Can Vintage Locks Be Rekeyed? A Guide for Historic Phoenix Homeowners
Phoenix is full of charm, character, and history—especially in neighborhoods like Willo, Garfield, Coronado, and Roosevelt. If you own a historic home here, you know how important it is to preserve original features while upgrading where it counts.
One of the most overlooked—but important—upgrades? Rekeying vintage locks.
Old locks may be full of character, but that doesn’t mean they’re secure. In this post, we’ll walk through whether antique locks can be rekeyed, how it’s done, what your options are, and how to secure your Phoenix historic home without losing its aesthetic charm.
🔐 What Is a Vintage or Antique Lock?
Vintage locks are generally considered:
- 50+ years old
- Often made from brass, cast iron, or bronze
- May be mortise-style or rim locks
- Typically found in pre-1950s homes
- Frequently feature skeleton keys, push-button knobs, or ornate faceplates
You’ll find these in historic districts throughout Central Phoenix, where preserving original doors and hardware adds to the value of the home.
🧠 Can You Rekey an Old Lock?
Yes—but not always the same way you’d rekey a modern lock.
Rekeying vintage locks depends on:
- The internal condition of the lock
- Whether the parts are still available or salvageable
- If the lock was designed for rekeying (some weren’t)
- Whether it can be removed without damage
- The type of key it uses (skeleton, flat, pin tumbler, etc.)
A professional locksmith can assess the lock and determine if: ✅ It can be rekeyed
🔁 It should be restored
🔧 It needs to be retrofitted with new hardware (preserving the exterior)
🧰 Types of Vintage Locks We Can Rekey or Repair
We service:
- Mortise locks with thumbturns
- Skeleton key locks
- Decorative rim locks
- Push-button (privacy) locks
- Antique door knobs with integrated cylinders
- Early 20th-century Yale or Corbin locks
Our approach is always to preserve where possible and upgrade only if truly necessary.
🏠 Why Rekeying Old Locks Is So Important in Historic Homes
Even if the lock “still works,” you should still consider rekeying for these reasons:
1. You Don’t Know Who Has a Key
Older homes have often changed hands many times. There could be dozens of keys out there from past owners, tenants, realtors, or contractors.
2. Old Locks Are Easier to Pick or Bypass
Many older mechanisms lack the advanced pin systems and pick-resistant designs of today’s locks.
3. Rekeying Allows Preservation Without Sacrificing Safety
Don’t replace that 1920s brass lock unless you have to—we can often rekey it and make it work like new.
🔧 What If My Lock Can’t Be Rekeyed?
If your lock is:
- Too rusted or damaged
- Missing parts
- Non-rekeyable by design
- Using skeleton keys without available blanks
We can offer alternative solutions, like: ✅ Installing a new cylinder inside the vintage housing
✅ Matching a new modern lock in a style that complements your home
✅ Replacing with reproduction antique hardware that can be rekeyed
✅ Creating a dual system—decorative exterior with modern security behind the scenes
📐 Will Rekeying Damage the Original Lock or Door?
No. Our goal is non-invasive preservation.
We:
- Carefully remove the lockset
- Disassemble the cylinder (if applicable)
- Replace pins or internals
- Clean and lubricate moving parts
- Reinstall with no visible signs of service
If the lock must be replaced, we’ll give you style-matched options that preserve your home’s curb appeal and historic integrity.
🛠️ We Also Rekey Other Period-Specific Features
Many historic homes in Phoenix include:
- Side yard gates
- Detached garage doors
- Interior locking office or study doors
- Original mail slots or utility closets
We inspect, rekey, and match hardware finishes across your property.
💲 Cost to Rekey Vintage or Antique Locks in Phoenix
| Service | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard mortise lock rekey | $75–$100 |
| Decorative knob with keyhole | $85–$125 |
| Full lock replacement (if needed) | Varies by style |
| Custom-fitted hardware upgrade | Ask for quote |
| Smart retrofit installation | Available ✅ |
📞 Request a rekey estimate or call (602) 854-2766 for a free assessment.
🗺️ We Rekey Historic Homes Across Phoenix
We specialize in vintage lock service in:
- Willo Historic District
- Encanto-Palmcroft
- Garfield Historic District
- Roosevelt Neighborhood
- Coronado Historic
- F.Q. Story
- Cheery Lynn and Ashland Place
…and other designated Phoenix historic neighborhoods.
We also work with local preservationists, realtors, and contractors focused on restoring homes with care.
Final Word: Historic Homes Deserve Thoughtful Security
Rekeying your vintage or antique locks helps you honor the past without compromising safety today. Whether you’re renovating, moving in, or just securing a piece of Phoenix history—our team is ready to help you do it right.
Preserve the Charm. Protect What Matters.
Let us rekey or restore the original locks in your historic Phoenix home—professionally, respectfully, and with care.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
📞 (602) 854-2766
🌐 affordablesecurityphoenix.com