You get the keys and assume they're the only ones. They almost never are. Previous owners, tenants, agents, painters, a dog walker from two summers ago: any of them may still have a copy. Rekeying is the simplest way to make sure only your household gets in.
What rekeying does
Most home locks are pin-tumbler locks. Small pins of different lengths line up when the right key goes in. Rekeying swaps those pins for a new set, so the lock answers to a new key and every old key stops working. Body, handle and finish stay as they are.
Rekey or replace?
Rekey when the locks are in good shape and strong enough. Replace when:
- a lock is damaged or sticks even with a fresh key;
- you want a heavier deadbolt on an outside door;
- you're moving to keypad or smart locks;
- the hardware doesn't latch properly.
Don't stop at the front door
Back and side doors, the door from the garage, basement and porch doors, gates and sheds. In a triple-decker or condo, shared entries matter too, though the owner or association usually controls those.
Renting?
Read the lease first. Plenty of Boston landlords expect a working key. Ask them to rekey between tenants, or agree to rekey and hand over a copy.
What it costs
Rekeying starts at $19.00 per lock plus the $29.00 service call fee on the price list. The coupons page has a rekey offer (rekey 4 locks and get the 5th free) and a move-in special.
Move-in checklist
- List every door and gate that takes a key.
- Decide which to rekey and which to replace.
- Ask for them all to be keyed alike if you want one key.
- Get spares cut at the same visit.
- Leave a spare with someone you trust, never under the mat.