Home Lock Rekeying

When you rekey a lock, a skilled technician disassembles the cylinder and replaces the internal pins so that only a new key will operate it. Every old key — including duplicates you never knew existed — becomes permanently useless. This is fundamentally different from a home lock change, which involves removing the entire lockset and installing new hardware. Rekeying is the smarter call when the existing hardware is in good mechanical condition; a lock change makes more sense when the hardware itself is damaged, worn, or you want to upgrade to a higher-security product like a Schlage deadbolt or a Kwikset SmartKey system. Our technicians will honestly assess the condition of your existing locks on arrival and walk you through which option actually serves your security goals — not just the one that costs more.

For many Toronto homeowners, especially in older neighbourhoods like Roncesvalles or Leslieville where the housing stock dates back decades, the original door hardware includes full mortise locks — rectangular assemblies set deep into the door edge that combine a latch, deadbolt, and sometimes a chain in a single unit. Mortise locks are robust, but rekeying them requires specific expertise and the right cylinder tools. Our team works with mortise lock hardware regularly, so whether your front door has a vintage mortise or a modern euro-profile cylinder, we arrive equipped to handle it correctly and damage-free where the hardware allows.

We never quote a flat fee before we know the specifics of your situation, because the honest answer is that several factors shape the final number. The type and brand of lock matters significantly: a standard door knob lock with a common Kwikset or Schlage cylinder takes different tooling and time than a complex mortise lock or a high-security Medeco cylinder. The number of locks being rekeyed at the same visit, the time of day (overnight and weekend calls involve different staffing logistics), and your location within the broader Toronto service area all factor into the quote our dispatcher provides. If additional parts — new pins, a replacement cylinder, or a fresh set of keys beyond the standard number — are needed, those are itemised clearly. What we commit to before we start is a confirmed, exact price: you approve it, then work begins.

This transparent approach matters especially during stressful moments like a home lockout or a post-move security sweep. You're already dealing with enough uncertainty; the last thing you need is an open-ended invoice. Our technicians are trained to explain what they're doing and why, so you understand exactly what you're paying for. If the assessment on arrival reveals the lock needs replacement rather than rekeying — because of damage or a security gap — we'll tell you that before touching anything, and give you the revised price to approve.

A rekey is a point-in-time reset. Keeping your home secure over the long term means a few additional habits. First, control key duplication carefully — avoid cutting keys at generic retail kiosks that don't require authorisation, and consider high-security cylinders with restricted keyways if you have a property where key control matters most (a rental unit, a home office with sensitive equipment, or a multi-generational household). Second, schedule a door hardware check every couple of years; a misaligned strike plate or a worn mortise lock component can undermine even a fresh rekey. Third, if you ever experience a home lockout in a neighbourhood where forced-entry was attempted nearby, treat it as a security prompt — our team can assess your door frame, strike plate depth, and hinge security in the same visit. Toronto's density means neighbouring properties share entry corridors in many condo and townhouse complexes, and a single compromised door can affect an entire floor. Our 24-hour lock rekeying availability means that security response doesn't have to wait until Monday morning.