You don't always need to replace your locks. In fact, in most cases, you don't have to. Rekeying is faster, cleaner, and much more affordable - and it gives you the same result: control over who has access. At Columbia Locksmith, rekeying is one of the most common and most overlooked services we offer.
Replacing means removing your entire lock and installing new hardware. Rekeying means keeping the lock, but changing its internal pins so the old key no longer works. You get a new set of keys, and anyone with an old one is out of luck.
We rekey house doors, office locks, storefronts, file cabinets, storage units - you name it. And we usually do it in less than an hour.
Not necessarily. If the hardware is in good shape, we can rekey the lock so the missing key no longer works. You save money, keep your current setup, and don't have to change out handles or finishes.
Actually, it's exactly what we recommend in most security resets. After a move, employee turnover, or relationship change, rekeying wipes the slate clean. When we rekey a lock, we also inspect it. If anything looks worn or vulnerable, we'll tell you - but rekeying itself is a secure reset done by pros.
This is where rekeying shines. We can key multiple locks alike - so you have one key for your front door, back door, and even the side garage entry. No more juggling five different keys or guessing which one goes where.
One customer in Columbia had five different keys for their home. Front door, basement, garage, interior door to the studio, and a side gate. We rekeyed all of them to match, gave them three clean copies, and the whole job took just over an hour. Now they have one key that does it all.
Rekeying is essential in commercial settings. When employees leave, leases end, or access policies change, you need a clean slate. We work with offices, retail stores, warehouses, and clinics to rekey locks across entry points, storage areas, and restricted zones. We can also set up master key systems so managers have full access while staff get limited reach.
We often rekey back doors, break rooms, side offices, and front entries while the business stays open. Discreet, fast, and documented for your records.
You call, tell us what's going on. We ask how many locks you want to rekey and whether you want them all on one key or separate. We quote you a flat rate, show up with everything we need, and handle it on-site. You get a new set of keys and peace of mind - no damage, no mess.
Almost always. Rekeying can cost 40-70% less than full hardware replacement. It's the smart move if your locks work fine but you need new keys.
Yes, as long as the locks are compatible (same brand or keyway type). We'll check and advise on the best setup.
Most rekeying jobs take 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of locks.
We can rekey the backup key on most models and also help reset access codes. Some models allow cylinder rekeying too.
Rekeying isn't about paranoia. It's about taking control. Whether it's your home or your business, knowing exactly who has access matters. And it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
If you're not sure whether to rekey or replace, we'll help you figure it out. At Columbia Locksmith, we've rekeyed everything from single-bedroom apartments to 20-door medical offices. Give us a call - we'll make it easy.
