Control Who Holds Working Keys
Lock Rekeying in Fairhaven for properties after tenant changes, employee departures, or lost key incidents
Keys left unaccounted for create vulnerabilities that persist until the physical mechanism inside each lock is altered. Locks-Are-Us provides lock rekeying in Fairhaven for residential and commercial properties where key control has been compromised or transferred. The internal pin configuration is adjusted so that previous keys no longer operate the lock, while new keys function immediately.
Rekeying replaces the small pins inside the cylinder that correspond to key cuts, leaving the lock body, strike plate, and door hardware unchanged. This process addresses key control concerns after a tenant moves out, an employee leaves with unreturned keys, or a homeowner loses track of who received duplicates over the years.
Schedule a rekeying evaluation to review which locks require adjustment and confirm key counts needed.
What Happens During the Rekeying Process
The locksmith removes the cylinder from the lock housing, extracts the existing pin stack, and replaces it with pins that match a different key cut pattern. The reassembled cylinder is tested with the new key before reinstallation, ensuring the old key no longer turns the mechanism.
After rekeying, you receive a set number of fresh keys that operate the updated locks, and any previously cut keys become inert metal blanks. Doors lock and unlock normally, the finish and hardware appearance remain identical, and there is no visible indication that internal components were adjusted.
Rekeying costs significantly less than purchasing and installing new locksets, particularly when door prep, finish matching, and labor for complete replacement are considered. The existing lock hardware continues to function as long as the mechanical components inside remain in working condition, making rekeying practical for properties where the locks themselves are not damaged or outdated.
Questions Property Owners Ask Before Rekeying
Homeowners and business operators in Fairhaven often need clarity about how rekeying differs from replacement and when it makes sense to choose one over the other.
What is the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?
Rekeying changes the pin configuration inside the existing lock so old keys no longer work, while replacement removes the entire lock and installs new hardware, which costs more and takes longer.
How long does it take to rekey a standard residential lock?
Most single-cylinder deadbolts and keyed entry knobs can be rekeyed in under fifteen minutes once the locksmith has the lock disassembled and the replacement pins organized.
Can all locks be rekeyed to work with the same key?
Yes, as long as the locks are from compatible manufacturers and keyway types, multiple locks can be pinned to operate with one key, simplifying daily use across entry points.
When should I choose rekeying instead of buying new locks?
Rekeying is appropriate when the lock hardware functions properly but key control is uncertain, such as after moving into a home, employee turnover at a business, or key loss incidents.
Does rekeying affect the security level of the lock?
The lock retains the same security features it had before rekeying, since the cylinder mechanism and housing remain unchanged, but key control is restored by invalidating all previous key copies.
Locks-Are-Us has provided locksmith services across South Coast Massachusetts for over forty years, addressing key control issues for both residential and commercial clients. Call (508) 992-1766 to arrange rekeying service after any situation where unaccounted keys present a concern.