What Happens During a Professional Lock Rekey in Perth?
- •Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys stop working — without replacing the lock hardware.
- •A professional rekey takes around 20–30 minutes per lock when handled by a licensed locksmith.
- •Moving into a new home, losing keys, or a tenancy change are all immediate triggers to act.
- •Rekeying is generally less expensive than full lock replacement when your hardware is in good condition.
- •Ultimate Lock & Security is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across Perth suburbs.
You’ve just moved into a new Perth property, handed back keys at the end of a tenancy, or realised your keys are missing — and now you’re not sure whether your home is actually secure. Rekeying your locks is the fastest and most cost-effective way to regain control of who can get through your door, and most Perth homeowners have no idea what the process actually involves.
What Does Rekeying Actually Do to Your Lock?
Same hardware, completely new key — here's the mechanics behind it.
Inside every standard pin tumbler lock — the type found on most Perth residential doors — there are spring-loaded pin stacks. Each stack has a key pin and a driver pin. When the correct key is inserted, the pins align at the shear line and the cylinder rotates to open the lock.
Rekeying replaces those key pins with a new set at different heights. The old key can no longer align the pins, so it cannot turn the cylinder. A new key, cut to match the new pin heights, becomes the only one that works. The lock body, strike plate, and all door hardware stay exactly as they are.
This is why rekeying delivers the same security outcome as a new lock at a lower cost — provided the existing hardware is in good mechanical condition. If your lock is stiff, corroded, or was forced during a break-in, replacement is the better call.
Step-by-Step: What Does a Locksmith Do During a Rekey?
From removing the cylinder to handing you new keys — the full process explained.
Step 1: Remove the lock cylinder. The locksmith uses the existing key to turn the plug to the open position, then inserts a plug follower tool to hold the driver pins and springs in place while the plug slides out cleanly.
Step 2: Remove the existing key pins. Using a pinning tray, the locksmith removes the key pins one by one. The driver pins and springs stay in the lock housing — they are not changed during a rekey.
Step 3: Select and load replacement pins. The locksmith reads the new key’s cut depths using a key decoder, then selects replacement pins of the correct heights and loads them into the plug in the right order.
Step 4: Reassemble and test. The plug is reinserted into the cylinder, the lock is refitted to the door, and both the new and old keys are tested — the new key must operate smoothly, and the old key must not turn the cylinder at all.
Ask your locksmith to test the old key in front of you before they leave. This gives you immediate, visible confirmation that previous keyholders — former owners, contractors, or ex-tenants — no longer have access to your property.
When Do You Actually Need to Rekey Your Locks?
These are the situations where waiting even one day is a real risk.
Moving into a new home is the most common trigger — and the most frequently skipped step. Previous owners, real estate agents, and contractors may all hold copies of your keys. You can explore the full range of locksmith services available across Perth to understand what a single visit can cover across every entry point in your home.
- •Moving into a new home — you cannot verify who holds copies of the current keys
- •Lost or stolen keys — especially if your address is identifiable from a wallet or fob
- •End of a tenancy — a previous tenant may have had the key copied
- •After a relationship breakdown where a former partner had access
- •Following a break-in or attempted forced entry (assess hardware condition first)
- •Buying a bank-owned or estate property with an unknown key history
If your lock is in good condition, rekeying changes the internal pin configuration so old keys stop working permanently — without the cost of new hardware. If the lock shows visible damage, stiffness, or was forced, a licensed locksmith will recommend replacement instead.
Can a Locksmith Rekey Multiple Locks to a Single Key?
One key for every door — a practical upgrade most homeowners don't know to ask for.
Yes — when rekeying multiple locks in a single visit, a locksmith can configure all cylinders to operate on one new key. That means your front door, back door, and any other entry points all work from a single key rather than a bulging keyring.
This is a practical extension of a master key setup and costs far less than replacing every lock on the property. Ask for it specifically when booking your rekey — it’s a straightforward request that a licensed locksmith can accommodate in the same visit.
Rekeying only the front door while leaving the back door or side gate on the old key defeats the purpose entirely. Always rekey every external entry point in a single visit to ensure complete key control.
Lock Rekeying in Perth — Your Questions Answered
Straight answers to the questions Perth homeowners ask most often.
How Long Does a Professional Lock Rekey Take?
A professional rekey takes around 20–30 minutes per lock when handled by a licensed locksmith with the correct rekeying kit for your lock brand. A full home with multiple entry points can typically be completed in a single visit.
Is Rekeying Less Expensive Than Replacing the Lock?
Rekeying is generally less expensive than full lock replacement because you are paying for labour and new pins rather than new hardware. The exact cost depends on the number of locks, the lock type, and whether the job is booked during business hours or as an after-hours call-out.
How Many Times Can the Same Lock Be Rekeyed?
There is no fixed limit — most quality locks can be rekeyed multiple times. The real question is whether the cylinder is still in good mechanical condition. Signs like stiffness, corrosion, or a jammed plug mean replacement is the right call, not another rekey.
Does Rekeying Weaken My Lock's Security?
No — rekeying does not affect the security rating of the lock. Only the key that operates it changes. If your lock is in good condition, a rekey delivers the same security outcome as buying a brand-new lock at a fraction of the cost.
Ready to Rekey Your Perth Property Today?
Ultimate Lock & Security is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across Perth suburbs — call 0481 365 802 for same-day rekeying, or get in touch to book a visit at a time that suits you.