House rekeying in Fort Worth

What is the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?

Rekeying changes the internal pins so a different key operates the same lock — the hardware stays on the door. Replacement swaps the whole lock. Rekeying is cheaper and faster, and it is the right answer unless the lock is worn out, damaged, or you want to upgrade its security grade.

Should I rekey after buying a house?

Yes, and it is worth doing in the first week. You cannot know how many copies exist or who holds them, and a real estate transaction puts the keys through a lot of hands. This is the single most common reason people call a locksmith, and for good reason.

Can all my doors use the same key?

In most cases, yes. If your exterior locks are compatible we can key them alike so one key opens everything, which is usually what people want. Where hardware brands are mixed it sometimes means changing a cylinder, and we will explain the options before doing anything.

Do I need to be home for a rekey?

Someone authorised needs to be there to let us in and confirm the work, and we verify that the person is entitled to change the locks. We will not rekey a property on the word of whoever happens to answer the door.