Most people are unaware of the fact that rather than replacing your lock, you can have it rekeyed. Rekeying a lock is essentially as good as having a new lock and it’s a lot more cost-effective than trying to replace it. Unless you want a completely new lock or an integral component of your current lock is damaged, then it’s very likely your lock can be rekeyed. But you might be wondering – how long does it take to rekey a lock.
How Long Does It Take to Rekey a Lock
If you’re thinking about changing vs rekeying a lock, this article may be one you would like to read. In this post, we’ll address the time it takes to rekey a lock and the factors to consider. We’ll also highlight what’s involved in the rekeying process and why you should consider rekeying your locks.
Lock Rekeying

Rekeying a lock may seem difficult but it simply means readjusting a lock so that it’s still able to function and protect your home but work with a different key. It’s a very cost-effective method that most homeowners aren’t even aware of. It’s often better to rekey your locks than change them. Rekeying, therefore, enables you to maintain the same basic components of your lock, but lets you operate it with an entirely new key. Another great benefit of rekeying a lock is that you can have several locks rekeyed to work with a singular key. So if you’re wondering how often should you change your locks, this will help you.
How Long Does It Take?
The short answer to this question is that it depends on the type of lock being rekeyed as well as the skill level of the individual rekeying the lock. When an experienced locksmith is rekeying a lock, the process itself only takes a couple of minutes. The act of getting the lock out of the door, on the other hand, often takes longer. Since locks come in all shapes and sizes, some take more time to be removed than others. An experienced locksmith will often examine a lock and give you an estimated time.
Should You Attempt to Rekey the Lock Yourself?

An experienced locksmith will have a relatively easy time rekeying a lock. Theoretically, it seems like a rather simple process, especially if you’re familiar with the basic workings of a pin-tumbler system. However, it’s very easy to damage your lock if you don’t follow the steps to the letter. Especially considering the types of door locks in the market. As such, it’s advisable to leave the rekeying process to experienced professionals.
Why Should You Rekey Your Locks?
Rekeying your locks comes with various advantages. It gives you a renewed sense of security, without breaking the bank or compromising the sense of normalcy to which you have become accustomed. You’re able to use the old locks that are already in place, with no need for significant hardware replacement.
Bottom Line
When and if you’re asked the question, how long does it take to rekey a lock? You now have an answer. It all comes down to the type of lock to be rekeyed and the skill of the individual rekeying the lock. An expert locksmith will rekey a lock in just a few minutes. For more information about rekeying a lock, get in touch with our experts here at Locksmith Guru.