Non-destructive entry first, always - and we re-key Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin locks on the spot while you watch
You get a price before we start. It does not change when we arrive. No surprises.
Lock Rekey in Chicago, IL
A professional lock rekey in Chicago typically costs between $95 and $160 per cylinder, depending on the lock brand and security level. This service involves changing the internal pins of your existing lock so that new keys work and old keys are rendered useless. At Novak Lock & Security Chicago, we provide firm, written quotes before any work begins, ensuring you know the exact cost before we turn a single screw. If you have recently moved into a new property in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Logan Square, or if you have lost track of who holds spare keys to your home, rekeying is the most efficient way to restore your security without replacing perfectly good hardware.
We handle rekeying for all major residential lock brands, including Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale. Our technicians are uniformed and background-checked, and every job is performed under The Haven Standard, which guarantees that the price quoted on the phone is the price on the final invoice. If you need to secure your home today, call (331) 202-1318 to speak with a live person who can schedule your service. As part of our comprehensive Residential Locksmith in Chicago services, we ensure that your home security is documented and reliable.
When You Need Lock Rekey
Many homeowners in Chicago assume they need to replace their entire door hardware when they want new keys. In most cases, if the current hardware is in good working order, rekeying is the smarter option. We recommend considering a rekey service in the following situations:
- Moving into a new home: Even if the previous owner handed over a set of keys, you have no way of knowing how many copies are floating around with former tenants, contractors, or neighbors.
- Lost or stolen keys: If your keys go missing in a high-traffic area like the Loop or near a CTA station, the risk of unauthorized access is immediate.
- After a roommate or tenant moves out: If someone who had access to your home no longer lives there, rekeying ensures they cannot enter, regardless of whether they returned their copy.
- Worn-out keys: If your keys are sticking or difficult to turn, the internal pins in your lock may be worn. Rekeying refreshes these pins and restores smooth operation.
- Consolidating keys: If you currently carry a different key for your front door, back door, and garage, we can often rekey them to all operate using a single master key.
Our Lock Rekey Process
We follow a strict, documented procedure for every rekey job. Because we adhere to The Haven Standard, we do not guess or estimate; we follow a specific sequence to ensure the security of your home.
- Assessment: Our technician arrives and inspects your existing hardware to ensure it is structurally sound and compatible with new pin configurations.
- Written Scope and Price: Before we touch the lock, we provide a written scope of work and a firm price. This is Haven Standard Clause 1: the price on the phone is the price on the invoice.
- Cylinder Extraction: We remove the lock cylinder from the door assembly. This is where we handle the precision components that control access.
- Pin Replacement: We disassemble the cylinder and replace the internal tumblers (pins) to match a brand-new key cut, rendering all previous keys obsolete.
- Testing and Documentation: We reassemble the cylinder, test the new keys for smooth operation, and generate a documented photo record of the completed work.
Lock Rekey Pricing in Chicago
Transparency is the foundation of our business. We do not believe in bait-and-switch tactics or surprise fees once we arrive at your door. Our pricing is based on the complexity of the lock and the number of cylinders involved.
| Service Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Door Cylinder Rekey | $95 – $130 |
| High-Security Cylinder Rekey | $140 – $185 |
| Additional Cylinder (Same Visit) | $45 – $70 |
These prices cover the labor and the new key blanks. If you have a competitor’s quote, we invite you to bring it to us for a free second opinion. We will review the estimate at no charge to ensure you are getting a fair market rate for your specific hardware. Call (331) 202-1318 to get your firm, written quote today.
FAQs - Lock Rekey
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace my locks?
Rekeying is almost always more cost-effective than replacing functional locks, as you are paying for labor and pins rather than entirely new hardware. If your current locks are high-quality brands like Medeco or Schlage, rekeying allows you to maintain that level of security for a fraction of the cost of a full hardware replacement. We only recommend replacement if the existing lock is damaged, corroded, or lacks the security features you need for your Chicago home.
Can you rekey locks from different brands to use the same key?
Generally, no, unless the locks share the same keyway or manufacturer platform. For example, we cannot easily rekey a Kwikset lock to accept a Schlage key because the key profiles are physically different. If you want to consolidate your keys, we often suggest upgrading to a unified system where we install matching cylinders across your home, which allows for a single key to operate every entry point.
How long does a rekey take in Chicago?
A standard rekey typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes per cylinder. Factors that can influence this time include the accessibility of the lock, the type of hardware installed, and whether the lock requires specialized tools for disassembly. Because we are locally operated, we can typically provide same-day service for residential clients across the city.
Does rekeying weaken the lock?
No, a professional rekey does not weaken your lock. When performed correctly, the integrity of the lock housing and the security of the bolt remain exactly as they were before the service. The process only involves changing the internal pin arrangement, which is standard maintenance for any quality lock. If your lock is already compromised, we will inform you before beginning work and recommend the appropriate security upgrade.
Contact Novak Lock & Security Chicago
If you need a reliable, professional lock rekey in Chicago, we are ready to assist. We do not use call centers or third-party dispatchers; when you call (331) 202-1318, you speak directly with a member of our team who can provide a firm, written price before we ever arrive at your home. Whether you are moving into a new property, dealing with lost keys, or simply want to ensure your home is secure, our background-checked, uniformed technicians are prepared to handle the job according to The Haven Standard. We provide free estimates and stand behind every service with our 365-Day Done Right Promise. Call (331) 202-1318 to schedule your service or request a quote today.
Written by Daniel Novak, Owner at Novak Lock & Security Chicago, serving Chicago.