Which Locks Cannot Be Rekeyed?
Locks with no keyhole, locks that are worn or were forced, and most cheap cabinet cam locks cannot be rekeyed in a way that makes sense. Almost every standard house knob, lever and deadbolt can be.
- No keyhole means you reset a code.
- Broken locks get replaced.
- Cam locks are usually swapped.
- Some high security keys need a dealer.
Sort Your Locks
| Lock | What to Do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| House knob, lever or deadbolt | Rekey | It has a cylinder that can be repinned |
| Smart lock with a keyhole | Rekey | Schlage says any of its cylinder locks, mechanical or smart, can be rekeyed |
| Keypad with no keyhole | Reset the code | There is no key to change |
| Lock that sticks or was pried | Replace | New pins will not fix the lock itself |
| Cabinet or display cam lock | Usually swap | A new lock often costs less than the labor |
| Patented high security | Ask us | Those keys and pins are sold only to authorized parties |
The Simple Test
If a lock has a keyed cylinder that can come out and be repinned, it can usually be rekeyed. We hear this question often after someone said the job could not be done, so it is worth asking.
Questions and Answers
Can I rekey it myself?
Sometimes. Kwikset says SmartKey locks can be rekeyed with your working key, the tool from the packaging and a new key. It only works with Kwikset products, and a lost key means you need a locksmith.
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