Locksmith service in Wake County
Rekeying locks in Raleigh
Rekeying changes the pins inside a lock so the old keys stop working and a new key does. You keep the lock. Fixr puts a rekey job at $70 to $160, plus about $20 to $30 for each extra cylinder; Thumbtack's range is $191 to $225.
When to rekey
- You bought or moved into a home. Previous owners may still have keys, and so may the builder, the trades, the agents and anyone they gave a copy to.
- Keys were lost or stolen, or a roommate or partner moved out.
- Someone who shouldn't have a key might. One Triangle thread was about an older man whose house guest had taken a key and said he would be back; every lock needed changing that week.
- You want every exterior door on one key.
140,402 households in the 29 Wake County ZIP codes we cover moved in during 2020 or later, 31% of all households (Census ACS 2020-2024). Rekeying after a move.
What it costs
| Job | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rekey | $70 to $160 per job About $20 to $30 per extra cylinder | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Rekey | $191 to $225 About $18 per keyhole | Thumbtack, Oct 2026 |
The trip is a big part of the bill, so do every lock in one visit: front, back, side, garage entry door and any deadbolts. Ask for a price per cylinder. A Raleigh buyer asked on a local forum what a whole-house rekey should cost; the table is the honest answer.
Lost your keys at night?
Keys gone, possibly with something showing the address, and it is 9 PM on a Saturday. Replacing every lock tonight at an after-hours rate is the expensive way to handle it. If you can secure the doors from inside or stay elsewhere, rekeying in the morning costs much less. If the keys were stolen with your ID, do it the same day.
Rekey or replace?
| Rekey when | Replace when |
|---|---|
| The locks work smoothly | The lock is worn or sticking |
| You like the hardware | You want a different style or a smart lock |
| You only need the old keys to stop working | The lock is a low-grade builder model and you want stronger |
Lock grades come from ANSI/BHMA testing. This Old House summarizes Grade 1 as 800,000 cycles and a 1,200 pound latch test, Grade 2 as 400,000 cycles, and Grade 3 as 200,000 cycles, residential only. Lock changes and deadbolts.
Questions people in Raleigh ask
Can every lock be rekeyed?
Most pin-tumbler locks can. Some cheap locks are not worth it, and some smart locks have their own re-keying method. The locksmith will tell you.
Can I rekey to match my existing key?
Usually, if the locks are the same brand or keyway. Ask for all exterior doors on one key.
I rent. Can I rekey?
Check your lease first. Many leases require the landlord's permission and a copy of the new key. Ask the landlord to rekey between tenants.