You need to know what rekeying will cost before you call. Most North Carolina residents pay between $75-$250 for standard residential rekeying, depending on how many locks you need done and what type they are.
I’m breaking down exactly what you’ll pay and when rekeying makes sense versus replacing your locks entirely.
Lock Rekeying Prices in North Carolina
| Service Type | Average Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Single lock rekey | $20-$30 per lock | Standard pin-and-tumbler deadbolt or knob |
| Whole house (5-6 locks) | $100-$150 | Most common residential service call |
| High-security locks | $40-$75 per lock | Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, restricted keyways |
| Commercial rekeying | $150-$500+ | Varies by lock count and master key setup |
| Service call/trip fee | $50-$85 | Usually waived with multiple locks |
| After-hours emergency | +$50-$100 | Nights, weekends, holidays |
When Rekeying Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)
Rekeying is almost always cheaper than replacing locks. We swap out the internal pins so your existing lock works with a new key. Your hardware stays put.
Rekey When:
- You just moved into a new house or apartment
- You lost your keys and want to make sure old copies won’t work
- A roommate or tenant moved out
- You want all your locks to work with the same key
- Your locks are in good shape – they turn smoothly and latch properly
Replace Instead When:
- The lock is damaged, sticking, or won’t latch correctly
- You’re upgrading from builder-grade hardware to something more secure
- The locks are old enough that parts are hard to find
- You want to switch lock types (knob to deadbolt, standard to smart lock)
What Affects Your Final Price
Number of Locks
This is the biggest factor. Most homes have 5-8 exterior door locks. Rekeying all of them together is significantly cheaper per lock than doing just one or two.
Lock Type and Brand
Standard Kwikset and Schlage locks are straightforward. High-security brands like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock require specialized pins and restricted blanks, which costs more. Older or uncommon brands sometimes need custom parts.
Master Key Systems
If you need master key service for a commercial property or multi-unit building, the price goes up. We’re creating a hierarchy where certain keys open certain locks while a master opens all of them.
Time of Day
Standard business hours cost less. Need us at 2 a.m. because you just discovered your ex still has keys? There’s an after-hours fee for that.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: The Cost Comparison
| Option | Average Cost (6 locks) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Rekey existing locks | $100-$150 | 30-60 minutes onsite |
| Replace with similar quality | $300-$600 | 2-3 hours |
| Upgrade to high-security | $800-$1,500 | Half day |
Rekeying saves you about 60-70% compared to full replacement when your existing locks are decent. But if you’re dealing with old builder-grade locks that barely work, put that money toward new hardware.
What’s Included in the Service
When we rekey your locks, here’s what actually happens:
- Remove each lock cylinder from the door
- Disassemble and replace the pins to match your new key
- Test the new key in each lock before reassembling
- Reinstall everything and verify smooth operation
- Provide you with new keys (usually 3-5 copies per lock or one set if matched)
- Clean up any metal shavings or debris
We don’t charge separately for labor, pins, or the new keys – it’s all part of the per-lock price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all locks be rekeyed to match one key?
Yes, as long as they’re the same brand and keyway. You can’t make a Kwikset and Schlage work with the same key without replacing one. But all your Kwiksets can use one key.
Do you need the old key to rekey a lock?
It’s easier if you have it, but not required. We can pick or decode the lock to figure out the current pinning, then rekey it to your new key. This adds a few minutes but doesn’t change the price.
Will rekeying damage my locks?
Not when done correctly. We handle hundreds of rekeys across North Carolina every month. The lock functions exactly the same after – just with a different key.
Should I rekey or get new locks after a break-in?
If the lock was forced or damaged during the break-in, replace it. If entry was through a window and your locks weren’t touched, rekeying is fine. Check with your insurance first – some policies cover lock replacement after a break-in.
Ready to Rekey Your Locks in North Carolina?
We’ll give you an exact price over the phone once we know how many locks you have and what type they are. No surprises when we show up, no hidden fees after the work is done. NC Local Locksmith LLC serves the entire state with licensed, insured technicians and mobile lock rekeying service that comes to you.
Call (252) 584-3324 or visit NC Local Locksmith LLC to get started.
