Services / Rekey · lock change · master key · key control
Rekeying & lock changes
A rekey makes every old key stop working and in most cases you keep the locks you have. It is the cheapest piece of security a new tenant or owner can buy.
Rekey or replace
Rekeying changes the pins inside the cylinder so a new key works and the old ones do not. It is faster and cheaper than new hardware. We replace instead when a lock is worn, loose, or when you want a higher grade, such as a restricted-key cylinder that cannot be copied at a corner shop.
Divided brownstones and master keys
A typical Bed-Stuy brownstone has a street door, a vestibule door and several unit doors. The clean setup is a master key system: the owner carries one key that opens the common doors and every unit, each tenant's key opens only theirs, and a lost key means rekeying one lock, not the house. We chart it on paper so it stays manageable when you add a door later.
When to do it
The day you take possession, or the day a tenant moves out. We carry pins and blanks for the common brands and cut new keys on site, so it is usually one short visit per door.
- Rekey after a move, a sale or tenant turnover
- Master key systems for divided brownstones and small buildings
- Deadbolt and knob replacement in a matching finish
- Restricted-key cylinders for shared doors
- New keys cut on site
- Price on site before any work
Common questions
How long does a rekey take?
A short visit per door. A whole apartment with several locks takes a bit longer; a full brownstone on a master key plan is quoted in writing.
I don't have a key at all. Can you still rekey?
Yes. We open the lock first, then rekey it on the same visit.
Do I rekey or replace after a break-in?
If the lock still works, rekey it and reinforce the frame. If the cylinder or bolt was damaged, that lock gets replaced.
Need the old keys to stop working?
Call any hour. Tell us the problem. We give you a clear price on site.
Quote
Not urgent? Send us the details.
Tell us about the door, panel or building. We call you back and talk through the job and the price.