How Long Does It Take to Rekey a Lock? (And Why You’ll Want to Call Us)
Let’s be real—locks are like that one friend who thinks they’re low-maintenance but secretly needs constant attention. Whether you’ve just moved into a new place, lost a set of keys, or finally decided your 1980s brass lock isn’t “vintage” anymore, rekeying is the unsung hero of home security. But how long does it actually take? And why does it feel like time slows to a crawl when you’re locked out? Let’s break it down like a locksmith with a fresh cup of coffee.
The Quick Answer (Because We Know You’re Busy)
Most standard locks take 15–30 minutes to rekey. But hold on—before you start timing us with a stopwatch, let’s talk variables. The type of lock, its condition, and whether you’re dealing with a single door or a whole building can turn this into a “Is it done yet?” marathon.
At ALL OVER Locksmith in Los Angeles, we’ve rekeyed everything from rusty Reseda garage doors to high-security MUL-T-LOCK systems in Calabasas mansions. Our rule? Never let the clock dictate quality. But hey, we’re also human—we’ll hustle if you’re stuck outside in your pajamas.
What Actually Affects Rekey Time?
1. The Lock’s Personality (Yes, Locks Have Feelings)
Not all locks are created equal. A basic Kwikset? Easy peasy. A high-security lock with 17 pins and a side of existential dread? That’s a different story. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Lock Type | Average Rekey Time |
|---|---|
| Standard residential | 15–20 minutes |
| High-security (e.g., MUL-T-LOCK) | 30–45 minutes |
| Commercial exit devices | 20–30 minutes |
| Smart locks | 25–40 minutes* |
FYI: Smart locks often need reprogramming, which adds time. Worth it for that James Bond vibe, though.
2. The “Oops” Factor
Ever tried rekeying a lock only to find corrosion, broken springs, or a family of spiders inside? (Thanks, Van Nuys humidity.) If your lock looks like it survived a zombie apocalypse, we might need to pivot to home lock repair or even a full Hoppe locks replacement. Pro tip: A little WD-40 goes a long way.
3. How Many Locks Are We Talking?
One door? Easy. Ten doors in your Woodland Hills office? Let’s grab a ladder and a playlist. For commercial locksmith jobs, we batch tasks to save time—like rekeying all exterior doors while handling that exit devices installation you’ve been postponing.
“But Wait—Can’t I Just Do This Myself?”
Sure, if you enjoy YouTube tutorials, a fistful of tiny pins, and the inevitable moment when you mutter, “Why did I think this was a good idea?” Rekeying isn’t brain surgery, but it’s fiddly work. One wrong move, and you’re calling an emergency locksmith at 2 a.m. (We’ve rescued enough DIY warriors in Encino to know.)
Our advice? Save the heroics for fixing your Wi-Fi. Let pros like ALL OVER Locksmith handle the lock wizardry.
When Rekeying Isn’t Enough
Rekeying is like putting a Band-Aid on a leaky pipe if your locks are:
- Pre-2000s models (looking at you, golden-era brass).
- Damaged or wobbly (no, duct tape isn’t a long-term solution).
- Missing keys entirely (RIP, keys).
In these cases, consider upgrades like:
- Keyless entry system installation (because fumbling with keys after grocery shopping is the worst).
- Smart lock installation (Alexa, let me in!).
- High-security locks for peace of mind (MUL-T-LOCK fans, unite).
FAQs: Because Google Can’t Answer Everything
1. “Can you rekey a lock without the original key?”
Yep! We’ll disassemble the lock, decode the pins, and create a new key. It’s like CSI: Locksmith Edition.
2. “How much does rekeying cost compared to replacement?”
Rekeying is usually 30–50% cheaper than a full replacement. But if your lock’s on its last leg, investing in a new system (like a keyless entry) pays off long-term.
3. “Do you offer lock out service in Thousand Oaks?”
Absolutely! We’re ALL OVER Locksmith for a reason—Thousand Oaks, Reseda, Calabasas, you name it. Emergency? We’ll be there faster than you can say, “I swear I had the key.”
4. “Can you match my existing keys to multiple locks?”
100%. We’ll make all your locks dance to the same key. No more janitor-style keyrings.
Why Choose ALL OVER Locksmith? (Besides Our Charm)
We’re not just “some guys with tools.” Here’s what sets us apart:
- Local expertise: From Van Nuys commercial complexes to Encino townhomes, we know LA’s quirks.
- No upsells: If your lock can be rekeyed, we’ll say so. No pressure to buy a spaceship-grade system.
- 24/7 emergency service: Because locks don’t care about your sleep schedule.
Final Thought: Don’t Overthink It
Rekeying is quick, affordable, and the smartest way to reset your security. Whether you’re sprucing up your home or upgrading a commercial space in Woodland Hills, ALL OVER Locksmith’s got your back.
Still debating? Picture this: You, lounging at home, knowing every lock works flawlessly. No stress. No lost keys. Just peace of mind. (And maybe a smart lock that plays jazz when you enter. We don’t judge.)
Ready to stop babysitting your keys? Give us a call—we’ll handle the rest. 🙂
