Professional Lock Rekeying Services in Philadelphia
Just moved into a new place in Philly? Here’s something nobody tells you: you have no idea who has keys to your door.
The previous tenant definitely made copies. Maybe for their boyfriend, their dog walker, their friend who watered plants. Your landlord might have a key. The maintenance company has one. That sketchy property manager from three years ago? Probably still has one too.
You don’t need to replace all your locks. You need rekeying. And honestly, most people don’t even know what that means.
We’re Ben Locksmith in Philadelphia, and we’ve been rekeying locks across the city for years. It’s cheaper than replacement, just as secure, and takes about 20 minutes per lock. Let us explain how it works and why it might be exactly what you need.
What is lock rekeying and how does it work?
The simple explanation
Think of your lock like a safe. Rekeying is changing the combination. Replacing is buying a whole new safe. Same security, way less money.
Your lock is fine. It’s the keys that are the problem. Rekeying fixes that without ripping out perfectly good hardware.
What actually happens during rekeying
Inside your lock cylinder, there are tiny pins and springs. These pins line up in a specific pattern that matches your key. When we rekey, we swap out those pins for a different pattern. Now your old key doesn’t match anymore. Only the new key works.
The lock itself stays the same. The cylinder stays in place. We just change the internal configuration. It’s precise work, but it’s fast.
The process
Inspection: We check if your lock can be rekeyed. Most can. Some really old Philly mortise locks or damaged cylinders might need special handling.
Disassembly: We remove the cylinder, take out the plug, and access the pin chambers.
Pin replacement: We swap the old pins for new ones that match your new key pattern. This is where the magic happens.
Testing: We put everything back together and test it. The old key shouldn’t work. The new key should turn smoothly.
Multiple locks: If you’ve got several locks, we can rekey them all to work with one key. Front door, back door, side door. One key for everything.
We clean up, hand you your new keys, and you’re secure again.
When You NEED to Rekey Your Locks
You just moved in: Whether you bought a South Philly rowhome or rented an apartment in Northern Liberties, change those locks. You don’t know who has copies. For complete move-in security, check our residential locksmith services.
You broke up and they still have keys: This is common. Rekey today, sleep easy tonight. Don’t risk it.
You lost your keys somewhere in the city: Dropped them at the bar? Left them in an Uber? If they have your address on anything, rekey immediately.
Employee or roommate moved out: They gave back their keys, sure. But did they make copies first? Probably.
You’re a landlord between tenants: University City, Temple area, West Philly student housing. Stop buying new locks every turnover. Rekey for a fraction of the cost.
After a break in: If someone forced entry, you’ll likely need new locks. But if you suspect someone used a key, rekeying ensures no unauthorized copies work anymore. For immediate help, our emergency locksmith service is available 24/7.
You want all doors on one key: Tired of juggling five keys for one house? We can rekey all your locks to match one key.
Real Situations from Philadelphia
Last month we rekeyed an entire rowhome in Fishtown for a couple who just bought the place. The previous owner was elderly and had given keys to neighbors, family members, and home health aides. They counted at least 8 people who might have copies. We rekeyed 4 locks in 45 minutes. Cost them $280. New locks would’ve been over $1,000.
A landlord in West Philly with 6 units near Penn called us after a tenant left on bad terms. He wanted all locks rekeyed immediately. We did the whole building in one afternoon. He’s called us back every time he has had a turnover since then.
When rekeying isn't enough
We’re going to be straight with you. Sometimes rekeying isn’t the answer.
Your locks are damaged or worn out: If the mechanism is sticking, keys are hard to turn, or the lock is just old and tired, replacement makes more sense. Check our lock installation service for upgrade options.
You want to upgrade to smart locks: Rekeying keeps the same hardware. If you want keyless entry, WiFi control, or keypad access, you need new locks.
The hardware is cheap builder grade: Some locks aren’t worth keeping. If you’ve got bottom tier hardware, invest in something better.
The cylinder is non-standard: Some older Philly mortise locks or specialty cylinders can’t be rekeyed easily. We’ll tell you upfront if replacement is better.
You need better security overall: If your current lock is low security and you’re in an area with break-in concerns, upgrading to high security cylinders is smarter than rekeying basic hardware.
