Here's the short answer: rekeying is almost always cheaper and usually just as secure. If a Las Vegas homeowner calls us and says 'I just moved in and I'm not sure who has keys,' a rekey is the right call — not a full lock change. The locks are fine. The problem is who has copies. A rekey fixes that for a fraction of the cost.
That said, there are real situations where a lock change is the correct move. Worn cylinder, damaged hardware, upgrading to a smart lock, or a deadbolt that's been through a forced entry — those warrant replacement. We'll walk through exactly when each option makes sense, what it costs, and when you shouldn't call us at all.
What rekeying actually does — and why it works
Rekeying means a locksmith disassembles your lock cylinder and replaces the internal pins — the tiny spring-loaded stacks that determine which key profile operates the lock. Your old key stops working. A new key works. The hardware on your door stays exactly the same.
We do this job regularly in Summerlin, Henderson, and Green Valley — especially after home sales, divorce, or a roommate situation gone wrong. The customer says 'my ex still has a key' or 'I don't know what keys the previous owner handed out.' A rekey solves both in under 30 minutes on-site.
Here's the part most people don't know: the security level of the lock doesn't change. If you had a solid Schlage B60N deadbolt before, you still have one after. The cylinder is repinned to a new key cut, and anyone with the old key is locked out. Same hardware, new secret.
When a full lock change is worth it in Las Vegas
A lock change makes sense in a few specific situations. If the hardware is damaged — a deadbolt that wobbles, a cylinder that's been drilled, or a knob that spins without catching — replacement is the right move. Repinning a damaged cylinder doesn't fix mechanical wear.
It also makes sense when you're upgrading. Replacing a basic builder-grade knob-lock with a proper deadbolt on a Spring Valley rental property? That's a lock change, and it's warranted. Same if you want a smart lock with a keypad or Z-wave integration — new hardware required.
After a forced entry on Eastern Ave or near the Strip corridors, where the door frame or lock face is bent, replacement is necessary. Repinning a lock that's been kicked won't restore its holding strength.
Our strong opinion: most 'I need a new lock' calls don't actually need new locks. A stuck key, a worn cylinder, or a simple rekey solves it for less. We fix the actual problem, not the biggest invoice.
Rekeying vs changing locks in Las Vegas: cost and time comparison
| Factor | Rekeying | Lock Change (same-grade) | Lock Change (upgrade to high-security) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost range | Call for a quote | $180–$320 per lock installed | Call for a quote |
| Time on-site | ~20–30 minutes | ~30–45 minutes | ~45–60 minutes |
| Hardware replaced? | No — pins only | Yes — full lock set | Yes — new high-security hardware |
| Security level change? | Same as before | Depends on new lock grade | Higher — pick/bump resistant |
| Best use case | New home, lost key, roommate change | Worn or damaged lock, upgrade | High-risk property, landlord requirement |
Rekeying after moving into a new home — the Henderson and Summerlin standard
If you just closed on a home in Henderson, Whitney Ranch, or Summerlin, rekeying is the first thing we'd recommend. Real estate transactions hand out keys to agents, contractors, stagers, and inspectors — sometimes for weeks. You rarely know exactly how many copies exist.
A rekey on a standard 3-lock home takes us under an hour on-site. We repin each cylinder to a single new key so you're carrying one key for the whole house. If the hardware is in good shape — and on new builds it usually is — there's no reason to pay for replacement locks.
Nevada landlords should also know: Clark County's eviction process involves the constable changing or rekeying locks after a formal eviction is completed. If you're a landlord handling a turnover before that stage, a rekey between tenants is the standard move — and it's faster and cheaper than replacing the hardware every cycle.
Benefits of rekeying a lock — more than just cost savings
- Immediately invalidates all existing key copies — no need to track down who has what.
- Can rekey multiple locks to one key (master keying), so you stop carrying a ring of five.
- Same-day service — we're dispatched mobile and cut new keys on-site with no trip to a hardware store.
- Works on most standard deadbolts, knob locks, and lever sets without touching the door or frame.
- Significantly less expensive than full replacement when the hardware is in working condition.
- No waiting on special-order hardware — we carry pin kits for Schlage, Kwikset, and most common keyways.
Home Depot rekeying vs a mobile locksmith in Las Vegas
Home Depot sells Kwikset SmartKey cylinders that let you rekey the lock yourself with a small tool kit — around $20–$30 for the tool if you already own a compatible lock. If you're handy and you have a Kwikset SmartKey deadbolt, that's a legitimate DIY option. Don't pay a locksmith for it.
However, most homes in Paradise, Enterprise, and Mountain's Edge have standard Schlage or older Kwikset cylinders that aren't SmartKey compatible. Repinning those requires a plug follower, a pinning mat, and the right pin kit for the keyway. That's a locksmith job, not a YouTube afternoon.
Home Depot doesn't do on-site rekeying. If you want them to rekey a lock, you take it off the door and bring it in — which means your door is unsecured while you drive to the store. We roll a truck to your address, rekey on the door, and you're never without a working lock.
For lock rekeying service in Las Vegas, our mobile unit carries pin kits for the most common residential keyways across the valley. Same-day, on-site.
When NOT to call us — and what to do instead
If your Kwikset SmartKey lock is in good shape and you've watched the rekey video once, do it yourself. The tool is inexpensive and the process is straightforward. That's a real option.
If you just lost one key and you have others — and you know exactly who has copies — ask yourself whether a rekey is actually needed. A lost key with no obvious security risk doesn't automatically require action. Use your judgment.
If your issue is a jammed lock that just needs lubrication, a $5 can of graphite spray from a hardware store fixes it. Don't call a locksmith for a stiff cylinder that hasn't been lubed in years.
And if a locksmith quotes you a massive price on the phone without asking about your lock brand, hardware condition, or number of cylinders — hang up. Transparent pricing isn't a courtesy; it's the baseline. We quote before we roll.
How to decide: a simple framework for Las Vegas homeowners
Ask yourself three questions. Is the hardware damaged or worn? If yes, consider a lock change. Are you upgrading to a smart lock or high-security cylinder? Lock change. Is the hardware fine but you're not sure who has keys? Rekey.
The vast majority of calls we get from Centennial Hills, Sunrise Manor, and Seven Hills fall into that third category. New homeowner. Nervous renter. Someone whose contractor just finished a job. The hardware is fine. A rekey is the answer.
If you're not sure, describe the situation when you call. We'll ask the right questions and tell you upfront which service you actually need — and what it costs — before we dispatch. See our locksmith pricing page for context on what goes into the quote.
For after-hours situations — a lockout, a break-in, something that can't wait until morning — our 24/7 locksmith line is answered by a real person, not a voicemail. We cover the whole Las Vegas valley, same techs, same pricing.
If you're dealing with a car key situation alongside a home security update, check our car key replacement page — different service, but we handle both on the same dispatch when it makes sense.
Call (702) 356-0352.