Can You Rekey Your Locks Yourself? What Phoenix Homeowners Need to Know

If you’re a homeowner in Phoenix, you may be tempted to rekey your own locks—especially if you’re handy or trying to save money after a move. DIY rekey kits are widely available online and at hardware stores in neighborhoods like North Gateway, Ahwatukee, or Encanto. But is it worth it?

The idea of doing it yourself might sound appealing, but rekeying your locks isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.

In this post, we’ll walk through what DIY rekeying really involves, what can go wrong, and when it’s better to call a professional locksmith in Phoenix to get the job done right the first time.

What Is Rekeying?

Before diving into DIY, let’s quickly cover what rekeying actually is.

Rekeying means changing the internal pins of a lock cylinder so that the old key no longer works. A new key is cut to match the new pin configuration, giving you control over who can access your property.

Unlike replacing the whole lock, rekeying keeps your existing hardware but resets access.

It’s ideal when:

• You just moved into a new home
• You lost your keys
• Someone moved out
• You’re unsure who has copies of your current key

Now let’s talk about the DIY route.

What’s in a DIY Rekey Kit?

DIY kits typically include:

• A set of universal tools for removing and rekeying lock cylinders
• Pre-sized pins
• A plug follower
• A key decoder or pinning chart
• Instructions or a video tutorial

They’re available for common residential locks like Kwikset and Schlage—popular brands in Phoenix neighborhoods like Garfield, Roosevelt, and South Mountain.

Some homeowners purchase kits to rekey all their home’s locks themselves. The question is: should you?

The Pros of DIY Rekeying

Let’s give credit where it’s due. If you’re experienced and know what you’re doing, DIY rekeying can offer a few benefits:

1. Lower Cost (Upfront)

You might save some money compared to hiring a locksmith. Kits often cost between $15–$40.

2. Convenience

If you have time, patience, and confidence, doing it on your own schedule might be appealing.

3. Skill Building

DIYers who love tackling home projects may enjoy learning how locks work. It’s a cool skill—but not one to experiment with on your front door unless you’re prepared for the consequences.

The Risks of DIY Rekeying

While the upfront cost may look attractive, many Phoenix homeowners run into serious issues trying to rekey their own locks—especially without proper tools, training, or experience.

1. Compatibility Issues

Not all locks are rekeyable with universal kits. Some brands, models, or smart locks have unique configurations that the kit won’t cover.

We’ve had calls from homeowners in Paradise Valley Village, Sunnyslope, and Arcadia who bought a kit—only to realize their locks didn’t match the tools provided.

2. Missing Pins or Improper Reassembly

If you drop a pin, install the wrong one, or reassemble the cylinder incorrectly, the lock might jam—or worse, fail completely. You may end up locked out of your own home.

3. Security Gaps

If the lock isn’t rekeyed properly, old keys might still work. That defeats the whole purpose of rekeying and leaves your home vulnerable.

4. Time-Consuming

Even for someone who’s handy, rekeying multiple doors can take hours. A professional can usually rekey an entire home in under an hour.

5. Voiding Warranties

In some cases, DIY rekeying can void the manufacturer warranty on your lock—especially if damage occurs during the process.

When DIY Rekeying Goes Wrong

We’ve been called out to homes in Eastlake Park, Alhambra, and Biltmore after DIY attempts went south. Some of the most common issues we see:

• Locks that spin but don’t engage
• Keys that won’t turn at all
• Doors that won’t lock properly
• Homeowners accidentally locking themselves out during the process

In many cases, the cost to fix or replace the lock ends up being higher than hiring a locksmith to rekey it in the first place.

When You Can Try It Yourself

If you’re tech-savvy, comfortable with mechanical work, and just rekeying a single, compatible lock—sure, give it a shot.

Just avoid experimenting on your main entrance. Try it on a back door or garage lock first, where failure won’t leave you stuck outside.

And if you’re in a pinch and your locksmith can’t get to you right away, a DIY attempt may buy you time—as long as you’re prepared for trial and error.

When to Call a Professional Locksmith in Phoenix

Here’s when you should absolutely skip the DIY and call a pro like Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm:

• You’re rekeying multiple doors
• Your locks are high-security, old, or unfamiliar
• You want all doors to work on a single key
• You’re upgrading from traditional to smart locks
• You’ve had a break-in or lost a key
• You just moved into a new home
• You value your time, security, and peace of mind

Locksmiths come equipped with professional tools, precise pin sets, and years of experience. We handle rekeying daily across Phoenix neighborhoods like Midtown, Grand Avenue, and North Mountain Village.

What Does Professional Rekeying Cost?

In most cases, professional rekeying costs less than replacing a single lock—and includes:

• On-site service
• All labor and parts
• A fresh set of keys
• Lock testing and adjustments
• Peace of mind it’s done right

We offer upfront pricing, so there are no surprises. And we often provide same-day or next-day service across Phoenix.

Learn more about our expert rekeying services here.

DIY Rekeying vs. Professional: Side-by-Side

Feature	DIY Rekeying	Professional Rekeying
Cost	$15–$40 per kit	$15–$25 per lock (avg)
Time	1–2 hours or more	Under 1 hour (entire home)
Risk of Damage	High	Very Low
Lock Compatibility	Limited	All types
Key Duplication Included?	No	Yes
Peace of Mind	Questionable	Guaranteed

Conclusion: DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper

While you might save a few bucks upfront, the risks, time, and stress of DIY rekeying usually outweigh the rewards—especially when your home’s security is at stake.

You wouldn’t trust your HVAC, plumbing, or electrical to guesswork—your locks deserve the same professional attention.

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Save Time, Stress, and Security Headaches
Whether you’re tempted to DIY or already gave it a shot, our Phoenix locksmiths are ready to help. We’ll rekey your locks fast, right, and for less than you might expect.

Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
📞 (602) 854-2766
🌐 affordablesecurityphoenix.com