Lock rekeying & keying alike Victor Harbor
Change the keys without replacing every lock
Change who has access without replacing suitable locks, with new keys supplied and compatible locks keyed alike where possible.
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Rekey your locks and regain control of access
You don’t always need to replace a lock when you need to change who can access your property.
Lock rekeying changes the internal key combination of a suitable existing lock so previous keys no longer operate it. New keys are then supplied for the rekeyed locks.
Fleurieu Locksmith provides lock rekeying and keying alike for homes, rental properties and businesses throughout Victor Harbor, Encounter Bay, Hayborough, Port Elliot, Middleton, Goolwa and surrounding Fleurieu areas.
Rekeying can be useful after moving into a property, changing tenants, losing keys, an employee leaving without returning a key or simply becoming unsure about how many copies are in circulation. Where compatible locks are suitable for keying alike, we can also configure several locks to operate from the same key, reducing the number of different keys you need to carry.
What happens when a lock is rekeyed?
Rekeying changes the key that operates the lock without automatically replacing the complete lock.
For a quality, serviceable and rekeyable lock, the cylinder is removed or disassembled and the internal components are changed to suit a new key combination.
Once the lock has been rekeyed:
- Previous keys no longer operate it
- New keys are supplied
- Compatible locks can often be keyed alike
- Existing quality door hardware can remain in place
- Control over who has working keys can be restored
This makes rekeying a practical option where the existing lock and hardware are still suitable, but you need to change access.
Lock rekeying and keying alike services
The right approach depends on the existing locks, their condition, the key profile and what you want the new key arrangement to achieve.
We can assess the existing hardware and advise on the appropriate option.
Rekeying existing locks
Suitable locks can be changed internally to operate from a new key while retaining the existing lock hardware.
Keying alike
Compatible rekeyable locks can often be configured so one key operates several doors or locks.
Replacement lock cylinders
Where the complete lock does not need replacing, a replacement cylinder may be an appropriate option.
Rekeying between tenancies
Rental property locks can be assessed and rekeyed when tenants change so previous keys no longer operate the rekeyed locks.
Rekeying after lost or stolen keys
Affected locks can often be rekeyed where the existing hardware is suitable, making the missing key no longer operational.
Rekeying new locks to an existing key
A compatible new lock may be able to be rekeyed to work from a key already used elsewhere on the property.
Lock repairs and upgrades
If a lock is worn, damaged, corroded or unsuitable for rekeying, repair, replacement or an upgrade may be more appropriate.
Key cutting
New keys can be supplied as part of the rekeying process and Fleurieu Locksmith also provides key cutting services.
Keying alike can mean one key for multiple locks
Carrying a different key for every door can become frustrating, particularly when several compatible locks could operate from the same key.
Keying alike means configuring suitable locks, so they all work from one common key.
Depending on the existing hardware, one key may be able to operate your:
- Front door
- Rear door
- Deadbolt
- Screen door
- Garage access door
- Side door
- Gate
The locks need to have compatible key profiles, suitable cylinders and a rekeyable design.
Different brands do not automatically rule out keying alike. What matters is the compatibility of the cylinders and key profiles. If selected locks are not compatible, it may be possible to replace particular cylinders or hardware so they can form part of a common keyed-alike system.
We can inspect the existing locks and determine the most practical way to reduce the number of keys you need.
Rekeying or replacing locks depends on the hardware
Changing access does not automatically mean replacing every lock.
Rekeying may be suitable when the existing locks are quality rekeyable products, remain in good working condition and provide an appropriate level of security for the property.
Common key replacing situations include:
- Moving into a new home
- Moving into commercial premises
- A tenant moving out
- Lost or stolen keys
- An employee leaving without returning keys
- Uncertainty about who has copies
- Previous occupants or contractors retaining keys
- Wanting several compatible locks to operate from one key
- Taking over management of a property
There are also situations where replacement or upgrading may make more sense.
A lock may not be suitable for rekeying if it is sealed or non-serviceable, badly worn, damaged, heavily corroded, poor quality or uses a cylinder that is incompatible with the required key system. Parts may also be obsolete or unavailable.
