What is lock rekeying in simple terms?

Rekeying means changing the small metal pins inside your lock cylinder so your current key no longer works and a new key does. The lock body stays on your door — only the internal pin pattern changes. It takes a locksmith about 20–30 minutes per lock.

How much does lock rekeying cost in Fort Collins, CO?

Rekeying runs $75–$120 per lock in Fort Collins. Most homes have two or three exterior locks, so the total is typically $150–$360. That's well below the $120–$200 per lock cost of replacing deadbolts with new Grade 1 hardware.

Can any lock be rekeyed?

Most standard pin tumbler locks — including Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale deadbolts — can be rekeyed. Wafer locks, tubular locks (common on older interior doors), and locks with cracked or worn cylinders generally can't be rekeyed and need replacement instead.

How is rekeying different from changing the locks?

Rekeying changes the pins inside the existing cylinder; lock replacement swaps out the entire lockset. Rekeying costs less and takes less time. Replacement makes sense when the hardware is damaged, outdated (Grade 2 or below), or you want to upgrade to a smart lock.

Should I rekey my locks when I move into a new home in Fort Collins?

Yes. Previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, and neighbors may all have copies of the current key — and there's no way to track them all down. Rekeying immediately after closing is the fastest way to ensure only your key works. Most Fort Collins locksmiths can complete a full home rekey the same day you call.

How do I verify a locksmith is licensed in Colorado before hiring them?

Colorado requires locksmiths to hold a state license. You can verify any locksmith's license through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) . Ask for the license number before work starts — a legitimate locksmith will provide it without hesitation.

Does rekeying work on smart locks?

Most smart locks — including Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, and August smart locks — use pin tumbler cylinders for the physical key backup, so yes, they can be rekeyed. However, the digital access codes are reset through the lock's app, not by a locksmith. Both steps are independent of each other.

Why is rekeying popular in the CSU area of Fort Collins?

The CSU and University neighborhood has one of the highest renter turnover rates in Fort Collins, with major move-out and move-in cycles every May and August–September. Landlords and property managers rekey between tenants to prevent former renters from retaining access — it's faster and cheaper than replacing entire locksets every lease cycle.

What is lock rekeying and how does it work?

Q: What is lock rekeying and how does it work?

Lock rekeying changes the internal pins of your existing lock so old keys no longer work — no new hardware required.

What Rekeying Actually Does to Your Lock

Every pin tumbler lock — the kind on most Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale deadbolts — works by stacking small metal pins inside the cylinder. Your key pushes those pins to a specific height. When the heights line up perfectly, the cylinder turns. When they don't, it won't.

Rekeying replaces those pins with a new set cut to a different height pattern. Your old key no longer lifts the pins to the right level, so it won't open the lock. A new key — cut to match the new pin heights — does.

The lock body, the door hardware, the strike plate — none of it changes. Only the internal pins move.

The Rekeying Process Step by Step

A trained locksmith typically completes this in 20–30 minutes per lock using basic tools.

Remove the lock cylinder from the door using a screwdriver.
Insert the current working key to align the existing pins.
Use a plug follower tool to push the cylinder plug out without losing the springs.
Tip the old driver pins out of the cylinder housing.
Insert a new set of key pins in the heights that match the new key.
Reassemble the plug and cylinder, reinstall on the door, and test with both the old and new key.

The old key should fail immediately. The new key should turn smoothly. If either check fails, the pin heights need adjustment.

💡 Tip: Ask the locksmith to test the old key themselves in front of you before they leave. That five-second check confirms the rekey actually worked — and gives you peace of mind on the spot.

When Rekeying Makes Sense in Fort Collins

Rekeying is the right choice when the lock hardware itself is still solid. Common reasons Fort Collins residents rekey:

Moving into a new home — previous owners, real estate agents, and contractors all had copies of the old key.
End of a tenancy — especially common in the CSU and University area, where rekeying demand spikes every May and again in August–September during move-in season.
Lost or stolen keys with no way to account for all copies.
After a breakup or roommate situation changes.
Consolidating multiple locks to one key (called "keying alike").

For more on choosing between rekeying and full replacement, see Should I rekey or replace locks when moving into a new home in Fort Collins?

What Rekeying Costs in Fort Collins

Rekeying in Fort Collins runs $75–$120 per lock. Single-family homes typically have two or three exterior locks, bringing the total to $150–$360. That's significantly less than replacing locks with new Grade 1 deadbolts, which cost $120–$200 per lock installed.

For a detailed breakdown of pricing factors, see How much does lock rekeying cost in Fort Collins?

⚠️ Watch out: Some national franchise operators advertise a $35 rekey, then tack on "service fees," "security assessments," and parts charges once they're at your door. Always get a total quote before any work starts. A legitimate local locksmith gives you the full number upfront.

Colorado Conditions That Affect Your Locks Year-Round

Fort Collins temperatures range from -15°F in winter to 95°F in summer. This swing causes door frames to expand and contract significantly. In older homes — particularly in Old Town and Midtown — seasonal movement can cause a deadbolt cylinder to bind, making key insertion or turning more difficult.

This matters for rekeying because a binding cylinder can falsely suggest the rekey failed. Before requesting a redo, check whether the door is swollen or misaligned. A door that doesn't close flush puts stress on the deadbolt throw and can make even a correctly rekeyed lock feel stiff.

Fort Collins' dry, high-altitude air dries out door frames faster than coastal climates, accelerating frame shrinkage. Newer homes in the Harmony Corridor with tighter tolerances generally experience fewer alignment issues than 1970s–1980s construction, which is common in CSU-area rentals.

Quick Reference: Rekeying at a Glance

What changes: Internal pin tumblers only — not the lock body or door hardware
Time required: 20–30 minutes per lock for a trained locksmith
Cost in Fort Collins: $75–$120 per lock
Works on: Any standard pin tumbler lock (Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, and most others)
Doesn't work on: Wafer locks, tubular locks, or locks with damaged cylinders
License check: Verify your locksmith through Colorado DORA before hiring
Industry standard: Certified rekeying professionals are listed through the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA)

Bottom Line

Rekeying swaps the pins inside your lock cylinder so old keys stop working — no new hardware, no big bill. In Fort Collins, it costs $75–$120 per lock and takes about 30 minutes. It's the fastest, most affordable way to control who has access to your home after a move, a lost key, or a tenant change. Local Fort Collins locksmiths can rekey your locks the same day. Request a free quote or call (970) 999-0689 to get started.