Lock rekeying across San Diego County
Last reviewed June 2026 · Swift Key San Diego
Rekeying changes who has a working key without replacing the hardware. We pop the cylinder, swap the pin configuration, and cut a new set of keys that match, usually in 10 to 15 minutes per lock. It is the right call after moving in, losing a key, or ending a roommate or tenancy.
What's included in this service?
- Rekey standard deadbolts and knob locks (Kwikset, Schlage, Defiant, Baldwin)
- Match multiple locks to a single key (deadbolt + knob + back door = one key)
- Rekey Kwikset SmartKey cylinders on-site
- Rekey rental properties between tenants
- Rekey after a lost-key or stolen-key incident
- High-security rekey for Medeco and Mul-T-Lock cylinders (restricted keyways)
When do you need this service?
- Just moved into a house or condo, you don't know who else has keys
- Lost a key somewhere and can't find it
- Ex-roommate, contractor, or former employee still has a key
- Starting a new rental tenancy (landlord should rekey between tenants by law in CA for some situations)
- Multiple locks with different keys, want them keyed alike
What do homeowners ask about Rekey?
How much does it cost to rekey locks in San Diego?
$25–$40 per cylinder plus a $29 service call (waived on 3+ locks). Typical 2-exterior-door home with matched keys: $80–$110 all-in. Rekeying is 70–80% cheaper than replacing the whole lock and takes less time.
Rekey vs. replace, which should I do?
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's below current security standard (ANSI Grade 3 and want Grade 1/2), or you want a smart lock. We look at it and give you an honest call.
Can you key multiple locks to one key?
Yes, and most customers want this. We rekey your front deadbolt, back deadbolt, side-door knob, and garage-to-house lock all to a single key. One key on your chain opens everything.
Can Kwikset SmartKey locks be rekeyed?
Yes, they're designed to be rekeyed by the owner in about 30 seconds with the learn tool. We do it with the proper tool and also check that the SmartKey cylinder hasn't been bumped (a known vulnerability in older SmartKey generations).
Does rekeying work on my Schlage / Medeco / Mul-T-Lock?
Yes on all three, though Medeco and Mul-T-Lock are high-security restricted-keyway systems, they require us to cut keys on a restricted-key machine and have us on file as your authorized dealer. We can handle that.
Where do we offer Rekey in San Diego County?
We provide rekey in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See rekey in all 67 cities
Homeowners who hired us for this
Examples of the kind of feedback we work to earn on every job. Verified reviews from real customers live on our Google Business Profile and Yelp pages.
Locked keys in the car at Target parking lot on a Sunday afternoon. Called and the tech was there in 25 minutes. Used some kind of inflatable wedge and a rod, no damage to the door. Paid what they quoted, no surprises.
Just bought our first house and wanted all the locks rekeyed. Four doors, keyed alike, done in under an hour. The tech explained everything and even showed us how a rekey works. Way cheaper than replacing all the locks like we thought.
My late father's safe had been sitting locked for ten years, we had no combination. Swift Key opened it non-destructively, then helped me change the combo so I could actually use it. Took about 90 minutes. Professional and careful with the safe.
Need rekey in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.