In these cases, we can assess if the better option is to repair the lock, replace the cylinder, install replacement hardware or upgrade the security product. The aim is to work with suitable existing hardware where it makes sense rather than automatically replacing locks that can continue to be used.
Rekeying helps after keys have changed hands
It is easy to lose track of keys over the life of a property.
A home may have had keys given to family members, friends, neighbours, tradespeople, cleaners, property managers or previous occupants. A business may have issued keys to employees and contractors who are no longer involved with the organisation.
Rekeying suitable locks gives you a new set of working keys while preventing the old keys from operating those locks.
Bought a new home?
Even when known keys are handed over at settlement, you may not know how many copies have previously been made.
Rekeying the suitable external locks gives the new owner control over a fresh set of keys without necessarily replacing quality existing door hardware.
Changed tenants?
Keys for rental properties can gradually circulate between tenants, property managers, cleaners, maintenance contractors and other parties.
We can assist landlords and property managers with rekeying between tenancies, keying alike, replacement cylinders, lock repairs, security upgrades, key cutting and rental property lock compliance.
Lost or stolen a key?
Losing a key does not necessarily mean every lock it operated must be replaced.
If the hardware is suitable, the affected locks may be rekeyed so the missing key no longer works. The appropriate response depends on the type of key, what it operates and the potential security risk.
This can be particularly important if the key was lost together with information identifying the property, an employee did not return business keys or a tenant failed to return keys.
A new lock may work with a key you already carry
Adding another lock does not always need to mean adding another key to your keyring.
When installing or replacing a lock, it may be possible to rekey the new lock so it operates from an existing key.
This depends on the quality and design of the hardware and the compatibility of the lock cylinder and key profile.
It can be useful when:
- Installing a new deadbolt
- Adding another external door
- Replacing a damaged lock
- Adding a security or screen door
- Expanding an existing keyed-alike system
We can check if the new hardware can be incorporated into your existing key arrangement rather than automatically introducing another key.
We assess the locks before deciding what needs changing
The process starts with the existing hardware and the access problem you are trying to solve.
Step 1
Check why the keys need changing
We look at the reason for rekeying, such as a property handover, tenant change, lost keys, staff changes or wanting several locks to work from one key.
Step 2
Assess the existing locks
The lock needs to be serviceable, rekeyable and suitable for continued use. Its condition, cylinder and key profile also need to be considered.
Step 3
Determine which locks can be rekeyed
Suitable locks can remain in place. If a lock cannot reasonably be rekeyed, we can identify where repair, a replacement cylinder or new hardware may be more appropriate.
Step 4
Plan any keyed-alike arrangement
If you want one key for multiple locks, compatible hardware can be identified and the key arrangement planned around those locks.
Step 5
Rekey the suitable locks
The internal keying is changed so the previous keys no longer operate the rekeyed locks.
Step 6
Supply the new keys
New keys are supplied for the rekeyed locks, including the common key where compatible locks have been keyed alike.
Common questions about rekeying locks in Victor Harbor, Goolwa and the Fleurieu
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Who should consider having their locks rekeyed around Victor Harbor?
Fleurieu Locksmith provides lock rekeying and keying alike for homeowners, landlords, property managers and businesses across Victor Harbor, Goolwa and the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Rekeying may be worth considering after buying a property, changing tenants, losing keys, an employee leaving without returning keys or when you are unsure who still has copies.
How does rekeying a lock stop an old key from working?
The internal key combination of a suitable rekeyable lock is changed to suit a new key. The lock hardware can remain in place, but the previous key combination no longer operates the rekeyed lock. New keys are then supplied.
What locks can be keyed alike to use the same key?
Locks need compatible key profiles, suitable cylinders and a rekeyable design. Deadbolts, entrance locksets, screen door locks and other compatible hardware may be able to form part of a keyed-alike arrangement.
Fleurieu Locksmith can assess the existing locks to determine what can work together.
Residential and commercial locks can often be rekeyed
Fleurieu Locksmith can rekey many types of quality, serviceable and compatible mechanical locking hardware.
This can include:
- Deadbolts
- Entrance locksets
- Mortice locks
- Commercial locksets
- Screen door locks
- Sliding door cylinders
- Compatible rekeyable padlocks
- Other serviceable mechanical locking cylinders
For businesses, rekeying can also help restore key control when staff, contractors or cleaners change.
