Can You Rekey a Lock Without the Original Key? Phoenix Locksmith Explains
Lost your house key in Phoenix? You’re not alone.
From coffee shops in Roosevelt Row to trailheads in North Mountain Village, people misplace their keys every day—and often realize too late they’ve lost access to their home or rental.
But what if you want to rekey the lock—without the original key?
Can it be done?
✅ Yes, it can.
Rekeying your Phoenix locks without the original key is possible, but it requires special tools and experience from a professional locksmith. In this post, we’ll explain exactly how it works, what to expect, and why rekeying may be the smarter option than replacing the lock entirely.
What Does It Mean to Rekey a Lock?
Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pins inside a lock cylinder so it works with a new key and rejects the old one.
This is different from replacing the entire lock hardware. With rekeying:
- You keep the same lock and door handles
- Only the internal key mechanism changes
- The locksmith provides a brand-new key that only you can use
Is It Possible to Rekey Without the Original Key?
Yes. A professional locksmith in Phoenix can rekey most locks without having the original key—but it takes a little more work.
Normally, a locksmith inserts the existing key to remove the lock cylinder easily. Without the original, we must use a technique called lock disassembly or lock picking to carefully access the lock’s core and reconfigure it.
This process:
- Takes slightly more time
- Requires precision tools
- Is completely non-destructive when done correctly
Homeowners in Encanto, Garfield, and Desert View often request this service after a move, a lost key incident, or after changing tenants.
When You Might Need to Rekey Without the Key
Here are common Phoenix situations where this comes up:
🔑 You just bought a home and didn’t get all the keys
🏠 You moved into a rental and weren’t given a working copy
💔 A roommate or ex left with the key
🔐 You lost your only copy and want to secure the home quickly
📦 A property investor purchased a foreclosure or auction home without keys
🛏️ Your Airbnb guest never returned the backup key
In all these cases, rekeying without the original key is the fastest way to secure the property without replacing every lock.
How the Rekeying Process Works Without a Key
Here’s what we do at Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix:
1. Inspect the Lock Type
We check if the lock is rekeyable and what tools are needed. Most standard residential locks (Kwikset, Schlage, Defiant, etc.) can be rekeyed without issue.
2. Pick or Bypass the Lock Cylinder
Using professional-grade lock picks or bypass tools, we carefully unlock and disassemble the cylinder without damaging the hardware.
3. Remove and Rekey the Core
We reset the pins inside the lock to match a new key cut specifically for your property.
4. Reassemble and Test
Once rekeyed, we reinstall the lock, test the key function, and provide extra copies if needed.
If your property is in Midtown, Sunnyslope, or Ahwatukee, our mobile techs can usually complete the full process in under an hour.
Cost to Rekey Without the Original Key in Phoenix
The price to rekey a lock without a working key is slightly higher than a standard rekey:
| Service Type | Average Cost per Lock |
|---|---|
| Rekeying with key | $15–$25 |
| Rekeying without key (requires picking) | $25–$40+ |
| Full lock replacement | $50–$200+ |
Want to save money? Rekey multiple locks in one visit—we offer discounts for 3+ locks, even if you’re missing keys for all of them.
Rekeying Without the Key vs. Replacing the Lock
| Factor | Rekeying w/o Key | Lock Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 💲 More affordable | 💸 Higher cost |
| Keeps hardware | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Time required | ⚡ 30–60 mins | ⏱️ Longer (especially custom hardware) |
| Security result | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strong |
| When recommended | Key is lost, lock is fine | Lock is damaged or outdated |
What If the Lock Is Damaged or Rusted?
In some cases—especially in older Phoenix homes in South Mountain or Alhambra—a lock may be:
- Severely rusted
- Damaged from force
- Incompatible with modern keys
If we determine the lock isn’t worth salvaging, we’ll recommend full lock replacement on the spot. We carry high-quality deadbolts, doorknobs, and smart lock upgrades—so you’ll never be left unsecured.
Can You Rekey a Smart Lock Without the Original Key?
Yes, many smart locks (like Schlage Encode or Kwikset Kevo) still have a physical key cylinder that can be rekeyed. Even without the original key, we can:
✅ Rekey the cylinder
✅ Reset the app and remove old users
✅ Program new codes for tenants or guests
This is ideal for smart rental units in Roosevelt Row, Eastlake Park, or Airbnbs throughout Biltmore.
How to Avoid This Problem in the Future
After rekeying your home, we recommend:
✅ Making at least 2–3 copies of your new key
✅ Keeping one backup in a secure, offsite location
✅ Avoid giving out keys without tracking who has them
✅ Using a key box or keyless smart lock when possible
✅ Scheduling rekeying every 2–3 years as a security refresh
Schedule your next rekeying with our Phoenix locksmith team here—we’ll take care of everything.
Don’t Panic—You’re Not Locked Out of Rekeying
Lost your only key? Don’t stress. Our Phoenix locksmiths rekey dozens of homes and businesses each week—many of them without the original key. As long as your lock is in good shape, we’ll rekey it quickly, affordably, and professionally.
Lost the Key? Keep the Lock—We’ve Got You Covered.
Rekeying without the original key is fast, safe, and more affordable than replacing all your hardware. Our Phoenix locksmiths will get it done right—so you can move forward with peace of mind.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
📞 (602) 854-2766
🌐 affordablesecurityphoenix.com