Change the keys, keep suitable hardware
Rekeying changes which key operates a compatible lock while the main hardware stays in place. It addresses a question about access: who can still open this door with a key? It does not automatically improve the condition of a worn mechanism or change the kind of lock fitted. That distinction is useful when deciding between rekeying, repair and replacement. Explain both the access concern and any mechanical fault so the proposed work covers the problem you actually have.
Moving in and controlling old keys
A move or a change of occupants is a useful time to review the keys for a property. You may know which keys were handed over without knowing whether other copies exist. Identify the entrances that matter and explain which previous keys should no longer work. For a business, a staffing or access change can prompt a similar discussion. Rekeying is considered around the actual locks and key plan, rather than assuming that every door at the property has the same hardware.
When a lock can be rekeyed
The existing lock needs to be suitable for the requested work. Hardware type, compatibility and condition are checked before confirming that rekeying is the appropriate option. A lock that is damaged or no longer working reliably may need a repair or replacement instead. If you would like several doors on one key, say so before the visit. Compatibility matters across the whole arrangement, and the result should not be promised before the relevant fittings have been checked.
Planning keys for several doors
List the doors involved and decide whether they should share a key or remain separate. A home might have several external entrances; a business may need different access for different users. Explain who needs to use which door and mention any lock that should remain unchanged. That gives the locksmith a clearer brief than simply asking for new keys. The proposed arrangement and price can then be discussed against a defined set of entrances.
Checking the new key arrangement
Once the work is complete, the new keys and the intended access arrangement should be checked. Confirm which entrances were rekeyed and which, if any, were left unchanged. Keep the new keys organised and explain the arrangement to anyone who needs to use them. Rekeying one cylinder does not change an unrelated lock elsewhere at the property, so an accurate record of the included doors is particularly useful after a move or a wider access change.
Questions about rekeying
Will rekeying work with every existing lock?
No universal compatibility is promised. The hardware and its condition need to be checked. If a lock is unsuitable or faulty, repair or replacement may be the relevant option instead.
Do I need to include every lock in the property?
That depends on the access concern and the key arrangement you want. List the affected entrances and identify any door that should remain separate or unchanged, so the scope can be agreed clearly.
What happens to the old keys?
For a successfully rekeyed lock, the old key arrangement is changed. Other locks that were not included are unaffected. Confirm which doors were covered and check the new keys before considering the job complete.