Should I Rekey My Locks After Buying a House in Broken Arrow?

The short answer is yes. You should rekey Locks after buying a house in Broken Arrow because you cannot know how many copies of the old keys may still exist. Rekeying makes the previous keys stop working and gives you control over who can enter your new home.

If the existing locks are in good working condition, rekeying is usually more practical than replacing every lock. Replacement may be the better choice when the hardware is worn, damaged, unreliable, or you want to upgrade the security or appearance of the door.

Why Should You Rekey Locks After Buying a House?

Receiving keys at closing does not necessarily mean you received every copy ever made. Spare keys may have been given to relatives, neighbors, contractors, cleaners, property managers, real estate agents, or previous tenants.

This does not mean any of those people intend to enter the home. The problem is that you do not have complete control over the existing keys.

Rekeying your locks creates a new working key and prevents the old keys from operating the locks. It is a sensible way to establish control over access soon after purchasing a home.

You should also consider rekeying after:

• Moving into a previously occupied rental
• A roommate or tenant moves out
• Losing a key
• Giving keys to contractors or temporary workers
• A separation or change in household members
• Discovering that an exterior key is missing
• Buying a property that was previously used as a rental

What Does Rekeying a Lock Mean?

Rekeying changes the internal key combination of a compatible lock. We adjust or replace the appropriate internal components so the old key no longer operates the cylinder. You then receive a new key that matches the new combination.

The existing knob, lever, deadbolt, and exterior finish can usually remain in place. This makes rekeying a good option when you like the current hardware and it still operates correctly.

Rekeying changes which key works, but it does not make damaged or worn hardware new. A locksmith should also check the condition of the lock, latch, strike plate, door, and frame. Sometimes a difficult lock is actually being affected by door misalignment instead of a problem inside the cylinder.

Should I Rekey or Replace My Locks?

The right choice depends on the condition of your current locks and what you want to accomplish.

Rekeying may be the better option when:

• The locks operate smoothly
• The hardware is in good condition
• You want the old keys to stop working
• You like the current style and finish
• You want several compatible doors to operate with one key
• You do not need a major security upgrade

Replacing the lock may be better when:

• The lock is worn, loose, corroded, or damaged
• The key regularly sticks or will not turn reliably
• The latch or deadbolt does not operate properly
• Parts are missing or no longer available
• The existing lock cannot be rekeyed
• You want a different style or finish
• You want to add or upgrade a deadbolt
• You want a keypad, smart lock, or different security feature

You do not always have to make the same choice for every door. Some locks may be worth keeping and rekeying, while others may need to be repaired or replaced. One advantage of rekeying is that it allows you to keep good-quality hardware that is still working properly.

Before approving the work, ask whether the locksmith will rekey your existing lock or replace the entire lock. A true rekey changes the lock’s internal key combination so the old keys no longer work. Removing the existing hardware and installing a different lock is a replacement, not a rekey, and it should be explained and priced that way.

If replacement is recommended, ask what brand and model will be installed. A lower-cost replacement may not offer the same durability or security features as the existing lock. Brand name alone does not determine quality—the specific model, construction, and security features also matter.

Which Locks Should a New Homeowner Check?

Start with every opening that provides access to the house or another secured part of the property.

Your list may include:

• The front door
• Back and side doors
• The door between the garage and the house
• Detached garages
• Workshops and storage buildings
• Exterior gates with keyed locks
• Keyed storm or security doors
• Private mailbox locks
• Padlocks left with the property

You should also reset any electronic access that came with the home. This may include smart-lock users, keypad codes, alarm codes, garage-door remotes, and other connected access devices. Changing a mechanical key will not automatically remove an electronic code or paired remote.

Can All My Doors Work With One Key?

Often, yes. Compatible locks can frequently be keyed alike so one key operates several doors.

Whether this is possible depends on the brands, keyways, lock types, and condition of the existing hardware. Locks from different manufacturers may not accept the same key. In that situation, replacing one or more cylinders or locksets may be necessary to create a convenient one-key system.

