Lock rekeying across San Diego County

Rekeying is commonly priced per cylinder plus a service call, but the independent locksmith sets the figure. Ask for cylinder, key, service-call, and incompatible-hardware items to be separated in the estimate.

Rekey if the lock still operates smoothly, the finish looks fine, and you just want new keys. Replace if the lock is binding, the finish is worn, it is below the security standard you want, or you want a smart lock. An inspection should determine which condition applies.

It depends entirely on how the system was designed on day one. A master key system is built on a keying chart that reserves unused cut combinations for future doors. If yours was designed with headroom, adding doors later is straightforward and the existing keys keep working. If it was designed to exactly the doors you had, the system is full and expanding means rekeying the whole thing to a new chart. Ask for the keying chart in writing when the system is installed, and tell the locksmith how many doors you might add in five years before they design it.

Often yes, when the lock body is sound. Three cylinder types cover most doors: rim cylinders (behind surface-mounted deadbolts and many commercial exit devices), mortise cylinders (threaded, screwing into a mortise lock body), and the tubular cylinder inside a standard residential deadbolt or keyed knob. If the handle still feels solid and only the key action is worn or you want different keying, swapping the cylinder keeps the hardware and the finish. It can also be the route to an upgrade, since a high-security or electronic cylinder can drop into a lock body you already own. More on that in the guide to [replacing only the lock cylinder](/blog/replace-only-lock-cylinder/).

Compatible locks can often be keyed alike. Different keyways, brands, functions, or restricted systems may prevent it or require cylinder changes.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the exact SmartKey generation. If the current key is missing, the cylinder is damaged, or the reset procedure fails, describe that before requesting service.

That depends on the keyway, ownership records, authorization rules, parts, and whether the independent professional is equipped and permitted to service it. Swift Key claims no authorized-dealer status.