Rekeying is one of the quickest jobs a locksmith does. Here's a realistic timeline.
Per Lock
A single cylinder typically takes 15–30 minutes to rekey, once the locksmith is on-site and has the right pins on hand.
For a Whole House
Most homes have 2–4 exterior locks. Rekeying all of them in one visit usually takes about an hour to 90 minutes total, including cutting your new keys.
What Can Add Time
- Older or unusual lock brands with harder-to-source pins
- Locks that are worn, rusted, or stuck
- Wanting all locks keyed alike (still fast, just requires matching pin sets)
What the Locksmith Is Actually Doing
The clock makes more sense once you know the steps. The locksmith removes the lock cylinder from the door, takes out the retaining clip and plug, and empties the old pin stacks. New pins are then set to match the cut pattern of the fresh key, the plug goes back in, and the cylinder is reinstalled and tested. The mechanical work is quick. Most of the time on a job goes into getting the cylinder out cleanly and confirming the lock turns smoothly afterward from both sides of the door.
In the Shop vs. at Your Door
If you can carry the lock in, shop rekeys are the fastest option. Bring the cylinder and one working key to our La Crescenta counter and it is usually handled while you wait. Mobile service adds travel and setup, so a house call runs longer on the clock even though the rekey itself takes the same fifteen to thirty minutes per lock. For a lockout, a move-in, or a door you cannot disassemble yourself, the mobile visit is worth the extra time.
Rekeying Multiple Properties
Property managers and landlords often ask about turning over several units at once. Batch work is considerably faster per lock than one-off visits, because the locksmith sets up a single pinning station and works through the cylinders in sequence. A row of apartment units that would take a full day as separate appointments often finishes in a few hours when scheduled together. If you manage a building, tell us the unit count up front and whether you want a master key system so we can bring the right pin kits.
Keyed Alike and Master Key Systems
Having every exterior door open with the same key adds almost nothing to the timeline, and it is the single most common request we get during a rekey. A master key system is a bigger job. It requires planning the key hierarchy before any pinning starts, so expect a consultation first and a longer appointment when the work happens. For a standard home with a front, back, and side door, keyed alike is usually the right call and costs little extra.
When Rekeying Is Not the Answer
A rekey assumes the lock itself is in working order. If the deadbolt binds, the key sticks, the cylinder wobbles in the door, or the hardware is old enough that replacement pins are hard to source, you are better served by new locks. A locksmith can tell you which situation you are in within a minute or two of looking at the door. We will say so honestly rather than rekeying a lock that is going to fail on you in six months.
Curious about the difference between rekeying and a full lock swap? See our rekeying vs. changing locks explainer. Ready to book? Call 818-249-5128.