Tell the locksmith that you would like one key for your exterior doors before the work begins. The locksmith can inspect the locks and explain which ones are compatible.

Even when several locks use the same key, it is still important to keep track of who receives a copy. Avoid labeling spare keys with your complete address.

When Should I Rekey the Locks?

The best time is as soon as you have legal possession of the property. Many homeowners schedule the service for closing day or shortly after moving in.

Rekeying early is especially helpful when the house was previously rented, vacant, remodeled, or accessed by several contractors. It allows you to start with a known set of working keys instead of wondering how many older copies may exist.

A locksmith may request identification and proof that you own the property or are authorized to change its locks. This protects both the homeowner and the technician.

How Much Does It Cost to Rekey a House?

The cost depends on the specific property and hardware. Important factors include:

• The number of locks and cylinders
• The type and brand of each lock
• The condition of the doors and hardware
• Whether the locks have compatible keyways
• Whether you want multiple doors keyed alike
• The number of new keys requested
• Whether any locks need repair or replacement
• The location of the property

For a more accurate estimate, provide the service address, the number of doors and locks, and a description of any problems. Clear photos of the inside and outside of each lock can help identify the hardware before the appointment.

Based on my experience working as a locksmith in Oklahoma, a residential rekey bill generally has two parts: the service call and the charge for rekeying each lock. Within approximately 20 miles of a locksmith’s shop or normal service area, the service call often ranges from $70 to $90. That charge may increase as the travel distance increases. Mobile locksmiths generally try to keep their service-call rates competitive with storefront shops while bringing the service directly to the customer.

The rekeying itself commonly costs about $15 to $30 per lock, depending on the brand and condition of the hardware. Additional labor may apply when locks must be removed and reinstalled, especially when a larger home has several locks. Some inexpensive or sealed locks purchased online, including certain models sold through Amazon, are not designed to be rekeyed. These locks can take longer to service and may cost more to rekey than to replace. These figures are general ranges based on Oklahoma locksmith work, not fixed statewide prices.

Can I Rekey the Locks Myself?

Some lock manufacturers offer homeowner rekeying kits, but the correct procedure and parts depend on the lock. Mistakes can leave a lock unreliable or prevent the key from working properly.

Professional service may be the better choice when the home has several doors, different lock brands, worn hardware, or doors that do not close and latch correctly. A locksmith can determine whether the lock should be rekeyed, repaired, adjusted, or replaced.

Professional rekeying also allows every completed lock to be tested from both sides of the door before the work is finished.

Common Questions About Rekeying a New Home

Should I rekey if the seller says all keys were returned?

Yes. The seller may have returned every key in their possession, but there is no reliable way to confirm that older copies were never made. Rekeying establishes a new set of authorized keys.

Is rekeying as secure as replacing the lock?

Rekeying can restore key control when the existing lock is appropriate for the door and remains in good condition. It does not repair worn hardware or upgrade the physical strength of the lock. Damaged, unreliable, or unsuitable hardware may need to be repaired or replaced.

Will rekeying fix a lock that is difficult to turn?

It depends on what is causing the problem. The cylinder may need service, but the door, hinges, latch, or strike plate could also be misaligned. The complete opening should be inspected before deciding on the repair.

Can keypad and smart locks be rekeyed?

Some electronic locks include a mechanical key cylinder that can be rekeyed, while others use different systems. Existing access codes, users, mobile-app permissions, and connected devices should also be reviewed and reset.

Do I need to replace every lock at the same time?

No. A locksmith can evaluate each door separately. Working locks may be rekeyed while damaged or incompatible locks are repaired or replaced.

Need Your New Home Rekeyed in Broken Arrow?

Fortress Lock & Safe provides mobile residential locksmith service in Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks, Coweta, Owasso, and surrounding communities.

We can inspect your existing locks, explain which ones can be rekeyed, identify hardware that needs attention, and determine whether compatible doors can operate with one key.

Fortress Lock & Safe is licensed and insured. Oklahoma License #AC441012.

Call 918-853-1373 or submit an online service request to discuss rekeying your new home.