What rekeying is — and why it's so useful
Rekeying means changing the small internal pins inside your lock cylinder so that the old keys no longer fit, and a new key is cut to match the new pin configuration. The lock body, handle and deadbolt all stay exactly where they are — only the key that operates them changes. Because we're not replacing the hardware, it's quicker and cheaper than a full lock change.
For most Newmarket homeowners and businesses, rekeying solves the real problem (who holds a working key) without the expense of new locks. It's one of the most cost-effective security steps you can take.
Just moved in? Rekey on day one
When you take over a home, you can't know how many copies of the keys exist. Previous owners, their relatives, agents, contractors and cleaners may all still have working keys. Rekeying your exterior locks immediately cancels every one of those keys at once, so only your new keys work.
We can rekey all your exterior doors in a single visit and key them alike, so you carry just one key for the whole house. It's a small cost for genuine peace of mind in your new Newmarket home.
Rekeying for landlords and businesses
Landlords across Newmarket rely on rekeying between tenancies — it's far cheaper than replacing locks every time a tenant moves out, and it ensures previous tenants can't return. For businesses, rekeying after an employee leaves closes the security gap left by any keys they held, without the cost and disruption of new hardware.
If you find yourself rekeying frequently due to staff turnover, we can talk about access control or keypad systems, where revoking access is as simple as deleting a code — no rekeying required.
Key alike, master keying and lost keys
We can key multiple locks alike so one key opens them all, or set up a master-key arrangement where one key opens everything while others open only certain doors. If you've simply lost a key, rekeying is the secure response: it guarantees the lost key can never be used, even if someone finds it and knows your address.
Our rekeying services
Home rekeying
Rekey all your exterior doors after moving in, so old keys stop working and you carry just one new key.
Key alike
Set multiple locks to open with a single key for everyday convenience.
Landlord & tenant turnover
Affordable rekeying between tenancies so previous occupants can't return.
Commercial rekeying
Close the security gap after staff changes without replacing hardware.
Master key systems
One key opens everything, while others open only selected doors — ideal for businesses.
Lost-key response
Rekey immediately so a lost or stolen key can never be used to get in.
How rekeying works
- 1
Call us with your needs
Tell us how many doors and whether you want them keyed alike. We give you an upfront price.
- 2
We come to you
A mobile locksmith reaches most of Newmarket in 20–40 minutes, 24/7.
- 3
We rekey your cylinders
We reset the internal pins so old keys stop working and cut fresh keys to the new configuration.
- 4
Test & hand over new keys
We test every lock and hand you your new keys — old keys are now useless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between rekeying and changing locks?
Rekeying changes the internal pins of your existing lock so old keys no longer work, while you keep the same hardware and receive new keys — it's faster and cheaper. Changing the lock means installing brand-new hardware, which makes sense when a lock is worn or damaged, or when you want to upgrade the security grade or style. For most situations where you simply need old keys to stop working, rekeying is the smarter choice.
How much does it cost to rekey locks in Newmarket?
Rekeying is one of the most affordable locksmith services, typically around $20–$30 per cylinder plus a service call, depending on how many locks you have. Keying several doors alike during the same visit keeps the per-lock cost down. We confirm the full price before we start, with no hidden fees.
Can you make all my locks use one key?
Yes. This is called keying alike, and it's one of our most common requests. We rekey your exterior locks so a single key opens every door, which is much more convenient than carrying several keys. If you have more complex needs, we can also design a master-key system.
I lost my keys — should I rekey or replace the locks?
Rekeying is usually all you need. It guarantees the lost key can never open your door again, even if someone finds it, while keeping your existing hardware. We'd only suggest replacement if the locks are also worn, damaged, or you want to upgrade them. We can rekey on the spot, often within the same visit.
Can you rekey commercial locks after an employee leaves?
Yes. Rekeying is the fast, cost-effective way to secure your business after staff changes — the former employee's key stops working immediately and you avoid replacing hardware. If you rekey often due to turnover, we can also discuss access control systems that let you revoke access instantly without a locksmith visit.