We’ve turned down rekeying jobs when we knew the customer needed replacement instead. It’s not about making the sale. It’s about actually securing your property.
Need a professional rekeying service near you? Give us a call
Whatever your locksmith needs, we’ve got you covered.
Our lock rekeying services
Residential Rekeying
For homes, rowhomes, condos, and apartments across Philadelphia, we rekey front doors, back doors, side entrances, basement doors, and garage entry points. Whether you’re dealing with lost keys, prior tenants, or wanting one key for all doors, we handle it efficiently.
We can rekey all your locks to work with a single key. No more fumbling through five different keys on your front step at night.
Commercial Rekeying
Businesses face different challenges. Employee turnover, multiple access points, tenant changes. We rekey office suites, retail storefronts, multi-tenant buildings, and rental properties. For complete business security solutions, explore our commercial locksmith services.
Master Key Systems
This is where rekeying becomes powerful for property managers and businesses.
Your master key opens everything. Individual keys only open specific doors. We can set up tiered access where managers get full access, supervisors get department access, and employees get limited access.
We’ve set up master systems for property managers across University City, Northern Liberties, and South Philly. One master for all rental units, while tenant keys only work for their specific space. It costs a fraction of electronic access control systems.
Why choose Ben Locksmith for your lock rekeying
We actually know what we’re doing
Rekeying looks simple but requires precision. Wrong pin sizes, improper spring tension, or sloppy reassembly leads to locks that jam, keys that stick, or security that’s compromised.
Our technicians are licensed in Pennsylvania, fully insured, and trained on every major lock brand. We’ve rekeyed thousands of locks across Philadelphia. We know the common brands in Philly homes, the quirky mortise locks in old rowhomes, and the commercial cylinders in office buildings.
We bring the right tools and parts. Most jobs are completed in one visit. No return trips, no “we need to order parts.”
Cost effective alternative to lock replacement
Let’s talk about money. Here’s the real comparison:
Rekeying: $60 to $80 per lock typically. Maybe $50 for simple cylinders, up to $100 for high security systems.
New lock installation: $150 to $300+ per lock including hardware and labor.
The math: Rekey 5 locks for about $350. Replace those same 5 locks for $1,000 to $1,500.
Same security outcome. Big price difference.
We rekeyed 5 locks for a landlord in West Philly last week. Cost him $350. New locks would’ve been over $1,200. He was happy.
Mobile service across philadelphia
We’re not a shop where you bring your locks. We’re a mobile locksmith. We come to you.
Our van is stocked with pin kits, springs, key blanks, and tools for every common lock type. We work on site at your home, office, or property.
Coverage: Center City, South Philly, North Philly, West Philly, Northeast, Northwest, and nearby suburbs. If you’re in or near Philadelphia, we’ve got you covered.
Fast dispatch: Call in the morning, often rekeyed by afternoon. Emergency situations get priority.
Need keys made after we rekey? We handle key duplication on site. Extra copies ready before we leave.
How much does lock rekeying cost in Philadelphia?
What affects the price
Type of lock: Standard cylinders are straightforward. High security cylinders or mortise locks take more time and specific pins.
Number of locks: More locks usually means better per-lock pricing.
Condition: If your locks are worn, damaged, or full of dirt, we might need extra time for cleaning and minor repairs.
Keying options: Rekeying all locks to one key is standard. Master key systems cost more due to complexity.
Emergency service: Need it today, right now? Emergency rekeying might cost slightly more.
Typical price ranges
Standard residential rekeying: $60 to $80 per lock for common brands like Schlage, Kwikset, Yale.
Simple cylinder: $50 to $60 if it’s basic and in good condition.
High security locks: $80 to $100+ per lock. These require special pins and more time.
Master key system setup: $200 to $500+ depending on number of locks and complexity.
Minimum service call: Usually $80 to $100 even for one lock, covers our time and travel.
We give you an exact quote before starting. No surprises.
Why professional rekeying is worth it
Cheap DIY rekey kits exist. They’re tempting. But here’s what happens:
Wrong pin sizes mean keys don’t work smoothly. Without proper tools, it’s easy to damage cylinders. Improper spring tension causes sticking. The pins align wrong and you’ve got a lock that jams randomly. And there’s no warranty if you break it.
