The Essential Guide to Rekeying Your Locks in NY

When it comes to home security in New York, rekeying your locks is one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure your property remains protected. Whether you've just moved into a new home, lost your keys, or experienced a break-in, understanding the rekeying process can save you both time and money.

What is Lock Rekeying?

Lock rekeying is the process of changing the internal mechanism of a lock so that it works with a new key. Unlike replacing the entire lock, rekeying keeps your existing hardware while rendering old keys useless. This is accomplished by changing the pins inside the lock cylinder to match a new key configuration.

At Alpha Locks and Safe, we've helped thousands of New York homeowners and businesses secure their properties through professional rekeying services. Our licensed locksmiths can rekey most standard locks in just 15-30 minutes per lock.

When Should You Consider Rekeying Your Locks?

There are several situations where rekeying makes more sense than replacing your locks entirely:

1. Moving Into a New Home

When you purchase or rent a new property in Westchester County or anywhere in New York, you have no idea how many copies of the keys exist. Previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, and cleaning services may all have had access. Rekeying immediately after moving in is essential for your family's safety.

2. Lost or Stolen Keys

If your keys are lost or stolen, rekeying is the fastest way to restore security. Don't wait until a problem occurs – act immediately to protect your home and belongings.

3. After a Break-In

Even if locks weren't damaged during a break-in, rekeying provides peace of mind that any copied keys are now useless. We offer break-in repair services that include rekeying as part of the restoration process.

4. Employee Turnover

For businesses in White Plains, Yonkers, or throughout the NYC area, rekeying is essential when employees with key access leave the company. This is especially important for sensitive areas.

5. Roommate or Tenant Changes

Landlords and property managers should rekey between tenants to maintain security and accountability.

Rekeying vs. Lock Replacement: Which is Right for You?

Understanding the difference can save you significant money:

Factor	Rekeying	Lock Replacement
Cost	$20-$50 per lock	$75-$300+ per lock
Time	15-30 minutes per lock	30-60 minutes per lock
Hardware	Keeps existing locks	New lock installed
Best For	Working locks, key control	Damaged, outdated, or upgrade needs

The Professional Rekeying Process

When you call Alpha Locks and Safe for rekeying services, here's what to expect:

1. Assessment: Our technician examines your locks to ensure they're in good working condition and suitable for rekeying.
2. Disassembly: The lock cylinder is carefully removed from the door hardware.
3. Pin Replacement: The existing pins are removed and replaced with new ones that match your new key.
4. Reassembly: The cylinder is reinstalled and tested multiple times to ensure smooth operation.
5. Key Delivery: You receive your new keys, and we can cut additional copies on-site if needed.

Can You Rekey Locks Yourself?

While DIY rekeying kits exist, we strongly recommend professional service for several reasons:

• Improper rekeying can damage locks or leave them vulnerable
• Professional locksmiths ensure all pins are correctly set
• We can identify potential security issues during the process
• Our work is guaranteed – if there's a problem, we fix it free

Master Key Systems for Commercial Properties

For businesses with multiple access points, we can rekey your locks into a master key system. This allows:

• Individual keys for employees to access their specific areas
• Master keys for managers to access multiple areas
• Grand master keys for owners to access everything

High-Security Lock Rekeying

We specialize in rekeying high-security locks from brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Schlage Primus. These locks offer additional protection against picking, bumping, and unauthorized key duplication. Learn more about our high-security lock services.

Service Areas in New York

Alpha Locks and Safe provides professional rekeying services throughout Westchester County, including:

• White Plains
• Yonkers
• New Rochelle
• Scarsdale
• Mount Vernon
• Tarrytown
• And all surrounding communities

Get Your Locks Rekeyed Today

Don't compromise on your security. Whether you need a single lock rekeyed or your entire property secured, Alpha Locks and Safe is here to help 24/7.