A rekey changes who can open your lock without swapping the hardware. A replacement gives you new hardware entirely. We do both — and we'll tell you honestly which one your situation actually needs, even when it's the cheaper option.
Most locksmith calls don't need new hardware — a rekey does the job in twenty minutes for a fraction of the price. Here's the real comparison, without the sales pressure.
You keep your existing lock hardware. We remove the cylinder, replace the internal pins, and cut you a new key that only works with your new configuration. Old keys no longer open the door.
We remove the existing lock entirely and install new hardware — deadbolt, cylinder, strike plate, the works. Everything from the mounting screws outward is brand new.
Three situations, three answers. Read the one that matches your setup — and if you're still unsure, the dispatcher will walk you through it on the call.
Locks open and close smoothly. Hardware is a known brand (Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Emtek). Finish matches your home. No visible damage or wobble.
Key sticks in the cylinder. Deadbolt wobbles in the door. Hardware is builder-grade, discontinued, or has been drilled or damaged. Finish is peeling or mismatched.
Front door is worn and used constantly. Bedroom doors are fine. Back door has an old lock nobody has keys to anymore. Common in any home over 10 years old.
Some customers want to know exactly what we do with their lock. Here's the six-step process — nothing hidden, no mystery.
We detach the cylinder from the lock body with the correct tooling for your specific brand. No prying, no scratching the surrounding hardware, no damage to the door or finish.
The cylinder is opened and the internal pins — the small metal pieces that physically block the wrong key — are removed. We inspect each spring and pin for wear and replace anything that looks marginal.
We install a fresh set of pins cut to match your new key. The key codes are documented so you can order additional copies in the future by referencing the record.
Every rekey includes two fresh keys cut on-site from our key cutting machine. Extras are $6–$9 each, cut in the van before we leave. No separate trip to the hardware store.
The cylinder goes back into the lock body. We test the new key ten to fifteen times — smooth turn, no sticking, correct travel depth. We also verify the old key no longer opens the lock.
We walk you through what was done, hand over the two new keys, and email a digital receipt with a 90-day workmanship warranty attached. If you have more doors, we move to the next one.
Our trucks carry the four hardware families we install most. Here's what we stock, what we can rekey, and what replacement hardware we can install same-visit.
If you have five doors on the same key and the hardware is decent, a multi-lock rekey runs $120–$310 total. Five full replacements would cost $650–$1,600 — nearly five times more, for the same functional outcome on your doors.
Same numbers as our published rate card — nothing special or hidden on this page. Multi-lock discounts apply automatically when you book three or more doors on the same visit.
| Service | Typical Range | Time On Site |
|---|---|---|
| Rekey — single cylinder, existing lock | $40 – $85 | 15 – 20 min |
| Rekey — 3 to 5 cylinders on one visit | $120 – $310 | 45 – 75 min |
| Rekey — full house, 6+ cylinders | $220 – $480 | 90 – 150 min |
| Deadbolt replacement — Grade-2 standard hardware | $130 – $220 | 25 – 40 min |
| Deadbolt replacement — Grade-1 reinforced | $180 – $320 | 35 – 50 min |
| Knob or lever set replacement (matching finish) | $85 – $180 | 20 – 35 min |
| Rekey + replacement combo (mixed condition house) | $200 – $520 | 60 – 120 min |
| High-security cylinder upgrade (restricted keyway) | $180 – $340 per door | 25 – 45 min |
| Extra keys cut while on-site | $6 – $9 each | Instant |
Rates reflect quotes issued between January 2026 and September 2026 to Houston customers. Multi-lock discounts apply automatically when you book three or more doors on the same visit — no coupon code required. Firm quote confirmed by SMS before we dispatch.
Reviews specifically about rekey and replacement work. Every one is tied to a completed work order.
"Bought a foreclosure, no idea how many keys were out there. Quick Key rekeyed six locks in about 90 minutes and cut me four extra keys. Whole thing was under $400. The dealer-grade replacement quote I got first was over $1,800."
"Old 1970s house with original hardware. The guy explained that rekeying three locks made sense but replacing the front door's deadbolt was smarter — showed me why. No upsell, just honest advice. Replaced one, rekeyed three, everything matches."
"Landlord rekey between tenants. They showed up on time, rekeyed everything to a fresh key, and left a written record of the cylinder codes. I've used them for two years now on all my units."
The rekey-specific questions we hear most from Houston customers. Still unclear? Call +1 (346) 366-7559.
View full FAQ →Call and describe your locks. In under two minutes you'll have a firm price by text and a same-day slot if you want one — no phone tag, no surprise fees.
We'll suggest the cheaper option when it works.
Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Emtek on every van.
Most Houston rekeys booked within 90 minutes.