Lock Rekeying
Lock Rekeying in Shreveport, LA for New Keys Without New Hardware
Moving into a new home comes with a long to-do list, and changing the locks often lands near the top. The good news is that you usually do not need new locks at all. Rekeying changes the inside of your existing locks so the old keys stop working and a new key takes over. It costs less than replacing hardware and keeps your doors looking the same. Keymergency Locksmith rekeys locks for homeowners and landlords across the Shreveport-Bossier area, and every lock gets tested with the new key before we leave.
What Rekeying Changes Inside a Lock
Every pin tumbler lock has a cylinder with a small rotating part called the plug. Inside the plug sits a row of pins in different lengths, and only a key cut to match those lengths lines them up so the plug can turn. When we rekey a lock, we remove the old pins and install new ones that match a new key.
The outside of the lock stays exactly the same, including the knob, handle, or deadbolt you already have. Rekeying does not mean replacing the whole lock, which is a big part of why it costs less. Your doors look just as they did that morning.

Moved into a new place? Old keys could still open your door. Our licensed techs rekey every lock fast and affordably, so only you hold the key.
Rekeying Services for Your Home

Moved into a new place? Old keys could still open your door. Our licensed techs rekey every lock fast and affordably, so only you hold the key.
We rekey the locks homeowners and landlords use most, on front doors, back doors, and garage entry doors. Each lock stays on the door, with only the pins inside changing. That keeps the job simple and neat.
- Deadbolts and keyed knob locks
- Handle sets and lever locks
- Every exterior lock on a newly purchased home
- Rental units between tenants
If you are locked out and also want new keys, we can handle both on the same visit through our lockout service. Rekeying is one part of our residential locksmith work, which also covers lock and deadbolt replacement. Bundling the work saves you a second appointment.
When to Rekey Your Locks
The most common reason to rekey is buying a house. Previous owners, their relatives, cleaning crews, and contractors may all still have copies, and you have no way of knowing how many are out there. Rekeying right after closing gives you a clean start.
Rekeying also makes sense when a roommate or tenant moves out, when keys go missing or get stolen, or when you have handed out spares over the years and lost track of them. Landlords and property managers often rekey between tenants for the same reason. Any time you are unsure who has a key, rekeying puts you back in control.
Rekeying vs Replacing Locks
If your locks work well and you like how they look, rekeying is usually the better choice. You keep the existing hardware and only pay for new pins and keys, which costs far less than buying and installing new locks. It also means no new holes or hardware on your doors.
Replacement makes more sense when a lock is damaged, worn-out, or no longer turns smoothly. It is also the right call if you want a different style or a smart lock, and we can key the new lock to match the rest of your home. We will tell you honestly which option fits each door.
One Key for Every Door
Rekeying can also set every lock in your home to work with one key, so you are not sorting through a ring of keys at the door. For that to work, the locks need to share the same keyway, which usually means they come from the same brand. Many homes with matching hardware are good candidates.
If your front and back doors have locks from different brands, they may not accept the same key. We check your locks during the visit and tell you which ones can be matched. Sometimes swapping one lock for a compatible model is the simplest way to get down to a single key.
Why DIY Rekeying Kits Fall Short
Hardware stores sell rekeying kits, and handy homeowners sometimes try them. Each kit works with only one brand, and the process involves removing the cylinder, pushing out the plug, and replacing tiny pins in the right order. One dropped spring or mismatched pin can leave the lock unable to turn.
For a single lock, a kit may be worth a try if you are patient. For several locks or mixed brands, a professional locksmith saves time and brings the right pins for each lock. A mistake on one lock can also mean buying a replacement, which erases the savings.
Rekeying Costs in Shreveport
Rekeying is priced per cylinder, not per lock, and starts at $25 per cylinder. A deadbolt and a knob lock on the same door count as two cylinders, so the total depends on how many cylinders you want rekeyed and how many new keys you need. Extra keys for family members can be cut during the same visit.
Phone estimates are free, and we quote the full price before we come out. That way, you know the total cost before any pins come out of a lock. If you add a door during the visit, we confirm the new total before starting it.
Schedule Your Rekey Visit
Keymergency Locksmith is licensed by the State of Louisiana, and our owner holds the ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith credential. Before we rekey, we confirm that you own or manage the home, using an ID, a closing document, or a lease. Landlords can show a lease or management agreement instead.
We book rekey appointments daily, 9am to 8pm. Contact us with the number of doors you want rekeyed, and we will quote the job. Mention whether you also want spare keys cut, and we will include them in the price.
Lock Rekeying FAQs
Can I rekey a lock without the original key?
Yes, a locksmith can do it, although it may take a little longer. We open the lock, remove the cylinder, and repin it to a new key. Not having the old key does not change the result.
Can smart or electronic locks be rekeyed?
Many smart locks include a backup key cylinder, and those cylinders can usually be rekeyed like any other lock. Some brands use their own rekeying system, so tell us the brand and model when you call. We will tell you if a different option makes more sense.
Can an existing door lock be rekeyed?
Most standard residential door locks can be rekeyed, including deadbolts, knob locks, and lever handles. A lock that is badly worn or damaged is usually better off replaced. We check each lock during the visit before rekeying it.
Can a renter rekey their locks?
Renters should get the landlord’s permission first, since most leases require it and the landlord needs a working key. Once the landlord agrees, we can rekey the unit and cut keys for both of you. Some landlords prefer to handle the rekey themselves, in which case we can work with them directly.
Do you rekey locks in Bossier City?
Yes. We rekey homes there regularly, and our area also takes in Shreveport, Benton, and Haughton. Give us your address to set up the visit.
