Moved into a new place? Lost a key? Kicked out a roommate? Your first instinct is probably “I need new locks.” Most of the time, you don’t — you need the locks you already own rekeyed. Here’s how to tell the difference, what each option costs in the Spokane area, and when replacement really is the right call.
Part 1: What Rekeying Actually Is (Explained in 60 Seconds)
Rekeying doesn’t touch your door or your hardware. Inside every lock cylinder is a row of tiny spring-loaded pins, and the heights of those pins are what your key’s cuts match. A locksmith removes the cylinder, swaps those pins for a new set at different heights, and hands you a fresh key. Your old key — and every copy of it floating around out there — instantly stops working.
- Takes about 5–10 minutes per lock
- Your existing deadbolt and handle stay on the door
- Old keys die, new key rules them all
Think of it as changing the password instead of buying a new computer.
Part 2: Four Times Rekeying Is the Smart-Money Move
If your locks are in good shape and you just need to control who has a working key, rekey. The classic cases:
- You just bought or rented a home. The previous owner’s contractor, dog sitter, and cousin may all still have keys. You have no idea how many copies exist — make them all useless.
- A key was lost or stolen. Especially if it went missing along with anything showing your address.
- A roommate, tenant, ex, or employee moved on. Collecting the key back doesn’t help if they ever made a copy.
- You want one key for every door. Front door, back door, garage side door — a locksmith can rekey them all to match, so one key opens everything.
Part 3: When You Should Replace the Whole Lock Instead
Rekeying can’t fix hardware that’s failing or upgrade security that was never there. Replace the lock when:
- It’s worn out. If you have to jiggle, lift, or sweet-talk the key every time, the internals are worn — rekeying reuses those same internals.
- It’s damaged or been attacked. After a break-in or attempted one, the cylinder and strike may be compromised even if they look okay.
- It’s builder-grade junk. Many homes ship with bargain locks. Upgrading to a Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt is one of the cheapest real security upgrades that exists.
- You’re switching styles. Going keyless or smart-lock? That’s a swap, not a rekey.
Part 4: What It Costs and What to Expect
Rekeying typically runs a fraction of the price of new hardware — usually the cost of a service call plus a modest per-cylinder charge, while a quality new deadbolt plus installation can run several times that per door. When our mobile locksmith arrives, expect this:
- We verify you’re authorized (ID and proof of residence — a good locksmith always asks)
- Each cylinder comes off the door and gets fresh pins
- Every lock is tested with the new key, old keys are tested to confirm they fail
- You get your new keys, cut on the spot
Not sure which one your situation calls for? Call River City Locksmith at (509) 703-6231 — we serve Spokane, Spokane Valley, and North Idaho, and we’ll give you a straight answer before any work starts.