As a locksmith with over 10 years of experience, I have encountered numerous clients who are unsure about the cost of rekeying a lock. Rekeying a lock is a common service that many people require, whether it's for their home, office, or car. However, the cost can vary depending on several factors. In this article, I will provide you with an expert's perspective on how much it should cost to rekey a lock.What is Rekeying a Lock?Before we dive into the cost, let's first understand what rekeying a lock means.
Rekeying a lock is the process of changing the internal components of a lock so that it can be operated by a different key. This means that the old key will no longer work, and you will need a new key to open the lock.Rekeying is different from replacing a lock, where the entire lock is removed and replaced with a new one. Replacing a lock can be more expensive and time-consuming compared to rekeying. Therefore, if your lock is in good condition and you want to change the key, rekeying is the way to go.Factors Affecting the Cost of RekeyingThe cost of rekeying a lock can vary depending on several factors.
These include:
- Type of Lock: The type of lock you have will affect the cost of rekeying. For example, rekeying a standard door lock will be cheaper compared to rekeying a high-security lock.
- Number of Locks: The more locks you need to be rekeyed, the higher the cost will be. Most locksmiths offer discounts for multiple locks, so it's always best to get all your locks rekeyed at once.
- Location: The location of your lock can also affect the cost. For example, rekeying a lock on a front door will be cheaper compared to rekeying a lock on a safe or a car.
- Urgency: If you need your lock to be rekeyed urgently, some locksmiths may charge an additional fee for emergency services.
On average, rekeying a standard door lock can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per lock. This includes the cost of labor and new keys. However, as mentioned earlier, this cost can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.If you have multiple locks that need to be rekeyed, most locksmiths offer discounts for each additional lock. For example, if the first lock costs $100, the second lock may only cost $50.
Therefore, it's always best to get all your locks rekeyed at once to save money.Additional Costs to ConsiderAside from the cost of rekeying itself, there are also additional costs that you should consider. These include:
- Service Call Fee: Some locksmiths may charge a service call fee for coming out to your location. This fee can range from $15 to $40.
- New Keys: If you need new keys for your rekeyed lock, some locksmiths may charge an additional fee for each key. The cost of a new key can range from $2 to $5.
- Emergency Services: If you need your lock to be rekeyed urgently, some locksmiths may charge an additional fee for emergency services.
This fee can range from $50 to $100.
The cost of rekeying can vary depending on several factors, including the type of lock, number of locks, location, and urgency. However, it's always best to consult with a professional locksmith for an accurate quote.Remember, it's always best to hire a professional locksmith for rekeying services to ensure that the job is done correctly and efficiently. I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the cost of rekeying a lock.
