Lock Rekeying in Kenmore, WA — Who Else Has a Key to Your House?
The median home price in Kenmore is $920,800. The average number of people who had a working key before you moved in is somewhere between four and twelve. Rekeying takes 45 minutes and costs $75–$135 for a 3-door home. Same locks. New keys. Clean chain of custody.
Kenmore Locksmith › Lock Rekeying Service
Rekeying Renders Every Previous Key Useless
Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of your existing lock cylinder. Every key that previously worked no longer does. Your new key — and only your new key — operates the lock. The hardware stays in place. The cost is a fraction of replacing the locks entirely.
We rekey Kwikset, Schlage, Medeco, and Mul-T-Lock cylinders throughout Kenmore 98028. Most 3-door homes are done in under an hour. Same-day service is available most days — call before noon for same-day, before 3pm for evening service.
Industry truth: Locksmiths push replacement over rekeying because replacement generates more revenue. Rekeying accomplishes the same security objective at 20–30% of the cost if the existing hardware is in good condition. We’ll give you the honest assessment.
3-door home = $75–$135 total. Includes:
- Cylinder removal, pin replacement, reassembly
- 2 new keys cut on-site per lock
- Keying alike — all locks to one key (included)
- High-security cylinders (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) toward upper end
- Additional key copies $8–$12 each
When Rekeying Makes Sense in Kenmore
Just Bought a Kenmore Home
Sellers, their agent, contractors, stagers, inspectors — they all had keys. At $920,800 median price, spending $75–$135 to establish clear key control within 48 hours is straightforward. Rekey within 48 hours of closing.
Rental Turnover
If a tenant has lived somewhere more than a year, assume their key has been duplicated at least once. Key duplication at hardware stores requires no proof of ownership. We do significant rekey work for landlords along Bothell Way NE and Kenlake Vista.
Relationship Change
If someone who used to have access to your home no longer should, and you can not be certain all keys were returned — a rekey is the clean resolution. None of the previous copies work, regardless of how many exist.
Lost Key
If there’s any uncertainty about where the key is or who might find it, rekeying makes the lost key permanently useless. If you know exactly where it was lost, replacement alone may suffice — but the safe answer is rekeying.
After a Break-In Attempt
The Sheridan Beach and Arrowhead waterfront areas occasionally see targeted property crime. After any tampered lock or forced entry attempt, we assess the cylinder first and recommend based on what we actually find.
Same-Visit After Lockout
We carry rekeying equipment on every residential call. Get back inside and rekey in the same visit — no second trip, minimal extra cost. Most popular combo service we do.
How Lock Rekeying Actually Works
Understanding what we do helps explain why rekeying is a legitimate long-term security solution and not a shortcut.
Remove the Cylinder
Using a plug follower, we remove the cylinder from the deadbolt — keeping the driver pins in place during disassembly.
Replace the Key Pins
The key pins correspond to the cuts on your current key. We remove them and install new pins matching your new key blank.
Reassemble and Test
Cylinder reinstalled, tested with new key (works) and old key (doesn’t). We always verify both before leaving — every time.
Cut New Keys On-Site
We carry a mobile key cutter. Two copies included. Additional copies $8–$12 each. No drive to a hardware store.
What’s Included Every Time
All Major Brands on the Van
Kwikset, Schlage, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock key blanks and pin kits stocked. Call us to confirm if you have a less common brand.
Same-Day Service Most Days
Post-move-in rekeying is time-sensitive. Call before noon for same-day, before 3pm for evening service in Kenmore 98028.
Mobile Key Cutting Included
Two new keys cut on-site per lock. No driving to a hardware store. Additional copies $8–$12 each.
ALOA-Certified Technicians
Members of the Associated Locksmiths of America — ongoing ethics requirements and annual training standards.
Keying-Alike Included
All exterior locks set to the same key blank at no extra charge. One key for every door in your home — standard service.
30-Day Guarantee
If any rekeyed cylinder binds or malfunctions within 30 days, we return and correct it at no charge. No argument needed.
Real Rekeying Work Across 98028
Frequently Asked Questions: Lock Rekeying in Kenmore, WA
How much does it cost to rekey locks in Kenmore, WA?
Standard lock rekeying in Kenmore runs $25–$45 per lock. A typical three-door home — front deadbolt, back door, garage entry — costs $75–$135 total, all-in. High-security cylinders are toward the upper end. There’s no service call fee added on top — the quote we give on the phone is the full amount.
What’s the difference between rekeying and changing a lock?
Rekeying changes the pins inside an existing cylinder so a new key works and old keys don’t. The hardware stays in place. Changing a lock means replacing the hardware entirely. Rekeying costs 20–30% of a full replacement and accomplishes the same security objective if the existing hardware is in good condition.
Should I rekey or change my locks after buying a house in Kenmore?
Rekey, almost always. Unless the existing locks are significantly worn, corroded (a real factor in Kenmore’s wet climate), or below Grade 1 security level, rekeying renders every previously existing key useless and gives you a fresh set. For a $920,800 average home purchase, spending $75–$135 to establish clear key control within 48 hours is a straightforward decision.
How long does rekeying take for a typical Kenmore home?
A three-lock home takes 40–55 minutes. Four or five exterior entry points are closer to 60–75 minutes. Same-day service is available most days — call before noon for same-day, before 3pm for evening service in Kenmore 98028.
Can rekeying make all my house locks use the same key?
Yes — this is called keying alike. We rekey all exterior cylinders to match the same key blank during the same visit. All your doors, one key. This is standard and is included at no additional charge.
How soon after moving in should I rekey my Kenmore home?
Within 48 hours, ideally. The most common window for move-in-related security concerns is the first 30 days — when previous occupants or their contacts may still have working keys. We offer same-day service for post-move-in rekeying in Kenmore. Call us on closing day.
Do you rekey smart locks in Kenmore?
If the smart lock has a physical key cylinder — Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, Kwikset Halo all do — we rekey it the same as a standard deadbolt. The electronic programming (PIN codes, app access) remains unchanged. We can also walk you through updating electronic credentials on-site.
Other Locksmith Services in Kenmore, WA
Smart Lock Installation
Upgrade while you rekey. Schlage Encode, Yale, August — app setup and smart home integration included.
House Lockout Kenmore WA
Need to get back inside before rekeying? We handle both in one visit — no second trip needed.
Commercial Rekeying & Master Keys
For Kenmore rental properties and small businesses — master key systems and tenant turnover rekeying.
Ready to Rekey Your Kenmore Home?
Tell us how many locks, what brand, and where you are in 98028. We’ll give you the flat-rate total and confirm same-day availability in under 2 minutes.
📞 Call: (425) 940-6162Serving all of Kenmore 98028 · Finn Hill · Moorlands · Bothell · Same-day available