Lock Change Service in DFW: When to Change Your Locks & What It Costs

Lock Change vs Rekey: The Key Distinction

A rekey changes the internal tumblers of your existing locks — same hardware, new key. A lock change replaces the entire lock — new hardware, new key. Rekey is cheaper ($100-$180 for a house); lock change is more expensive ($150-$300 per lock) but gives you all-new hardware.

If your locks are in good mechanical condition, rekeying is sufficient. If they're old, worn, or you want to upgrade, a lock change is the right choice.

When to Change Your Locks

Change (not just rekey) your locks when:

• The locks are old, worn, or difficult to operate — even a rekey won't fix worn hardware
• You want to upgrade to better security — high-security deadbolts, smart locks
• The locks are different brands and you want to standardize on one key type
• The locks are damaged — from a break-in, corrosion, or accident
• You're renovating and want new hardware that matches the new decor
• You want all doors keyed to one key but the existing locks can't be keyed alike

When a Rekey Is Enough

Rekey (don't replace) when:

• You just moved in — you don't know who has keys, but the locks work fine
• You lost a key — you want to invalidate it, but the locks are in good shape
• An employee or tenant left — you want to remove their access
• The locks turn smoothly and the hardware is in good condition
• You want to save money — rekey is half the cost of replacement

What Lock Change Service Costs in DFW

2026 pricing:

• Residential rekey (all exterior doors keyed alike): $100-$180
• Residential lock change (standard deadbolt + knob): $150-$300 per door
• High-security lock (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock): $200-$500 per lock
• Smart lock installation: $150-$250 (hardware not included)
• Commercial rekey: $25-$45 per cylinder
• Commercial lock change: $100-$300 per lock
• We assess your locks and recommend which makes sense before any work

How Lock Change Works

Here's the process when we change your locks on-site:

• We remove the old lock hardware (knob, deadbolt, or cylindrical lock)
• We install the new lock hardware (including any drilling or mortising needed)
• We install a reinforced strike plate with 3-inch screws (for deadbolts)
• We cut new keys to match the new locks
• We key all locks alike if you want one key for all doors
• We test every lock to ensure smooth operation
• Total time: 30-45 minutes per lock

Which Locks Should You Buy?

For residential use, we recommend:

• Schlage or Kwikset — good quality, affordable, widely available
• Medeco or Mul-T-Lock — high-security, pick-resistant, drill-resistant
• August, Yale, or Schlage Encode — smart locks with app control
• We can supply the hardware or install locks you've purchased
• Ask us — we can recommend the best locks for your door type and security needs