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Lock Rekeying in Washington, DC

Lock Rekeying DC

Lock rekeying in Washington, DC changes which key opens your lock without replacing the lock itself. We take the cylinder apart, swap out the small pins inside, and cut new keys to match. Your hardware stays on the door, and every old key that was floating around stops working.

For most Washington, DC homes, rekeying is the fastest and least expensive way to take back control of who can get in. It makes sense whenever your locks are in good condition but you are not sure who still has a copy of the key.

The Locksmith DC Company rekeys deadbolts, knob locks, lever handles and many mortise cylinders found in older DC rowhouses. We tell you the total before any work begins.

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When to Rekey

Common Reasons DC Residents Rekey Their Locks

Most rekey calls start with a simple question: who else has a key to this door? These are the situations we see most often across the District.

You Just Moved In

Previous owners, tenants, contractors, dog walkers and neighbors may all still have keys. Rekeying on move-in day is the simplest way to make sure the only working keys are the ones in your hand.

A Key Was Lost or Stolen

If your keys went missing on the Metro or a bag was taken from your car, anyone who finds them may also find your address. Rekeying makes the lost key useless without replacing good hardware.

A Roommate or Tenant Moved Out

Shared apartments and group houses turn over often in DC. When someone leaves, rekeying protects everyone who stays, and landlords can rekey between leases instead of buying new locks.

Too Many Keys for One House

Front door, back door, basement unit, side gate. We can rekey locks of the same keyway so a single key opens all of them, which makes daily life easier and copies easier to track.

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(202) 800-1897

How Lock Rekeying Works

Every pin-tumbler lock has a set of small pins of different lengths. Your key pushes those pins to exactly the right height so the cylinder can turn. Rekeying replaces the pins with a new combination, so the old key no longer lines up and a newly cut key does.

On a typical visit, the locksmith removes the cylinder, takes out the existing pins, installs a fresh set, reassembles the lock and tests the new keys several times before leaving. Nothing is drilled or damaged, and the lock goes back on the same door.

What We Can Rekey

Single-cylinder and double-cylinder deadbolts
Knob locks and lever handlesets
Mortise cylinders common in older DC rowhouses and prewar buildings
Storm door, side door and garage entry locks
Locks on rental units between tenants

Rekey to One Key (Keyed Alike)

If several of your locks share the same keyway, we can pin them all to one key. If they do not, we will explain which locks need a matching cylinder first, so you know the options before deciding.

Rekeying Homes and Rentals in Washington, DC

More than half of DC households rent, and units change hands constantly in neighborhoods like Columbia Heights, Petworth and Navy Yard. That turnover is exactly why rekeying matters here: a key that worked for the last tenant should not work for the next one.

Older rowhouses on Capitol Hill and in Shaw often have original mortise locks or cylinders that are no longer made. In many cases we can still rekey them, which keeps the original hardware and the look of the door intact.

Property managers and small landlords can schedule rekeys between leases. Tenants and landlords with questions about their rights can contact the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate. If you manage a larger building and want tighter key control, our commercial locksmith services cover master key systems as well.

How Much Does Lock Rekeying Cost in DC?

The price of rekeying depends on how many cylinders you need rekeyed, the type of lock, how many new keys you want, and whether the visit falls near the edges of our 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM hours or on a weekend.

Rekeying an entire house or unit is priced per cylinder, so ask for a per-lock rate and a total before work begins. We give you both over the phone. For a broader look at what DC locksmith jobs cost, see our locksmith cost guide for Washington, DC.

If a lock is worn out, damaged or you want stronger hardware, replacing it may make more sense than rekeying. Our lock change and replacement service covers that, and we will tell you honestly which option fits.

Why Choose The Locksmith DC Company for Rekeying

Licensed, bonded and insured locksmiths serving all four DC quadrants
Upfront pricing with a per-lock rate before work starts
Mobile service that comes to your home, with office visits by appointment only
Open every day from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
We recommend rekeying when it is enough, not a more expensive replacement

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

A single standard lock usually takes a short visit, and a whole house takes longer depending on how many doors you have. Older mortise locks can take more time. We will give you a realistic estimate when you call.

Will my old keys still work after rekeying?

No. Once the pins are changed, the old keys will no longer turn the cylinder. Only the new keys we cut for you will open the lock.

Can you rekey a lock if I do not have the key?

Often, yes. If you have lost every key, we can still open and rekey many locks, although it may take a little longer than when a working key is available.

Can every lock be rekeyed?

Most pin-tumbler locks can be rekeyed. Some very old, damaged or specialty locks cannot, and some smart locks use a different mechanism. If yours cannot be rekeyed, we will explain why and what your options are.

Should a landlord rekey between tenants in DC?

Rekeying between tenants is a common practice because previous occupants may still have copies. It costs less than replacing hardware each time, and it protects both the incoming tenant and the property.

Do I need to be home for a rekey?

Yes. An adult with authority over the property should be there so we can confirm you have the right to rekey the locks and hand the new keys to you directly.