Rekey & Lock Change Services in North Florida
Whether you've just moved in, lost a set of keys, or simply want tighter control over who can access your property, rekeying or changing your locks is one of the most practical security steps you can take. We make the process fast and straightforward.
Same-day service often available throughout North FloridaRekeying vs. Replacing Your Locks — What's the Difference?
What Rekeying Does
When you rekey a lock, a locksmith disassembles the lock cylinder and replaces the internal driver pins with a new set — configured to match a new key. The lock itself — the housing, the knob or lever, the deadbolt body — stays exactly as it was. Only the pins change. The result is that old keys no longer work, and only the new key (and any copies you choose to make) will open the lock.
Rekeying is ideal when your lock hardware is in good condition and you simply want to take old keys out of circulation. It's less expensive than full replacement, quicker to complete, and achieves the same key-control result.
What Lock Replacement Does
A full lock change means removing the existing hardware entirely and installing new lock hardware. This is the right choice when the existing locks are worn, damaged, or undersized for the security level you want. It's also appropriate when you want to upgrade to a different style, finish, or brand — or when you want to add a deadbolt where none existed before.
Lock replacement costs more than rekeying but may deliver additional security and durability benefits depending on the quality of the new hardware.
Not Sure Which You Need?
Call us and describe your situation. We'll give you an honest recommendation — not always the more expensive option.
(904) 668-0776Rekey is usually the right choice if:
- You just moved into a new home
- You lost a key or had one copied without authorization
- A contractor, cleaner, or guest had access
- Your hardware is otherwise in good condition
Lock replacement makes more sense if:
- The lock is old, stiff, or difficult to operate
- The lock was damaged in a break-in attempt
- You want to upgrade security grade
- You want a different style or finish
Common Reasons to Rekey or Change Your Locks
Moving Into a New Home
This is the single most common reason we get calls for rekeying — and one of the most important. When you take possession of a home, you receive the seller's keys. But you have no way of knowing how many copies exist or who has them. Past owners, family members, neighbors with a spare, previous contractors — any of them may still have a working key. Rekeying on or right after your closing date resolves this completely, and we can often do it the same day you call.
Lost or Stolen Keys
If you've lost a key — especially a keychain with a home address tag or any identifying information — rekeying quickly is a smart move. You don't have to wait to see whether the key resurfaces. Rekeying takes the uncertainty away entirely. We can have your home's locks updated and new keys cut in a single visit, usually within a couple of hours of your call.
End of a Relationship or Roommate Change
When a relationship ends or a roommate moves out, changing who has key access to the home is a reasonable and responsible step. Asking someone to return their key doesn't mean they haven't made a copy. Rekeying gives you certainty. It's a quick process that shouldn't require an awkward conversation — just a call to us.
After a Contractor, Cleaner, or Guest Had Access
Giving temporary access to a repair person, housekeeper, pet sitter, or house guest is common. After that access is no longer needed, rekeying the relevant lock is a sound practice — especially if you gave them a physical key rather than using a smart lock with temporary codes. It's a simple precaution that takes very little time or expense.
Upgrading Lock Hardware
Many homes in North Florida still have the original builder-grade locksets that came with the house — thin metal, basic pin tumbler configurations, and minimal resistance to forced entry. Upgrading to Grade 1 deadbolts with reinforced strike plates is a genuine security improvement. We carry a wide range of residential hardware and can walk you through your options before any work starts.
Rental Property Turnover
Property managers and landlords throughout the Jacksonville area rely on us for tenant-turnover rekeying. When a tenant moves out, rekeying before the new tenant moves in is essential. We can work on a regular schedule for property management companies or on a call-by-call basis for individual landlords. We offer efficient service that minimizes vacancy time.
How the Rekeying Process Works
Rekeying is quick, low-disruption, and doesn't require any permanent changes to your doors or frames. Here's what to expect during a typical rekeying visit:
- Our technician arrives at your property and verifies the service location
- We examine each lock to determine the cylinder type and pin configuration
- The cylinder is removed from the lock body using standard tools — no drilling required
- We replace the driver pins inside the cylinder with a new set matching a new key code
- The cylinder is reinstalled and tested with the new key
- We cut as many copies of the new key as you need, on-site
- Old keys are tested to confirm they no longer work
For a typical home with three to four exterior locks, the entire visit usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. We can consolidate all your locks to a single key if you prefer — no more carrying different keys for front and back door.
What to Expect on a Lock Change Visit
If you're replacing locks rather than rekeying, the process involves:
- Removal of existing door hardware
- Assessment of door prep and frame condition
- Installation of new lock hardware into existing door bore holes
- Alignment and adjustment for smooth, reliable operation
- Strike plate installation with long screws for added kick resistance
- Key cutting and testing
We bring common residential hardware to every job. For special finishes, high-security hardware, or specific brands you have in mind, let us know when you call and we can make sure we have the right product before arriving.
Service Throughout North Florida
Ready to Take Back Control of Your Keys?
Whether you need a quick rekey or a full lock upgrade, we make it simple. Call now and we'll often have someone out the same day.
Call (904) 668-0776Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, we need someone present to provide access and to verify the property — we can't work on locks without confirming that the person requesting the service is authorized to be at the property. However, if you have a property manager, trusted neighbor, or family member who can be present, that can work as well. For commercial properties and rental units, we can sometimes coordinate directly with a property manager.
Yes — this is called "keying alike" and it's something we can do across multiple locks in a single visit. The one requirement is that all your locks use cylinders from compatible keyways. Most standard residential locks from Schlage, Kwikset, and similar brands can be keyed alike without any issues. If you have locks from different manufacturers or unusual keyways, we'll assess during the visit and let you know what's possible.
As many as you need. We cut keys on-site using professional key cutting equipment, and additional copies are a minor add-on cost per key. There's no limit to how many we can make during the same visit. If you have a large household or property with multiple people needing keys, just let us know before we arrive so we plan time accordingly.
No — rekeying is a routine procedure that doesn't change the structural integrity of the lock in any way. We're simply swapping small internal pins. The lock's resistance to picking, bumping, or forced entry stays exactly the same as it was before rekeying. If the lock was already a quality deadbolt, rekeying preserves those qualities. If it was low-quality hardware, rekeying it doesn't improve that — which is sometimes when we recommend replacement instead.
We can handle both in the same visit. Rekeying existing locks is straightforward, and adding a deadbolt to a door that's pre-drilled for one is relatively quick as well. If a door doesn't have the right hole pattern for a deadbolt, we can bore a new hole — we carry the equipment needed for this. Combining both tasks in one visit is efficient and avoids a separate service call fee. Just mention it when you call and we'll plan accordingly.