Locked Out?
We Open Locked Doors Fast! Available 24/7! Call Now for Immediate Service with 15 Minute Response Time*
If you have just moved into a new home in the Valley, lost a set of keys, or had a roommate move out, you are likely facing a common security decision: Should you rekey your existing locks or replace them entirely?
For most homeowners in Phoenix, rekeying is significantly cheaper than replacing your locks.
In this guide, we break down the costs, benefits, and specific security factors for Phoenix residents to help you make the right choice for your home and budget.
-
Is it actually cheaper to rekey or replace locks?
Yes, rekeying is almost always cheaper.
When you replace a lock, you are paying for both the labor to install it and the expensive new hardware (the deadbolt or handle set itself). When you rekey a lock, you only pay for labor and the tiny, inexpensive pins inside the lock. You keep your existing hardware, but the old keys will no longer work.
Cost Comparison in Phoenix:
Rekeying: typically costs $19–$35 per lock cylinder (plus a standard service call fee).
Replacing: High-quality lock hardware (like Schlage or Kwikset) costs $40–$150+ per door at stores like Home Depot, plus the labor to install it. -
What exactly is “Rekeying”?
Rekeying is a precision process where a professional locksmith removes the inner cylinder of your lock. We then change the internal “tumbler pins” to match a brand-new key cut.
The Result: Your old keys are instantly useless.
The Benefit: You don’t have to buy new handles or deadbolts if your current ones look good and work well.
-
When should I Replace my locks instead of rekeying?
While rekeying is cheaper, there are times when full replacement is the better investment for Phoenix homes:
Wear and Tear: If your lock is sticky, rusted, or stiff (common in Arizona due to dust and grit), rekeying won’t fix the mechanical failure. You need a new unit.
Security Upgrades: If you have old “builder-grade” locks, upgrading to High-Security or Smart Locks (like Keyless Entry) provides better protection against bumping and picking.
Mismatched Hardware: If you have a brass handle on the front door and a silver one on the back, replacing them ensures they all match and work with one single key.
-
Can I rekey the locks myself (DIY)?
You can buy “rekey kits” at big-box stores, but we generally advise against it for two reasons:
Complexity: If you lose a spring or pin (which are tiny), the lock becomes ruined, and you will have to buy a replacement anyway.
Security Risk: If the new pins aren’t set perfectly, your key might work, but the lock could be easy to force open.
Local Tip: In the heat of a Phoenix summer, fighting with a tiny lock mechanism outside is rarely worth the $20 savings.
-
How much does a locksmith cost in Phoenix, AZ?
Prices vary by neighborhood and time of day, but typically you will see:
Service Call (Trip Fee): Covers the mobile van coming to you (serving areas like Downtown Phoenix, Arcadia, Ahwatukee, etc.).
Per-Lock Cost: Added on top of the service call.
Example: If you live in North Phoenix (85022) and have 3 doors to rekey, you will likely pay a Service Call + (3 x Rekey Cost). This is usually 50% less than buying 3 brand new high-end locksets and having them installed.
-
Do Phoenix Locksmith serve my area?
Phoenix Arizona QuickKey Locksmith provides mobile service across the entire Metro area. Whether you are in a historic condo in Roosevelt Row (85004), a family home in Deer Valley, or an apartment in Tempe, we can come to you.
-
Does rekeying affect my Home Insurance?
No, as long as the locks function correctly, insurance companies simply require that the home is secure. In fact, rekeying immediately after buying a home is often recommended by insurance experts to ensure previous owners (or their contractors) cannot enter.
Locked Out?
We Open Locked Doors Fast! Available 24/7! Call Now for Immediate Service with 15 Minute Response Time*
QuickKey Locksmith Services in Phoenix & Surrounding Areas
Reliable 24/7 Emergency, Automotive, Residential, and Commercial Locksmith Solutions. Licensed experts arriving fast to your location.
Our Locksmith Services
Residential & Emergency
Automotive Locksmith
Commercial & Advanced
Service Areas
Downtown Phoenix
85003Uptown Phoenix
85012Biltmore Area
85016North Mountain
85020Moon Valley
85022Desert Ridge
85050Arcadia
85018South Central
85040–85041South Mountain
85042Ahwatukee Foothills
85048Foothills East
85045Tempe
85281–85284Scottsdale Downtown
85251Glendale Downtown
85301Glendale North
85308Peoria Central
85345Peoria North
85382Avondale
85323Melrose District
85013Midtown
85014Goodyear
85338Garfield / Coronado
85006Paradise Valley
85253Encanto Village
85007Why Choose Quick Key Locksmith?
We provide fast, professional, and affordable locksmith services across Phoenix and the entire valley. Whether you are locked out of your car, need to change house locks, or require a master key system for your business, our licensed technicians are ready to help. We cover all major areas including Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, and Tempe.