How to get new locks rekeyed to use the same key
Locksmith services to install and match multiple locks often cost over $500, pricing people out of securing their homes. Hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's offer affordable rekey services, but figuring out how to buy compatible lock sets and get them rekeyed without professional help leaves many feeling completely lost.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
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How to get new locks rekeyed to use the same key
- 1Paying a locksmith over $500 for professional parts, rekeying, and installationDid this help you?
- 2Buying DIY rekeying kits for around $20 to change lock configurations manually using online tutorialsDid this help you?
- 3Ordering all new locks directly from a manufacturer that ships them pre-keyed alikeDid this help you?
- 4Hiring a local handyman to handle the physical door boring and installation separately from taking cylinders to a locksmithDid this help you?
- 5buying self-rekeying lock sets like Kwikset SmartkeyDid this help you?
- 6searching through store stock boxes to find multiple locks that are already keyed alike using serial numbersDid this help you?
- 7hiring a local locksmith to come to the homeDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“We would like to have deadbolts installed in the three doors, as well as different knobs. We would also like to have all knobs use the same key.”source ↗
“I am so lost on how keys work. If I ordered 3 sets from Wayfair for example, could I take them to a locksmith to be rekeyed?”source ↗
“I did reach out to a locksmith and was quoted over $500, plus the cost of new knobs/deadbolts, I’m sure it’s worth it to get it done correctly but that’s a little out of the budget right now.”source ↗
Where this came up
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