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If you just moved into a new property, lost a set of keys, or had a staff member leave with building access, you have one immediate question: who else can still get in? A residential locksmith in Perth can rekey your locks on the same day, often within 30 minutes per lock.

Rekeying is the fastest and most cost-effective answer. It changes the internal pins inside your lock so old keys stop working immediately. The hardware stays in place. Only a new key opens the door.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how rekeying works, when to do it, what it costs in Perth, and whether it makes more sense than replacing the lock entirely.

What Does Rekeying a Lock Mean?

Rekeying changes who can open your lock. It does not change the lock itself.

Inside every pin-tumbler lock is a cylinder containing a series of spring-loaded pins at varying heights. When the correct key is inserted, the pins align at a precise point called the shear line. That alignment allows the cylinder to rotate and open.

Rekeying replaces those pins with a new set matched to a different key. When it is done:

• Every old key becomes useless immediately
• Only the newly cut key opens the lock
• The lock body, door hardware, and deadbolt mechanism stay completely intact

Rekeying does not change your lock. It changes who can open it.

When Should You Rekey Your Locks?

Rekeying makes sense any time key control is the issue and your locks are still in good working order. Here are the most common scenarios for both homeowners and businesses.

1. You Just Moved Into a New Property

Previous owners, tenants, real estate agents, and contractors may all have copies of your keys. You have no way of knowing how many are out there. Rekeying on or before move-in day is one of the simplest security steps a new homeowner can take.

2. A Key Has Been Lost or Stolen

A lost key is an unknown risk. A stolen key is a direct one. If the situation feels urgent, our guide on when to call an emergency locksmith can help you decide how quickly to act. Rekeying closes the security gap immediately without the cost of replacing the entire lock.

3. Someone No Longer Needs Access

Former housemates, ex-partners, previous tenants, or ex-employees may still hold key copies. Rekeying renders those copies useless, even if they were never returned. This applies equally to residential and commercial properties.

4. You Want One Key for All Your Locks

If your front door, back door, garage, and shed all use different keys, a locksmith can rekey them to match a single key profile. This is practical for both households and commercial premises managing multiple entry points.

5. After a Break-In or Security Incident

Even if locks appear intact after a break-in attempt, internal components may be compromised. Rekeying restores key control straight away. If you have also been locked out as a result, see our post on smart steps to take if locked out of your house before calling for help.

Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks: Which One Do You Need?

Both are valid options. The right choice depends on the condition of your lock and the reason you are making the change.

Rekeying is the right call in most security-reset scenarios. When the lock is in good working order and the only issue is who holds a key, rekeying is faster and cheaper.

Replacing makes more sense when the lock is physically damaged, outdated, or you want to step up to a higher security grade. Our ultimate guide to door lock replacement covers the full process, costs, and best lock brands available in Australia.

How Much Does It Cost to Rekey Locks in Perth?

Rekeying is almost always more affordable than full lock replacement. Pricing in Perth varies by lock type, number of locks, and whether it is a standard or after-hours callout.

Multi-lock jobs typically attract a lower per-lock rate. This is especially relevant for property managers rekeying multiple units or businesses rekeying several access points in one visit.

Planned bookings during business hours save money over emergency callouts. If your situation is not urgent, scheduling in advance is the most cost-effective approach.

Can You Rekey Your Locks Yourself?

DIY rekeying is technically possible for some standard locks, but it comes with important limitations worth knowing before you buy a kit.

To rekey a lock yourself, you need three things:

• The existing working key
• A brand-specific rekeying kit (includes new pins, a follower tool, and instructions)
• A screwdriver

The process involves removing the cylinder, pushing out the old pins with the follower tool, inserting the new pin set, and reassembling. It requires steady hands and patience.

The practical limitations for Australian homeowners:

• Rekeying kits are widely available for US brands like Kwikset and Schlage
• Australian brands such as Lockwood, Gainsborough, and Abloy do not have universally available consumer kits
• Without the correct brand kit, DIY is not possible
• Incorrect pin insertion can jam the cylinder and turn a simple job into a full replacement

DIY is feasible for a confident homeowner with a compatible kit on a standard residential lock. For anything else, a licensed locksmith is the better call. If you are considering doing away with physical keys entirely, our digital lock installation service replaces keyed entry with PIN code, fingerprint, or smartphone access.

What to Expect When a Locksmith Rekeys Your Locks

The process is fast, non-destructive, and requires minimal preparation. Here is what happens from the moment your locksmith arrives.

1. The locksmith verifies your identity and confirms you have the existing working key. This is required to remove and decode the cylinder.
2. The lock cylinder is carefully removed from the door. The hardware, handle, and door frame stay completely untouched.
3. The old pins are extracted and replaced with a new set at different heights.
4. A new key is cut to match the updated pin configuration.
5. The cylinder is reinstalled, tested with the new key, and the old key is confirmed non-functional.

If you do not have a working key, the locksmith may need to pick or decode the lock first. This adds time and may affect pricing. In some cases, replacement is more practical than rekeying when no original key exists.

How Many Times Can You Rekey a Lock?

There is no set mechanical limit on how many times a lock can be rekeyed.

Each time, new pins are installed and the cylinder is tested. The rekeying process itself does not wear down or degrade the cylinder.

What does matter is the overall condition of the lock body. A well-maintained lock can be rekeyed repeatedly over its lifespan. If yours is showing wear beyond the pins, such as a stiff keyway or loose cylinder housing, it may be worth reading our guide on high-security front door locks for Perth homes before deciding whether to rekey or replace.

For repair, replacement, and full security upgrades, see our complete range of locksmith services in Perth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does rekeying a lock mean?

Rekeying changes the internal pins inside a lock cylinder so that old keys no longer work. Only a new key cut to match the updated pins can open the lock. The hardware stays in place.

Is it better to rekey or change locks?

Rekey if the lock is functional and key control is the issue. Replace if the lock is damaged, worn, or you want to upgrade to a smart lock or higher security grade.

Can I rekey my house locks myself?

Yes, with a brand-compatible kit and the original working key. However, kits for Australian brands like Lockwood are not widely available. A licensed locksmith is recommended for most Perth homes.

How much does it cost to rekey a house near me?

In Perth, rekeying costs approximately $15 to $40 per lock plus a call-out fee of $99 to $180. Multi-lock jobs often attract a lower per-lock rate. Contact Locksmith Ninja for an upfront quote.

How many times can you rekey a lock?

There is no set limit. A lock can be rekeyed many times without issue. The deciding factor is the overall condition of the lock hardware, not the rekeying process itself.

The Smartest Way to Reset Your Home or Business Security

Rekeying is not a shortcut. It is the right tool for the right job.

When your locks are in good condition and key control is the issue, rekeying gives you a clean security reset in under 30 minutes at a fraction of the cost of full replacement. It works for single doors, whole properties, and commercial premises with multiple access points.

The most important step is acting quickly. Every day a compromised key is out there is an unnecessary risk.

Locksmith Ninja provides 24/7 rekeying and residential locksmith services across Perth. Licensed, insured, and on-site fast. Call 0413 320 222 or request a quote online.