What to Expect During a Rekeying Appointment in Phoenix
If you’ve never hired a locksmith to rekey your home before, it’s normal to have questions.
- How long will it take?
- Will they change the locks?
- Do I need to do anything to prepare?
Whether you just moved into a home in Arcadia Lite, lost your keys in Maryvale, or want to reset access after a breakup in Sunnyslope, scheduling a professional rekeying service in Phoenix is a fast, smart way to secure your home—and it’s easier than you think.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what happens before, during, and after a rekeying appointment so you know what to expect from start to finish.
What Does Rekeying Mean?
Rekeying changes the internal pins of a lock so the old key no longer works. It’s not the same as replacing the entire lock—your door hardware stays the same, but you get new keys, and any old keys instantly stop working.
It’s one of the most affordable and effective ways to take control of your home’s security without needing brand-new locks.
When to Schedule a Rekeying Appointment
You should rekey your locks if:
- You just bought a home in Phoenix
- You’ve lost your keys or had them stolen
- A roommate, tenant, or ex-partner moved out
- A contractor had access to your home
- You’re unsure who has a copy of your keys
- You want all your doors to use a single key
In neighborhoods like Biltmore, Laveen Village, or North Gateway—where homes frequently change hands or have guest casitas—it’s common to rekey after move-in or between renters.
Before the Appointment: How to Prepare
Before we arrive, here’s what we recommend:
1. Make a List of Doors to Rekey
This includes front doors, back doors, side garage entries, gate locks, or any other entry points. We can rekey them all to match a single key if the locks are compatible.
2. Clear Access Around the Locks
Move furniture, trash bins, or decorations that may block the locksmith’s access to each door. This helps speed up the process.
3. Have Existing Keys Ready (If Available)
If you still have working keys, they can speed up the process—but they’re not required. We can still rekey without them.
4. Let Us Know If You Have Smart Locks
Some smart locks can be rekeyed, while others may need reprogramming. We’ll bring the tools to handle both if you let us know ahead of time.
During the Appointment: What Happens Step by Step
🛠️ Step 1: On-Time Arrival and Walkthrough
Our locksmith will arrive at your Phoenix property during the scheduled time window. We’ll walk the property with you to confirm which locks you want rekeyed and answer any questions you have.
Whether you’re in Roosevelt Row, Midtown, or Estrella Village, we’ll make sure we understand the layout and your goals—whether that’s basic rekeying or unifying all locks to a single key.
🔧 Step 2: Disassembly of Existing Locks
We remove the lock cylinder from the door—not the entire lock or handle. It’s a clean, non-invasive process that won’t damage your door.
⚙️ Step 3: Re-Pinning the Lock
Inside each lock are a series of pins that match your current key. We replace these with a new pin combination that matches your new key and makes all old keys useless.
If you’re rekeying multiple locks, we can often match them to work with one key—even if they originally used different ones.
🗝️ Step 4: Key Cutting
Once the new pins are installed, we’ll cut a fresh set of keys to match. You’ll receive these during the appointment and can request extra copies as needed.
✅ Step 5: Testing and Finishing
We’ll reinstall the locks, test each one with the new key, and ensure they open and close smoothly.
If we notice any sticking, misalignment, or security concerns, we’ll let you know and make recommendations (e.g., deadbolt adjustments, strike plate alignment, weather stripping issues, etc.).
After the Appointment: What You’ll Have
Once we’re finished, you’ll receive:
- A new set of working keys
- Total control over who can access your home
- Peace of mind knowing all old keys are invalid
- A clean, intact door with no visible change in appearance
- Optional copies for roommates, tenants, or family
How Long Does It Take?
Most residential rekeying jobs take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many locks you need serviced.
For a standard Phoenix home with 3–5 exterior doors, we can often:
- Rekey everything to match one key
- Make extras on the spot
- Be in and out within an hour
If you’re in a neighborhood like Encanto, Grand Avenue, or South Mountain, we’ll schedule your rekeying around your move-in, your contractor’s finish date, or whatever works best for you.
What About Rekeying Commercial or Rental Properties?
We also handle:
- Apartment turnovers
- Airbnb and VRBO units
- Office spaces
- Retail storefronts
- Industrial access doors
For multi-tenant properties, we offer master key systems, which allow one key to open multiple units while still giving tenants their own private keys.
Landlords and property managers in Paradise Valley Village, Eastlake Park, and Garfield neighborhoods count on us for fast, same-day turnover rekeying between renters.
How Much Does Rekeying Cost?
Our pricing is simple and transparent:
- Flat rate per lock
- Discounts for multiple locks or properties
- No hidden fees
- Free quotes before we begin
You’ll always know what to expect before we start work. We’re proud to serve homeowners and businesses across every part of Phoenix.
Why Phoenix Trusts Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm
We’re not just fast and reliable—we’re local. We understand Phoenix neighborhoods, common property layouts, and the needs of homeowners from Ahwatukee to Uptown.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Licensed, insured, background-checked locksmiths
- Same-day and emergency rekeying available
- Smart lock expertise
- Friendly, no-pressure service
- 5-star rated across Phoenix
Click here to book your rekeying appointment now, or call us with any questions. We’re happy to help.
Rekeying Is Simple—When You Call the Right Locksmith
Moving into a new home? Lost your keys? Don’t worry—we’ll show up fast, get it done right, and leave you with peace of mind, not problems. Rekeying is easy with our Phoenix pros on your side.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
📞 (602) 854-2766
🌐 affordablesecurityphoenix.com