Locks Rekeying in Atlanta
Whether you just bought a home in Atlanta, misplaced your keys in Tucker, or need to secure a business in Norcross, rekeying is the fastest and most affordable way to protect your property. Instead of replacing every lock, our licensed locksmiths simply adjust the pins inside your existing cylinders so old keys no longer work. The result? Brand-new keys, restored security, and peace of mind, all in a single visit.
At Jefferson Locksmith Atlanta, we provide same-day rekeying services for homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses across Metro Atlanta. Call today for an upfront quote and reliable service backed by a 1-year warranty.
When to rekey and when to replace
Atlanta rekey service is the most efficient solution when the hardware is still good and you need to change keys in a rush.
Utilize rekeying in the following scenarios:
- Move-ins or move-outs: Previous tenants, contractors, or roommates may have had duplicate keys. Rekeying guarantees your new keys will be the only keys that will work.
- Lost or stolen keys: Should you have lost your keys, there’s no necessity to replace the entire lock—rekeying makes the lost key inoperative.
- Keyed-alike convenience: Rekeying lets us program multiple locks to react to the same key, simplifying life.
- Tenant turnover in rental real estate: Managers rekey between tenants instead of changing locks with each occurrence.
- Creating a master key system: If we plan ahead, we can rekey locks so managers have one master key and only tenants or employees enter certain areas.
You might prefer to use lock replacement instead of rekeying when:
The hardware is old, worn out, or damaged.
- You want to replace it with ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 locks for optimal security and longevity.
- You need a change in style, finish, or function.
- You’re upgrading to smart locks or access control systems.
Rapid rule of thumb: Rekey if the lock is mechanically sound but you need new keys; replace if you’d like new hardware or increased security.
How professional rekeying works
Most house and commercial locks use a pin-tumbler lock. Inside the lock cylinder are groups of pins cut to specific lengths that rest on a shear line when the correct key is inserted.
When we rekey, our locksmiths:
- Identify the brand and keyway (Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, etc.).
- Take out and disassemble the lock cylinder using professional tools.
- Replace or reorder the pins inside the cylinder to match a new key pattern.
- Reassemble the lock and test the new key for easy use.
- Duplicate the copies of your new keys for employees or family.
- Key multiple locks alike if preferred, where one key opens doors.
Master keying for offices & apartments in Atlanta
On larger properties or companies, we can install master pins that create several shear lines. This allows different keys to open one lock, with the master key opening everything. For example:
- Tenant keys open individual suites.
- A master key opens all doors for the property manager.
This system is difficult to create to allow convenience vs. security, but it’s highly effective for offices, schools, and multi-unit properties.
Brands, keyways & special cases
Not all locks are created equal. Each brand and keyway needs a different approach.
Schlage
We rekey all Schlage lock families, including B-Series deadbolts and Everest/Primus systems for restricted keyways. Schlage is renowned for heavy security and long-term cylinders.
Kwikset
Kwikset locks often use the SmartKey system, which allows DIY rekeying. However, SmartKey locks have had mixed reviews in the past regarding security. Our locksmiths can advise if your SmartKey model is safe to continue using or if you’d benefit from upgrading.
Yale and Other Brands
We also rekey Yale, Medeco, and many other residential and commercial brands.
Interchangeable Core (IC) Systems
For commercial properties, we offer SFIC and LFIC cores that ensure quick rekeying by changing cores without locking out the whole housing of the lock. This is ideal for property managers who need fast, expandable rekeying across numerous units.
Pricing: What influences the price of rekeying?
Atlanta rekeying lock costs depend on:
- Number of locks: Each rekeyed cylinder adds to labor and pin cost.
- Type of cylinder: Standard household vs. high-security or IC cores.
- Keyed-alike or master key systems: More complex arrangements require careful pinning charts and extra keys.
- Hardware condition: If the lock is worn or binding, slight repair may be required before rekeying.
- Urgency & timing: After-hour or emergency service may involve additional charges.
Rekeying usually costs less than replacing locks and provides an immediate boost in security without purchasing new hardware.
Serving the City of Atlanta
Being a local company in Atlanta, we are aware of the unique security requirements of our neighborhood. Our vehicle locksmith professionals can offer effective and focused service because they are familiar with the city’s local location. We have established a solid reputation in Atlanta by offering our neighbors professional locksmith services.
Home rekeying in Atlanta
Homeowners rekey to have peace of mind. Examples are:
- New home buyers: Always rekey when buying a house, previous owners or contractors might still have keys.
- Lost keys: Rekeying ensures that the person who finds them is unable to use them if you cannot find your keys.
- Make it simple with one key: We can rekey all exterior doors to use the same key for front, rear, and garage.
We’ll check your lock condition, lubricate cylinders, and provide fresh copies of keys on-site.
A homeowner in Decatur called us after losing mailbox keys, we rekeyed both mailbox and front door locks in one visit.
Commercial rekeying in Atlanta
Businesses often rekey more frequently due to employee turnover, lost keys, or theft concerns. Our commercial rekeying includes:
- Keyed-alike suites for convenience.
- Master key hierarchies with change keys, sub-masters, and grand masters.
- Keyways limited to prevent unauthorized reproduction.
- Interchangeable cores for rapid turnover of tenants.
This service is critical to property managers, office buildings, retail stores, and warehouses. It maintains costs low while maintaining control over access.
A master key system was requested by an office manager at Peachtree Corners for five suites.
ANSI/BHMA Grades & when to upgrade instead of rekey
The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) classifies locks from Grade 1 (highest) to Grade 3 (standard).
- Grade 1: Commercial quality; highest level of durability.
- Grade 2: Residential main doors or light commercial use.
- Grade 3: Economy; widely used on interior doors or low-risk applications.
If your Grade 3 locks are frayed, it might be smarter to replace with a Grade 1 or 2 lock rather than rekey. Rekeying preserves the original cylinder, so if the hardware is ever breached, an upgrade offers greater long-term security.
FAQs: Locks Rekeying in Atlanta
What exactly is rekeying?
Rekeying changes the pins within your lock so that new key functions and older keys don’t.
When should I rekey instead of replace?
Once you move in, misplace keys, or when you require multiple locks on one key. Replace when hardware is damaged or you want more secure locks.
How long does it take to rekey?
Generally 15–30 minutes per lock, depending on type and condition.
Can you rekey smart and high-security locks?
Yes. Certain smart and high-security locks can be rekeyed—others may need to be replaced. We will consult on a case-by-case basis.
Can you rekey all my doors to one key?
Yes. As long as the locks share the same keyway, we can rekey them to use a single key.
How much does it cost to rekey in Atlanta?
Pricing depends on how many locks are involved, but it generally costs less than hardware installation. We provide estimates before we do the work.
Is the rekeying warrantied?
Yes, all rekeying is guaranteed for 1 year, parts and labor.
Ready to rekey your locks?
Take control of your security today.
Call 404-999-4065 or Request a Free Quote for professional rekeying in Atlanta.