often Backfire
Hardware store rekey kits look simple, but the pins are tiny and the tolerances are tight. Misalign one pin and your lock turns sticky. Damage the cylinder and you now need a full replacement, which costs more than the professional visit you were trying to avoid. Therefore, a technician who does this daily is usually the cheaper path.
How Rekeying Fits Your Wider Home Security
Rekeying controls who has a key. It does not stop someone from forcing a door, so treat it as one layer, not the whole plan.
That distinction matters. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data shows that about 38% of burglaries are unlawful entries with no force at all, meaning someone simply walked in. Rekeying directly shuts down that path. The other roughly 56% involve force, which is where hardware strength and frame reinforcement come in.
So while you are at it, check these too:
- Side and garage entry doors, which often have weaker locks than the front
- Sliding glass doors, which need a secondary bar or pin lock
- Door frames and strike plates, since many forced entries split the jamb rather than break the lock
- Any spare key hidden outside, which is the first place a burglar looks
Our residential locksmith team can walk your entry points and tell you which ones need a rekey, which need better hardware, and which are already fine.
FAQs About Rekeying Locks
How long does rekeying locks take?
Most residential locks take 5 to 15 minutes each. A home with three or four entry doors is usually finished in under an hour during one appointment.
Is rekeying cheaper than replacing locks?
Yes. Rekeying reuses your existing hardware instead of buying new, so you pay less. If your locks are in good condition, it is the more economical choice.
Can every lock be rekeyed?
Most standard deadbolts and knob locks can. However, some high-security and proprietary brands need brand-specific pins or tools. A locksmith can confirm on-site once they see your hardware.
How often should I rekey my home?
There is no fixed schedule. The events listed above are your real triggers. Beyond those, rekeying every few years is a reasonable habit.
Can a locksmith rekey my locks the same day I call?
Usually, yes. Mobile locksmiths carry their pinning tools and key blanks in the van, so same-day and after-hours service is standard.
Do all my locks need to use the same key after rekeying?
Not unless you want them to. Ask your locksmith to key your locks alike, and one key will open every door. Many homeowners find this simpler than juggling three keys.
Ready to Rekey? Call About Time Locksmith
If you cannot account for every key to your home, rekeying is a same-day fix. Our mobile locksmiths come to you anywhere in Montgomery, Prattville, or Wetumpka, and we are open 24/7.
Call (334) 868-5628 for a quote, or reach out online to book a time that works for you. A short appointment now saves you a much bigger problem later.
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