Rekey • LA County
Rekey locks in Los Angeles County
Lock rekeying: what changes and what stays
Lock rekeying changes the pins inside a working lock so the old keys stop opening it. When people ask to rekey house locks after a move, the lock, handle, and door usually stay in place. It is also practical after a lost key, tenant change, or any time you do not know who still has a copy.
- Count every cylinder, including gates, side doors, and detached garages.
- Say whether you want compatible locks to work with one key.
- Mention worn, sticky, damaged, or smart locks — rekeying does not repair bad hardware.
What happens next
- You submit your ZIP and a short note about what happened.
- We send it to locksmiths who cover that ZIP, or nearby.
- If someone can take it, they call with a time and a price before they drive out. You pay the locksmith directly.
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What to include
- How many locks need new keys
- If you still have a working key to copy
- If it's a master-keyed building, say so up front
Useful next steps
See the current LA pricing ranges, or open the local guide for rekeying in Sherman Oaks.
When a rekey makes sense
A locksmith repins the existing cylinder so old keys stop working and a new one takes over. If you're not sure who still has a copy, that's exactly the situation a rekey is built for.
Several doors can be set to one key when the cylinders are compatible — tell whoever calls how many locks so they can match them all in one visit.
Rekey locks when you've moved, lost a key, or handed out one too many copies. The locks stay put; only the key that opens them changes — cheaper than new hardware and usually done the same day. Neighborhoods like Sherman Oaks and Encino see this a lot after lease turnovers.
Request rekey serviceRekey vs lock change
Rekey repins the cylinder; lock change swaps the hardware. Pricing context: LA ranges; after a break-in or lost keys, see house lockout for access-first scenarios.
Rekey FAQ — Los Angeles County
Is rekeying cheaper than replacing locks?+−
Usually yes when hardware is sound — you pay for labor and pins, not full lock bodies. Worn or obsolete cylinders may need lock change instead.
Can every door use one key?+−
Often within the same brand and keyway. Mixed Schlage/Kwikset/Mul-T-Lock sets sometimes need one cylinder swapped to unify.
Do old keys still work after a rekey?+−
No — pins are changed so prior copies stop working. Plan how many new keys you need before the tech leaves.
When should I skip rekey?+−
Sticky cores, stripped screws, smart-lock upgrades, or insurance grade requirements — repinning does not fix bad hardware.
Commercial vs home rekey?+−
Master keys and exit devices add steps. List door count and whether staff keys must stay valid — routing picks commercial skill when needed.
Rekey vs full FAQ hub?+−
This page is rekey scope for LA County. Broader pricing and platform questions: FAQ. Compare methods: rekey vs change locks.
Pricing and platform flow, and pro topics: full locksmith FAQ.
Why customers use LockUnlocked
- Requests go to locksmiths who cover your ZIP, not a national call center.
- See a price range before dispatch when available.
- You pay the locksmith directly. We do not add a fee on the job.
- Cancel via link in your SMS if plans change.
Guides & Los Angeles resources
Start from your situation or county-wide service page, then open your neighborhood when you want local detail — the same request form and ZIP routing apply everywhere.
Quick definitions
- Car lockout: professional entry when keys are inside the vehicle — see LA County car lockout.
- Rekeying: repin the cylinder for a new key — see Rekey (LA County) and rekey vs change.
Common situations
County-wide service pages
Pricing, hours & coverage
If you just want the old keys to stop working
You do not need a shop with a counter. If the lock still turns, a locksmith can change the pins at the door and hand you new keys.
Where to get locks rekeyed in Los Angeles? + −
At the house or apartment, if the hardware is not falling apart. Count the locks, send the ZIP, and wait for a range before anyone drives.
Where to rekey a lock — shop or mobile visit? + −
Almost always mobile. Bring a cylinder to a shop only if you already pulled it and want that route. Say which you want.
Can I rekey home locks after a roommate or tenant leaves? + −
Yes. That is half of these calls. Count every lock their key still opens — garage and gate included — or leftover copies keep working.
Is “re-key locks” different from a lock change? + −
Rekey keeps the lock and changes the key. A change swaps the whole thing. Change it when it is worn, drilled, or the wrong type.
Related: Rekey in Sherman Oaks · Lock change instead · Rekey price ranges · What locksmith work costs.
Neighborhood pages
If you searched a specific area, these go deeper:
Featured LA County areas
Open the area closest to you, or submit the form above with the ZIP where you need service.