Organisations requiring greater control over both key duplication and the doors different users can access may benefit from master keying and restricted key systems rather than standard rekeying alone.
Lock rekeying across Victor Harbor and the Fleurieu Peninsula
Fleurieu Locksmith provides lock rekeying and keying alike across Victor Harbor, Goolwa and the Fleurieu Peninsula. We work with residential properties, rental properties, property managers and commercial premises throughout these area:
Victor Harbor
Goolwa
Hayborough
Port Elliot
Middleton
Encounter Bay
Yankalilla and Normanville
Chiton
Hindmarsh Island
Sellicks Beach
Willunga
McLaren Vale
Experience behind your lock rekeying service
Knowing if a lock should be rekeyed, repaired or replaced starts with understanding the hardware already fitted to the door.
Fleurieu Locksmith brings more than 25 years of locksmithing and security industry experience and holds a Certificate III in Locksmithing. Our mechanical locksmithing capabilities include residential and commercial locksmithing, lock installation, servicing and repairs, rekeying and keying alike.
The business is also a Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia business member, holds a South Australian Security Industry Licence and is a SCEC Endorsed Locksmith.
Frequently asked questions about lock rekeying and keying alike in Fleurieu Peninsula
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Is rekeying a lock the same as replacing it?
No. Rekeying changes the internal key combination of a suitable lock so a new key operates it and the previous keys no longer work.
Replacing a lock involves changing the complete lock or relevant hardware.
If the existing lock is quality, serviceable, rekeyable and in good condition, rekeying may allow it to remain in place. If it is damaged, badly worn, corroded, poor quality or not designed to be rekeyed, repair or replacement may be more appropriate.
Can every door lock be rekeyed?
No. A lock needs to be designed so it can be serviced and rekeyed.
Some inexpensive, sealed, disposable or non-serviceable locks are not designed to be dismantled and changed internally. Other locks may technically be rekeyable but have deteriorated to a point where rekeying is not the best option.
We can assess the existing hardware and advise if it should be rekeyed, repaired, fitted with a replacement cylinder, keyed alike, replaced or upgraded.
Can different brands of locks be keyed alike?
Sometimes.
The brand itself is not necessarily the deciding factor. The locks need compatible key profiles, suitable cylinders and a rekeyable design.
If some of the existing locks are not compatible, selected cylinders or hardware may be able to be changed so the locks can operate from a common key.
Should I rekey the locks after buying a house?
Rekeying suitable external locks is worth considering when you take possession of a property because you may not know how many copies of the existing keys were made previously.
Keys may have been given to family, friends, neighbours, contractors, cleaners, property managers or previous occupants.
Rekeying means those previous keys no longer operate the rekeyed locks and gives you a new set of keys under your control.
What should I do if a house or business key is lost?
The appropriate response depends on what the key operates and the potential security risk.
If the existing locks are suitable for rekeying, the affected locks can often be changed so the missing key no longer works. This may avoid replacing quality locks unnecessarily.
A different response may be appropriate if the missing key forms part of a larger key system or provides access to numerous areas.
What should I do if a house or business key is lost?
The appropriate response depends on what the key operates and the potential security risk.
If the existing locks are suitable for rekeying, the affected locks can often be changed so the missing key no longer works. This may avoid replacing quality locks unnecessarily.
A different response may be appropriate if the missing key forms part of a larger key system or provides access to numerous areas.
Can a new lock be made to work with my existing key?
Sometimes. A new lock may be able to be rekeyed to operate from an existing key if its cylinder, key profile and design are compatible.
This can be useful when adding a deadbolt, installing another external door, replacing a damaged lock or expanding an existing keyed-alike arrangement.
We can assess the existing and new hardware to determine if they can operate from the same key.
Change your keys without automatically changing your locks
Do you need to change who has access, rekey a property after keys have changed hands or reduce the number of keys you carry?
Contact Fleurieu Locksmith for lock rekeying and keying alike across Victor Harbor, Encounter Bay, Hayborough, Port Elliot, Middleton, Goolwa and the Fleurieu Peninsula.