Lock rekey service in Fresno

How rekeying works

A standard pin tumbler lock has a row of small pins of different lengths. The right key lifts each pin to exactly the height that lets the cylinder turn. To rekey, a locksmith removes the cylinder, takes out the old pins and installs new ones that match a new key.

The lock body, finish and handles stay the same. Only the inside changes, so your old keys stop working and the new key takes over.

When a lock rekey in Fresno makes sense

Rekeying is the right call any time the locks are in good shape but you don’t know who has copies of the key.

• You just bought or moved into a home
• Keys are lost or stolen
• A roommate, tenant or ex has moved out
• Contractors, cleaners or pet sitters had keys
• You want every door on one key
• Turning over a rental between tenants

One key for the whole house

Many homes end up with a different key for the front door, back door, garage entry and deadbolts. If the locks share a compatible keyway, such as all Schlage or all Kwikset, a locksmith can rekey them to one key. If one lock is a different brand, the locksmith can swap its cylinder or suggest a matching replacement.

Kwikset SmartKey locks can be rekeyed with a learn tool rather than repinning, which is quick. A locksmith can rekey them to your existing key or a new one.

Master keying for landlords and small businesses

A master key system lets each unit or office have its own key while the owner or manager carries one key that opens all of them. It’s common in rental properties, small offices and multi-unit buildings.

Master keying adds more pins per chamber, so planning matters. A locksmith maps out who needs access to which doors, then pins each lock to match. It’s a good time to consider restricted keyways, which prevent keys from being copied at a hardware store.

When rekeying isn’t enough

If a lock is worn, sticky, damaged or low-grade, rekeying won’t fix those problems. In that case, replacing the lock or upgrading to a stronger deadbolt makes more sense, and a good locksmith will tell you so honestly rather than rekeying a lock that’s about to fail.

Rekeying also doesn’t change how strong a lock is. If you’re worried about forced entry rather than stray keys, the upgrade that matters is a sturdier deadbolt and a reinforced strike plate, not a new key.

Keeping track of keys afterward

Rekeying gives you a clean start, so it’s worth keeping it that way. Decide how many keys you actually need, label spares, and keep a short list of who has one. If you give a key to a contractor or house sitter, ask for it back when the job is done.

Keys stamped “Do Not Duplicate” are only a request; most hardware stores will still copy them. If you need real control over copies, a restricted keyway is the way to get it.

How it works

1. Count your locks

   Call, text or send a request with how many locks you have and the brands if you know them.

2. We connect you with a locksmith

   We match you with an independent, licensed locksmith in our network. If keys were stolen, tell us so we treat it as urgent.

3. Get a quote and schedule

   The locksmith quotes the job and sets a time that works for you.

4. Rekey, test and pay

   The locksmith repins each cylinder, tests the new keys, confirms the old keys no longer work, and you pay them directly.

Lock rekey questions