Rekey Time for Homeowners: 10–40 Minutes per Lock, Seconds for SmartKey
Rekeying a compatible Kwikset SmartKey lock yourself takes only seconds once you have the working key and the SmartKey tool, while a professional rekey of a standard pin-and-tumbler cylinder typically needs about 10 to 40 minutes per lock. A whole house with multiple entry and bedroom locks usually runs a pro from one to several hours, including testing and travel. Your exact time depends on lock type, lock condition, and whether you still have a working key.
TL;DR:
Rekeying a Kwikset SmartKey lock takes seconds with the correct tool, while professional rekeying a standard cylinder typically requires 10 to 40 minutes per lock.
Whole-house rekeying usually takes one to three hours, depending on the number of locks and lock conditions such as wear or corrosion.
Rekeying a lock is faster and cheaper than replacing it, but heavily worn or damaged cylinders may require replacement instead of rekeying.
DIY SmartKey rekeying is quick and simple if the lock is compatible and you have a working key, but standard cylinder rekeying needs specialized tools and experience.
Prioritize quick rekey or cylinder swaps for entry, shared, or garage locks if speed is essential, especially after key loss, move-in, or theft.
Table of Contents
DIY vs. professional: time, difficulty, and when to call a locksmith
What to expect from a locksmith visit: timeline and typical cost windows
Practitioner perspective: Progressive Locksmith Cerrajero experience and best practices
When speed matters: scenarios where quick rekeying is essential
How Progressive Locksmith Cerrajero can help with your rekey
Typical rekey times by method and lock type
The method you choose changes everything about your timeline. Kwikset SmartKey locks are built for speed: the manufacturer’s own instructions walk you through a three-step process that takes seconds once you have the current working key and the small SmartKey tool. You insert the working key, swap in the tool, then insert your new key and turn it. No screwdriver, no springs, no mess.
Traditional pin-and-tumbler cylinders work differently. A locksmith has to pull the cylinder, remove the old pins, install new pins that match your chosen key, and reassemble everything. That mechanical process is where the 10 to 40 minute per lock range comes from, and it holds up whether the pro is working in your driveway or at a shop bench.
Keypad and smart locks add a third option. Many keypad models let you change the access code instead of swapping mechanical pins, which is often faster than a physical rekey and worth considering if keyless entry works for your household.
Here is how those methods typically play out across common jobs:
Single deadbolt (SmartKey): seconds with the tool and working key.
Single deadbolt (standard cylinder, pro): roughly 10 to 20 minutes.
Handleset and knob pair, matched to one key: about 20 to 40 minutes total for a pro.
Whole house, 5 to 10 locks: commonly one to three hours, sometimes closer to four for larger homes or older hardware.
Factors that increase or reduce rekey time
Lock condition matters more than most homeowners expect. A cylinder that has seized, corroded, or worn down from years of use adds time to any rekey and sometimes forces a full cylinder replacement instead. Mortise locks and commercial hardware also take longer than a standard residential deadbolt because of their more involved internal mechanisms.
Master-keyed systems and keyed-alike jobs, common in rentals or multi-unit properties, require extra pinning steps and more testing before the locksmith hands you the keys. Missing your original key slows things down too, since the locksmith may need to disassemble or swap the cylinder rather than working from a known key pattern. Worn duplicate keys cause similar problems: Schlage’s own rekey instructions warn that a worn key can cause sticking or misprogramming after the work is done.
A few things you should know before you book:
Batching multiple locks to the same key is more efficient per lock than rekeying one at a time.
Confirming your original key situation ahead of time helps a locksmith bring the right tools.
Mentioning any locks that already stick or feel loose lets the locksmith plan for extra time.
Pro Tip: If you’re rekeying several locks, ask the locksmith to sequence the simpler cylinders first so the whole job matches your primary key faster.
DIY vs. professional: time, difficulty, and when to call a locksmith
SmartKey rekeying is genuinely a job you can do yourself in seconds per lock, provided your hardware is SmartKey compatible and you have a working key. Standard pin-and-tumbler cylinders are a different story. DIY rekeying there means buying a pinning kit, learning which pins go where, and risking a sticking or non-turning lock if you get it wrong.
