Rekeying is one of the most useful and least understood services a locksmith offers. It is also one of the most common jobs we do around Coogee, because the eastern suburbs have a large rental market, plenty of short-stay apartments and a steady stream of people moving house. This guide explains what rekeying is, how its cost is worked out, and when it is better value than buying new locks.

As with all our pricing guidance, we do not publish a fixed figure. The aim here is to show you every factor so you can understand a quote, whoever gives it.

What rekeying actually is

Most residential locks in Sydney use a pin-tumbler cylinder. Inside are small pins of different lengths. When the right key is inserted, its cuts lift each pin to exactly the right height and the cylinder turns.

Rekeying means taking the cylinder apart and replacing those pins with a new set to match a new key. The lock body, handle, finish and fixings all stay exactly where they are. Afterwards, the new key works and every old key stops working.

That last point is the whole reason rekeying exists. It gives you the security outcome of new locks, control over who holds a working key, without the cost of new hardware.

The factors that set the price

Rekeying cost depends on a small number of things.

Number of cylinders. Each lock cylinder needs to be removed, re-pinned and refitted. A front door deadlock and a back door deadlatch are two cylinders. Some locks, such as a deadlock with a key on both sides, may still be one cylinder; others have two. A whole-house rekey of several doors costs more than one door, but far less per lock than separate visits.

Lock type and condition. Standard cylinders are quick to rekey. Older locks, worn cylinders, corroded coastal hardware and some proprietary brands take longer. A small number of cheap or damaged locks cannot be rekeyed at all, and replacement becomes the honest option.

Restricted key systems. In many apartment buildings, keys are part of a restricted system controlled by the owners corporation or a registered holder. These cannot be rekeyed or copied without authorisation, which changes both process and cost.

Number of new keys. Rekeying includes new keys. If you need extra copies for family, tenants or staff, those are added.

Keying alike. Setting several locks to work with one key adds a little time per lock but often saves money and frustration in the long run.

Urgency. A planned rekey booked for a convenient morning is the most efficient visit. A same-night rekey after keys are stolen involves dropping other work.

Rekeying versus replacing: the cost comparison

Rekeying is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock in good condition, because you are paying for labour and pins rather than labour plus new hardware.

Replacement is the better choice when:

the lock is broken, forced or worn beyond reliable use;
the lock cannot be rekeyed;
you want a stronger or different style of lock anyway; or
parts for an older lock are no longer available.

If you are unsure, our guide rekey or replace locks? compares them in depth. Either way, a good locksmith should tell you which applies to your locks rather than defaulting to the more expensive option.

When rekeying is worth paying for

Rekeying is not something you need often, but there are moments when it is genuinely worth the spend.

After moving into a new home. You have no way of knowing how many keys previous owners, tenants, agents, cleaners and tradespeople still hold. Rekeying resets that on day one.

Between tenants. For landlords and property managers, rekeying at each change of tenancy is a simple, affordable way to give new tenants confidence.

After losing keys. If keys were lost with anything showing your address, assume someone else could use them.

After a relationship or household change. When someone moves out, rekeying is a calm, practical way to control access.

After staff changes. Businesses where former employees held keys should rekey rather than hope keys come back.

For short-stay hosts. Coogee and Bondi have many holiday apartments where guest keys go missing. Periodic rekeying limits the risk.

How the job usually goes

A typical rekey visit follows a simple pattern:

Count the locks. We confirm which doors, and whether any window or gate locks are included.
Check condition. Each lock is inspected to confirm it is worth rekeying.
Remove and re-pin. Each cylinder is taken out, re-pinned to a new key and refitted.
Cut keys. The number of keys you need is cut.
Test. Every key is tried in every lock, from both sides of each door.

Most single-home rekeys are completed in one visit. Our lock rekeying service page explains the process in more detail.

Ways to make rekeying better value

Do every external door at once. Rekeying only the front door leaves the back door, side gate and garage open to old keys.
Key them alike. One key for every door is simpler and avoids the common "which key is this?" problem.
Book before you need it urgently. Planned work is the most efficient.
Mention corrosion or stiffness. If a lock is already stiff, it can often be serviced at the same visit.
Count your keys afterwards. Know exactly how many working keys exist, and who holds them.

Rekeying for rentals in NSW

In NSW, the rules on who can change locks in a rental are set out in residential tenancy law. Generally, landlords and tenants must not change locks without the other party's consent, with some important exceptions. When locks are changed, the other party usually needs to be given a copy of the new key.

Our article on NSW landlord and tenant lock change rules explains the basics, but always check the current rules with NSW Fair Trading or your lease before acting.

What to tell us when you ask for a rekey quote

To get accurate guidance, have these details ready:

the suburb and type of property;
how many doors and locks need rekeying;
whether any locks are already stiff or damaged;
whether the building uses a restricted key system;
how many keys you need; and
how soon you need it done.

Common questions about rekeying cost

Is rekeying cheaper than buying new locks from a hardware store and fitting them myself?

Sometimes the parts cost of a cheap new lock is low, but that is not the full comparison. New locks may not fit the existing cut-outs, may be lighter and less secure than what you already have, and will not be keyed alike with your other doors unless you buy them as a matched set. Rekeying keeps the hardware you already own and gives you a single key for every door. For locks in good condition, it is usually the better value overall.

Does it cost more to key several locks alike?

Keying alike adds a small amount of work per lock, because each cylinder must be pinned to the same key. In return, you carry one key instead of several, and future rekeys are simpler. Most people find it worth it.

Why would one lock cost more to rekey than another?

Some cylinders are quicker to remove and re-pin than others. Locks that have corroded near the beach, locks with seized screws, older cylinders and some proprietary designs take longer. Restricted cylinders also need the system holder's authorisation.

Can I just get new keys cut instead of rekeying?

No. Cutting new keys makes more copies of the same key. Every old key still works. Rekeying is what makes old keys stop working.

Do I need to rekey windows and gates too?

If your window locks, side gate or garage use the same key as a door, or if old keys for them are unaccounted for, include them. Leaving one lock on the old key defeats the purpose.

Is rekeying covered by insurance after a burglary?

Some home and contents policies cover lock changes after a theft of keys or a burglary. It depends entirely on your policy, so check with your insurer and keep the invoice.

Who pays for rekeying in a rental?

It depends on the reason. Landlords commonly rekey between tenancies at their own cost. If a tenant loses keys, the tenant may be asked to pay. Check your lease and the current NSW rules.

The honest summary

Rekeying is usually the most economical way to take back control of who can open your doors. Its cost depends mainly on how many cylinders are involved, what type they are and how urgently you need it. For locks in good condition, it is almost always cheaper than replacing them.

To arrange a rekey in Coogee or nearby, call Local Coogee Locksmith Service on 02 5023 1337, open 7 days, 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM. You can also request a quote online, read about our residential locksmith work, or contact us.

Lock Rekeying Costs in Sydney: What to Expect