Can I rekey locks myself or do I need a locksmith?

Can You Actually Rekey a Lock Yourself?

Yes — rekeying a lock yourself is physically possible, but it's not as simple as changing a lightbulb. Inside every lock cylinder is a stack of tiny spring-loaded pins, usually 5–6 of them, each cut to match your current key. Rekeying means swapping those pins for a new set that matches a different key. You have to disassemble the lock, remove the cylinder, extract the driver pins and key pins without losing them, replace them in the correct order, and reassemble everything so the plug rotates cleanly.

Kwikset sells a consumer-facing Smart Key system that lets you rekey without disassembling anything — just a reset tool and a new key. For standard Kwikset and Schlage locks, third-party rekey kits are available online for $20–$40 and include a follower tool, pinning tray, and replacement pins. The kits work, though the process requires patience and steady hands.

When DIY Rekeying Makes Sense

DIY rekeying is reasonable when you have one Kwikset SmartKey lock, a compatible reset tool, and a replacement key already cut. Kwikset SmartKey cylinders are specifically designed for owner rekeying — Kwikset markets them that way. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing beyond the reset kit.

Standard pin-tumbler cylinders — the kind found in most Schlage B-series deadbolts and older Kwikset 660s — are different. These require a plug follower tool, a pinning mat, and familiarity with how the springs and pins interact. One misaligned pin and the key won't turn. For older homes in Old Town Fort Collins, where door frames have shifted over decades and locks already run tight, adding a rekeying error is a real risk.

When You Should Call a Fort Collins Locksmith Instead

Call a local locksmith when you have multiple locks to rekey, high-security cylinders, or zero margin for error. Rekeying 3 locks yourself typically takes 60–90 minutes if you're unfamiliar with the process. A Fort Collins locksmith can generally handle the same job in 20–30 minutes for $150–$250 total on a 2–3 lock home visit.

High-security locks — Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or ASSA Abloy cylinders — cannot be rekeyed with consumer kits. They use patented keyways and require brand-specific tools only locksmiths carry. DIY is not an option for these systems.

Fort Collins renters moving into or out of a unit in the CSU area should think twice about DIY. Colorado landlord-tenant law doesn't specify who must rekey, but most leases require the property to be returned with working locks. A damaged cylinder could cost you your security deposit. See Should I rekey or replace locks when moving into a new home in Fort Collins? for guidance on that situation.

Colorado-Specific Factor: Winter Lock Behavior Affects Rekeying

Fort Collins experiences temperature swings from -15°F in January to 95°F in July, causing door frames to expand and contract. A lock that fits perfectly in summer may bind slightly in winter after the frame contracts. Local locksmiths test the deadbolt throw under realistic conditions; a DIY rekey done in October may work fine until January, when the door frame tightens and the new key turns hard.

If your deadbolt already sticks or requires lifting the door handle to operate, fix the alignment problem first. Rekeying a binding lock just swaps the key — it doesn't correct the underlying mechanical issue. A local Fort Collins locksmith can diagnose and correct frame alignment during the same service call.

What Does Professional Rekeying Cost vs. DIY?

Professional rekeying in Fort Collins runs $75–$120 per lock, with most homes needing 2–3 locks done in a single visit. For current local pricing, see How much does lock rekeying cost in Fort Collins? DIY kits cost $20–$40 upfront, but factor in your time and replacement cost if something goes wrong.

For a single SmartKey lock with a compatible reset kit you already own, DIY saves money. For a full house with 3 Schlage deadbolts plus a garage entry, the professional option is usually faster, safer, and not dramatically more expensive once you account for kit costs and time.