Here is how to think through the decision:
Check compatibility first. If your lock is Kwikset SmartKey, the manufacturer steps take seconds and carry little risk.
Weigh your mechanical comfort. Standard cylinder rekeying by hand can take an inexperienced person well over an hour per lock, with real risk of pinning mistakes or a stuck cylinder.
Call a locksmith when a key is missing, a cylinder is damaged, or the system is master-keyed. Professionals carry replacement parts and pinning kits that make short work of problems that stall a DIY attempt.
A locksmith’s speed comes down to preparation: the right tools, spare cylinders on hand, and experience diagnosing a damaged lock in seconds rather than minutes.
What to expect from a locksmith visit: timeline and typical cost windows
Give the dispatcher a clear picture when you call: how many locks, what type (deadbolt, lever, mortise, smart), their condition, and whether you have a working key for each. That information lets the locksmith quote you an accurate time window before they even arrive.
Small jobs of one to three locks usually run 30 to 90 minutes on-site once the locksmith arrives, while whole-house rekeys can take one to four hours depending on lock count and condition. Pricing tends to follow time in one of two shapes: a flat per-lock fee, or an hourly rate plus a trip fee. Confirm which model your provider uses before the visit.
Before you hang up, ask the dispatcher these questions:
Do you rekey the lock on-site, or does it need to be removed?
Do you carry replacement cylinders if mine is damaged or worn out?
Is your quote per lock or a flat rate for the whole job?
What’s your estimated arrival window?
Comparing a locksmith’s quoted time against a rekey versus replace cost breakdown can help you decide which service actually fits your situation and budget.
Practitioner perspective: Progressive Locksmith Cerrajero experience and best practices
A locksmith service operating 24/7 and stating a 20 to 30 minute response time for calls in its service area can be critical when you’re locked out or dealing with a lost key. A typical residential rekey visit follows a simple pattern: the technician arrives, checks each lock’s condition and key situation, rekeys the cylinders to your new key, tests every lock, and confirms everything with you before leaving. For a single deadbolt, that whole visit often fits within the standard 10 to 40 minute per-lock window described earlier, plus a short assessment at the start.
When speed matters: scenarios where quick rekeying is essential
Not every lock in your home deserves equal urgency. If you’ve lost a key, ended a lease, or just moved in, prioritize your entry doors, any shared-access locks, and the garage first. Those are the paths someone with an old key could actually use.
When speed is critical, ask about an on-site cylinder swap or a SmartKey upgrade rather than a full rekey, since both cut downtime. Tell the dispatcher plainly if the situation involves a lost key, a break-in, or a stolen key so they can prioritize your call accordingly.
— Julio Borroto
How Progressive Locksmith Cerrajero can help with your rekey
You don’t have to figure out timing and tools on your own. Progressive Locksmith Cerrajero handles Residential Rekey, lock changes, emergency lockout response, and key duplication, all from technicians who show up ready to work rather than diagnose from scratch.
Booking is straightforward:
Have your address, the number of locks, and their type ready when you call.
Mention whether you have a working key for each lock.
Ask about expected response times in your area.
Reach the team through the company’s booking page to get a time estimate before a technician heads your way.
Authoritative manuals and manufacturer instructions
For model-specific steps, check Kwikset’s SmartKey support page or Schlage’s rekeying guide directly.
Sources
FAQ
How long does it take to rekey a lock?
A compatible Kwikset SmartKey lock rekeys in seconds using the manufacturer’s three-step process. A professional working on a standard cylinder typically needs 10 to 40 minutes per lock, depending on its condition.
How many times can a lock be rekeyed?
Kwikset states that SmartKey locks can be rekeyed an unlimited number of times using the SmartKey tool. Standard pin-and-tumbler cylinders can also be rekeyed repeatedly, though a heavily worn cylinder may eventually need replacement instead.
Does rekey mean replacing the entire lock?
No, rekeying changes the internal pins so a new key works while the existing lock hardware stays in place. Replacing the lock means installing an entirely new unit, which costs more and takes longer than a straightforward rekey.
Is it cheaper to rekey a lock or replace it?
Rekeying is generally the lower-cost option since it reuses your existing hardware and only changes the internal pinning. A detailed rekey versus replace comparison can help you weigh cost against your specific situation, especially if a lock is damaged or outdated.
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