Lock Rekeying in Melbourne & Brevard County

What Is Lock Rekeying?

Every pin tumbler lock contains a series of small pins of different lengths. When the correct key is inserted, those pins line up at exactly the right height and the lock turns. Rekeying means removing the cylinder, replacing those pins with a new combination, and cutting new keys to match. The lock body, handle and finish stay exactly the same, but every old key instantly stops working.

It is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to improve security, and it is one of the most common services Locksmith of Brevard performs for homeowners, renters, landlords and businesses across Brevard County.

When Should You Rekey Your Locks?

After Moving Into a New Home

When you buy a house, you have no way of knowing how many keys are out there. Previous owners, their relatives, contractors, cleaners, dog walkers and real estate agents may all have had copies. Rekeying on move-in day is the single best thing you can do to make your new home truly yours. This is especially important in fast-growing areas like Viera, West Melbourne and Palm Bay, where many homes change hands every few years.

Between Tenants

Landlords and property managers should rekey between every tenant. It protects the incoming resident, reduces liability, and is far less expensive than replacing locks each time. We work with property managers throughout Brevard County to turn units over quickly.

After Lost or Stolen Keys

If your keys were lost or stolen, especially along with anything that shows your address, rekey right away. It takes only one copied key for someone to walk in without leaving a trace of forced entry.

After an Employee or Roommate Leaves

A former employee, roommate or partner may still have a key, or a copy you never knew about. Rekeying restores control without the cost of new hardware. Businesses can learn more on our commercial locksmith page.

To Simplify Your Key Ring

Tired of carrying a different key for the front door, back door, garage entry and shed? We can rekey compatible locks so one key opens them all. This is called keying alike, and it is a popular add-on for homeowners.

Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks

Both options give you new keys, but they solve different problems.

• Choose rekeying when your locks are in good working condition and you simply need to control who has keys. It costs significantly less because you keep your existing hardware.
• Choose replacement when locks are worn, damaged, low quality, corroded from salt air, or when you want new features such as a smart lock, a stronger deadbolt, or a different style or finish. Our lock installation and repair team can help.

Not sure which you need? We will look at your locks and give you an honest recommendation. If rekeying will solve the problem, we will tell you.

Our Rekeying Process

1. Inspection. We check each lock to make sure it is working properly and can be rekeyed. If a lock is failing, we let you know before we start.
2. Cylinder removal. We remove the cylinder from each lock without damaging the door or hardware.
3. Repinning. Old pins are removed and replaced with a new combination. If you want all locks keyed alike, we pin them to a single key.
4. Key cutting. We cut new keys on site in our mobile workshop.
5. Testing. Every lock is reinstalled and tested with every new key so you know it works smoothly before we leave.

A typical home with three to five locks takes less than an hour.

Can Every Lock Be Rekeyed?

Most standard residential and commercial pin tumbler locks can be rekeyed, including knobs, levers, deadbolts, handlesets, mortise cylinders and many padlocks. Some very inexpensive locks are not designed to be serviced, and some high-security systems require authorized key blanks. Smart locks with a key backup cylinder can usually be rekeyed too. To key different locks alike, they need to share the same keyway, and if they do not, we can swap a cylinder or recommend matching hardware.

Rekeying and Master Key Systems

For apartment communities, offices and multi-building properties, rekeying is often done as part of a master key system. Each door gets its own key, while managers carry a master that opens everything. We design and maintain these systems for properties across the county. Learn more about master key systems.

Why Choose a Professional Locksmith for Rekeying?

Rekeying kits exist, but they only work with a single brand and often leave homeowners with stuck or misaligned pins. A professional locksmith works with every major brand, has the full range of pin sizes, and can key different brands alike. The Associated Locksmiths of America recommends working with a trained professional for key control and lock servicing. Our technicians rekey locks every day, and we test every key before we leave.

Rekeying for Landlords and Property Managers

Brevard County has a large rental market, from single-family homes in Palm Bay and West Melbourne to apartment communities in Melbourne and beachside condos. For landlords, rekeying between tenants is one of the most important parts of a unit turnover. It protects new tenants from previous residents who may have kept or copied keys, and it helps protect owners from liability if a former tenant enters a unit.

We make turnovers easy. We can rekey multiple units in a single visit, key each unit differently while giving the manager a master key, and keep records of key codes so future rekeys are fast. For vacation rentals, we can also install keypad locks so codes change automatically between guests and keys never need to be collected.

Rekeying After a Real Estate Purchase

For new homeowners, rekeying is one of the first tasks on the move-in checklist, right alongside setting up utilities. During the sale process, keys and lockbox codes are often shared with agents, inspectors, appraisers, contractors and cleaning crews. Once the house is yours, rekeying ensures only you and the people you choose can get inside. Many buyers also take this opportunity to key every exterior door to a single key and upgrade older locks.

How Rekeying Improves Security on a Budget

Security upgrades do not have to be expensive. Rekeying gives you immediate control over who can enter, for a fraction of the cost of new hardware. Pair it with inexpensive improvements like reinforced strike plates and long hinge screws, and you significantly increase your door resistance to both unauthorized key use and forced entry. If you later decide to upgrade to smart locks or high-security hardware, we can key those new locks to match the rest of your home.

Signs Your Locks Need More Than Rekeying

• The key is very difficult to insert or turn, even after cleaning.
• The lock is visibly corroded or the finish is peeling.
• The deadbolt does not fully extend, even when the door is aligned.
• The lock is a very low-cost model with a thin, wobbly cylinder.
• The lock was damaged in a break-in attempt.

If you notice any of these, we will let you know whether a repair or replacement is the better choice.

Lock Rekeying FAQs

How much does it cost to rekey a lock?

Rekeying is typically far less expensive than replacing locks. Pricing depends on the number of locks and whether you want them keyed alike. Call us at (321) 351-3951 for a quick quote.

Do I need to be home for rekeying?

Yes, or an authorized person needs to be present. We verify ownership or authorization before rekeying any property.

Can you rekey a lock without the original key?

Yes. If no working key is available, we can still open and rekey most locks. More answers are on our FAQ page.