The short answer: 15 to 30 minutes for a standard single-cylinder rekey
A single residential deadbolt rekey takes a skilled locksmith 10 to 20 minutes from the time they begin working on the door. This includes disassembling the cylinder, removing the existing driver and key pins, installing new pins to match the new key, reassembling, and testing operation. Travel time, parking, customer interaction, and paperwork add to the total appointment time, but the actual rekeying work is fast.
A whole-home rekey — the most common service request, covering front door, back door, and any secondary entry points — takes 30 to 75 minutes depending on the number of cylinders, lock brands, and whether any cylinders require disassembly beyond a standard rekey. Properties with five or more cylinders, mixed brand hardware, or lock hardware in poor condition run toward the longer end of this range.
Step-by-step: what a locksmith does during a rekey
Assessment (2 to 5 minutes): the locksmith examines the existing cylinder, identifies the brand and key series, tests the current key to confirm the cylinder functions normally, and notes any issues that might complicate the rekey (worn springs, damaged pins, cylinder corrosion).
Cylinder removal (2 to 5 minutes): on a deadbolt, the locksmith removes the interior thumb turn, retracts the bolt, and withdraws the cylinder from the door. On a lockset with an integrated knob or lever, the process involves removing the rose covers and the exterior handle assembly before accessing the cylinder.
Pinning (5 to 10 minutes): the locksmith uses a plug follower to remove the cylinder plug while retaining the driver pins and springs in the shell. They remove the existing key pins, consult the pinning table for the new key, and install new key pins in the correct depth sequence. This is the core technical task; accuracy here determines whether the rekey produces a smooth-operating cylinder.
Reassembly and testing (3 to 5 minutes): the cylinder is reinstalled in the door, the new key tested from both rotation directions, and the deadbolt extended and retracted multiple times to confirm smooth operation. The old key is tested to confirm it no longer operates the cylinder. Key copies are cut if requested.
Factors that extend the time: what adds to the appointment
Number of cylinders: each additional cylinder adds roughly the per-cylinder time to the total. A four-cylinder rekey takes approximately four times as long as a single-cylinder, minus minor setup efficiencies that accrue when the locksmith is already on-site with tools organized.
High-security cylinders: Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and ASSA ABLOY cylinders use proprietary pinning systems that require brand-specific tools and pinning kits. They take 50 to 100 percent longer to rekey than standard pin tumbler cylinders because the mechanisms are more complex and the tools more precise. They also require that the locksmith hold dealer authorization and have the appropriate pins in stock.
Cylinder condition: cylinders that are corroded, worn, or have been previously damaged by forced entry or improper handling take longer to disassemble and may reveal conditions requiring replacement rather than rekeying. A stuck plug or damaged spring changes a 15-minute rekey into a 45-minute cylinder replacement.
Wafer or disc cylinders: older American-made mortise cylinders, some Scandinavian cylinders, and certain automotive ignition cylinders use wafer or disc mechanisms instead of pin tumbler configurations. These require a different tool set and rekeying process; a locksmith who is not familiar with the specific mechanism may decline to rekey it and recommend replacement instead.
Keying alike vs. keying to a new key: the customer choice
Keying all cylinders alike to a single new key is the most common request and the most convenient outcome — one key for all doors. Keying alike does not reduce security; the same new key operates all cylinders, and the old keys for all of them no longer work. The locksmith cuts copies of the new key at the end of the appointment.
Keying differently (each cylinder to its own unique key) is sometimes requested when different household members need access to specific areas only — a basement unit, a home office, or a storage space. This adds modest time per cylinder compared to keying all alike, as each cylinder requires a separate key cut and labeling.
What you receive at the end of the service call
A professional rekey service should end with: all rekeyed cylinders operating smoothly with the new key, confirmed non-function of all old keys, the number of key copies requested (typically two to three for a primary household), and a brief summary of any cylinder conditions noted (wear levels, cylinders approaching end of life). Ask the locksmith to demonstrate the new key in each cylinder before they depart.
Related services
- Lock rekeying service: /services/lock-rekeying
- Key duplication: /services/key-cutting
- High-security lock rekeying: /services/high-security-locks
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be present for the entire rekey appointment?
You need to be present at the beginning to provide access and to give the locksmith any existing keys, and at the end to receive the new keys and test operation. You do not need to supervise the technical work between those two points. If you have a multi-unit property and need to leave between cylinders, arrange the scheduling with the locksmith in advance.
Can any locksmith rekey any brand of lock?
Any licensed locksmith can rekey standard Schlage, Kwikset, Weiser, and most common residential brands. High-security brands (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA ABLOY) require dealer authorization and the correct proprietary pinning kit. Confirm before scheduling that the locksmith stocks pins for your specific cylinder brand if you have high-security hardware. Arriving without the right pins for a Mul-T-Lock Classic is a wasted trip.