Professional rekeying ensures old keys definitely don’t work, new keys work smooth every time, lock mechanisms aren’t damaged, and you get warranty on the work.
Why Philadelphia landlords choose rekeying
If you manage rentals in Philadelphia, tenant turnover means dealing with keys constantly.
Replace all locks: $150 to $300 per lock. Expensive fast.
Rekey existing locks: $60 to $80 per lock. Same security, fraction of the cost.
The math: 10 units with 2 locks each equals 20 locks. Rekeying costs about $1,200 to $1,600. Replacing costs $3,000 to $6,000. You save thousands per year.
High turnover areas
Temple University area: Students move every semester. Rekey instead of replacing. Save money every time.
University City: Penn and Drexel students. Same situation. High turnover, constant rekeying needs.
Fishtown, Northern Liberties: Young professionals with shorter leases. Frequent turnover. Smart landlords rekey.
One property manager we work with has 18 units near Temple. He used to replace locks constantly. Now we rekey between tenants. Saves him over $5,000 annually. We’ve been working together for three years.
Service areas: lock rekeying service across all Philadelphia neighborhoods
We’re a mobile service. We come to wherever your home is located, any time of day or night.
Center City and downtown Philadelphia
Apartments and condos in Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square West, Midtown Village, Logan Square. High rise buildings, historic properties, modern construction. We know downtown access and building protocols.
South Philadelphia
Classic Philly rowhomes in Bella Vista, Queen Village, Passyunk Square, East Passyunk, Pennsport, Point Breeze. Those narrow rowhomes with tight doorways and street parking. We navigate South Philly constantly.
North Philadelphia
Temple University area, Fishtown, Fairmount, Northern Liberties, Poplar, Port Richmond, Brewerytown, Olde Kensington, Kensington. Student housing, apartments, rowhomes, new construction. We cover North Philly thoroughly.
West Philadelphia
University City near Penn and Drexel, Powelton Village, Cedar Park, Spruce Hill. Student apartments, family homes, Victorian houses. We serve West Philly regularly.
Northeast Philadelphia
Mayfair, Frankford, Tacony, Bustleton, Fox Chase. Single family homes, twins, apartment complexes. Residential neighborhoods where we help families get back inside.
Northwest Philadelphia
Manayunk, Roxborough, East Falls, Germantown, Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy. Hillside homes, rowhomes, apartments, single family houses. We handle Northwest Philly’s diverse housing.
Nearby suburbs
Bensalem, Cheltenham, Upper Darby, Lansdowne, and other communities close to Philadelphia. If you’re near the city and locked out, call us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a rekey job take?
Most locks take 15 to 20 minutes each. Simple residential job with 3 or 4 locks? Usually under an hour total including travel.
Can you rekey smart locks or very old rowhome cylinders?
Some smart locks can be rekeyed, many can’t. Depends on the model. Old Philly mortise locks? Usually yes. We’ve rekeyed hundreds of them. We inspect on site and give honest answers.
Will the new key match my existing keys?
If you want continuity, we can often key your locks to match an existing key set. Depends on the brand and keyway compatibility. If you’re rekeying to invalidate all old keys, we create entirely new ones.
Do you guarantee the rekey work?
Yes. We’re licensed and insured. We guarantee our workmanship. If you have any issue because of how we rekeyed it, we come back and fix it.
Can you rekey all my locks to work with one key?
Yes, that’s standard. As long as all locks are rekeyable and the same keyway, we key them alike. One key for your whole house or building.
What if I need emergency rekeying right now?
Call us at +1 267-585-6033. We prioritize emergencies. Most Philadelphia locations we can reach within an hour.
Do you rekey car locks?
Yes, but automotive rekeying is specialized. Check our automotive locksmith services for car key and lock solutions.
Ready to secure your property with expert rekeying?
Don’t let unknown key copies compromise your safety. Let’s get your locks rekeyed and restore your peace of mind.
We answer fast, schedule quickly, and show up ready to work. Most Philadelphia neighborhoods get same day or next day service.
Need a quote first? Fill out our online form with details about your locks and we’ll respond with pricing fast.
Let’s get those locks rekeyed today.
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Average 15-20 minutes response time
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Serving Greater Philadelphia
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Always here when you need us