Super G&R rekeys locks every week, and many homeowners ask us exactly how lock rekeying works before they agree to it. The idea is simple. The lock stays in your door, but the inside is changed so your old keys stop working and a new key takes over. This guide walks through what happens inside the cylinder, how long a visit usually takes, and when rekeying is not the right answer.
What Is Inside the Lock You Already Own
Most house doors in Calgary use a pin tumbler cylinder. Inside it sits a row of small spring-loaded pin stacks, usually five or six. Each stack has a bottom pin that touches the key and a top pin that presses down from above.
When the correct key goes in, its cuts lift every stack to the same height. That creates a clean line at the edge of the plug, called the shear line. The plug can then turn, and the bolt moves.
A different key lifts the pins to different heights. The shear line never forms, and the lock stays closed.
How Lock Rekeying Works Step by Step
Put simply, rekeying changes the pin heights so a different key cut fits the lock. The hardware, the faceplate, and the deadbolt all stay in place. Here is the usual order of work.
1. The technician removes the cylinder or the plug from the lock body.
2. The old pins are lifted out and set aside.
3. New bottom pins, sized to match the new key, are fitted into each chamber.
4. The plug goes back into the cylinder and the lock is reassembled.
5. The technician tests the new key several times and confirms the old key no longer turns.
Each chamber is rebuilt by hand, so careful work matters. A rushed job can leave a pin out of place and make the lock stick. A finished job feels exactly like the lock did when it was new.
How Lock Rekeying Works to Disable Your Old Key
The old key was cut for the old pin heights. After the change, its cuts lift the new pins to the wrong levels. The shear line does not line up, so the plug will not turn. The lock itself never needed replacing; only its internal code changed.
When Rekeying Makes Sense and When It Does Not
Rekeying suits situations where the lock is healthy but the keys are not trustworthy. That includes a new home, a lost key, a former tenant, or a key given to someone you no longer want to have access.
It is not the right fix when the hardware is worn, bent, or broken. A cylinder that sticks, a deadbolt that does not fully throw, or a lock with visible damage needs repair or replacement. Our page on rekeying services in Calgary explains what we assess before recommending either path.
The table below shows how to decide.
| Situation | Best option | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Just moved into a home | Rekey | Old keys may be with previous owners or contractors |
| Lost one key, lock works well | Rekey | Removes the missing key’s access |
| Lock sticks or feels loose | Repair or replace | Wear is in the hardware, not the code |
| Want matching keys on all doors | Rekey to one key | Fewer keys to carry |
| Want smart or keypad entry | Replace | Needs different hardware |
| Lock is old and low grade | Replace with a stronger model | Rekeying will not improve strength |
How Long a Rekey Visit Usually Takes
A single lock often takes about 15 to 30 minutes once the technician is on site. A full house with several doors takes longer, and a few extra minutes go to testing every key. These are industry estimates, not promises. The actual time depends on lock brand, condition, and how many cylinders are being changed.
The technician may need to remove screws that have rusted or hardware that is painted over. Older Calgary homes sometimes have a mix of different brands on different doors. That can add steps because each brand has its own parts.
Ask whether the visit includes testing every door with the new key. You should leave knowing all of them work.
Getting Matching Keys Across Your Doors
A common request is one key for the front door, the back door, and the garage entry. Rekeying makes that possible when the locks are compatible. The technician fits each cylinder with pins matching the same new cut.
This is where rekeying beats replacing locks one at a time. Compatible locks keep their existing hardware, and you only manage one key. If the locks come from different brands, some may need a separate key, and the technician will tell you which.
For home-specific questions, our residential locksmith page lists what we handle at houses and condos.
Why Homeowners Choose This Over a Full Replacement
People often assume a security change means buying new locks. That is not always true. Because how lock rekeying works leaves the hardware in place, the door looks the same and the finish stays untouched. The change happens where only the key can reveal it.
It also avoids the fitting issues that sometimes come with swapping hardware. Bolt alignment, strike plates, and door preparation stay as they were. For a lock in good condition, that makes rekeying a tidy, low-disruption choice.
What You Can Do Before the Technician Arrives
A little preparation shortens the visit. Gather every key that currently works in the locks. Note which doors you want included, and check whether any lock sticks or needs extra attention.
- Clear the area around each door so the technician can work freely.
- Tell the technician about any lock that has been difficult to turn.
- Decide how many new keys you need.
- Mention any locks on sheds, mailboxes, or side gates.
Knowing how lock rekeying works makes the appointment easier to follow, because each step maps to something you can see. The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association publishes lock grading standards at buildershardware.com if you want to learn how residential hardware is rated. Grade matters when you decide whether a lock is worth keeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rekeying make my lock more secure?
It restores control over who holds a working key. It does not make the lock itself stronger. If the hardware is low grade, a technician may suggest an upgrade as a separate step.
Can any lock be rekeyed?
Most standard pin tumbler locks can be. Some poorly made or damaged locks cannot be rekeyed reliably. The technician inspects each cylinder and tells you before starting.
Will I get new keys?
Yes. A rekey always includes new keys cut to match the new pin setup. You can ask for extra copies at the same visit.
Do I need to remove the lock from the door?
Usually only the cylinder or plug comes out, not the whole lock. The door and the faceplate stay in place. Most of the work happens at the door or in the technician’s vehicle.
How do I know the old key is dead?
The technician tries it in the lock after the work is done. If it does not turn, the rekey worked. You are welcome to test it yourself.
Contact Super G&R
Questions about a specific lock? Call or visit and we will talk through it. For a deeper look at the choice between changing keys and changing hardware, read our post on when rekeying beats replacement.
- Phone: (403) 667-5285
- Address: 345 39 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 7pm