# Rekeying

> Rekeying changes which keys open a lock while the lock stays on the door. Ask the shop whether it suits the locks you have.

Source: https://bayplazakeys.com/rekeying/

Rekeying resets the small pins inside a lock cylinder to match a new key, so the old keys stop working. The lock body and handle stay in place, and the team checks each lock before confirming the work.

Most household door locks use a pin tumbler cylinder: a row of small pins has to line up before a key can turn. Rekeying changes those pins to fit a different key, so the hardware stays on the door and only the key changes.

Rekeying often comes up after moving into a home, losing a key, or when someone who had a key no longer needs access. If a lock is damaged, worn out or you want different hardware, ask about replacement instead.

If you want one key for several doors, the locks generally need to accept the same key blank. Tell the team which locks are involved so they can check whether that arrangement is possible for your hardware.

Before you call, count the locks, note any brand name you can see and say whether working keys remain. Shop hours are Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, closed Sunday. Confirm the scope and the price with the team before any work begins.

## Rekey or replace

Rekeying keeps working hardware and changes the key. Replacement suits damaged, worn or unwanted hardware.

## One key for several locks

The locks generally need to take the same key blank, so the team checks each one first.

## Have the details ready

The number of locks, any visible brand name and whether working keys remain.

## Questions and answers

### Can several locks be arranged to use one key?

Tell the team that this is your goal and identify the locks involved. The hardware needs to be checked before the shop can confirm whether that arrangement is possible.

### Does rekeying replace the lock?

No. Rekeying changes the pins inside the cylinder so a new key operates the lock, and the existing lock body and handle stay in place. If the hardware is damaged or you want a different lock, ask the team about replacement.

## Related pages

- [Key duplication](https://bayplazakeys.com/key-duplication/)

- [Lock changing](https://bayplazakeys.com/lock-changing/)