How Long Does Rekeying Take? [2026 Guide with Pricing]

Rekeying a single lock takes 10-15 minutes. A full house with 3-5 locks takes 30-60 minutes total. In Gary and NW Indiana, a locksmith arrives in 10-15 minutes – so most homeowners are back in a fully rekeyed house within 90 minutes of calling. This guide covers time, cost, and when rekeying makes sense vs. replacing locks entirely.

How Long Rekeying Takes: By Job Size

A single lock rekey takes 10-15 minutes once the locksmith arrives. A 2-lock front/back door rekey takes 20-30 minutes. A full house with 3-5 locks takes 30-60 minutes. Adding more locks or keying-alike (so one key opens all doors) adds minimal time. The most time-consuming part is waiting for the locksmith – in Gary, IN that’s 10-15 minutes.

Rekeying Cost in Indiana [2026]

Rekeying a lock in Indiana costs for standard residential locks. High-security commercial locks with restricted keyways cost a little more, and we quote that upfront. Most locksmiths also charge a service/trip fee. Jacob’s Lock and Key charges flat per-lock rates with no trip fee surprises – call (219) 342-5595 for an upfront quote before we come out.

Rekey vs. Replace: How to Decide

Rekey your locks when they’re in good working condition and you just need to change who has access – after moving in, after losing a key, after a tenant moves out. Replace your locks when they’re worn or damaged, when you want to upgrade security grade (from Grade 3 to Grade 1), or when you want smart lock functionality. Rekeying costs ; replacement costs + per lock including hardware.

Can All Locks Be Rekeyed to One Key?

Yes – this is called keying alike. As long as your locks share the same keyway (usually the case with same-brand locks), we can rekey all of them to a single key. It’s one of the most popular requests from new homeowners, and it adds minimal cost over a standard rekey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to rekey a lock?

10-15 minutes per lock for an experienced locksmith. A full house with 3-5 locks takes 30-60 minutes total. Add 10-15 minutes for arrival in the Gary, IN area.

How much does rekeying cost in Indiana?

for standard residential locks. A full house rekey (3 to 5 locks) is quoted upfront. Commercial and high-security locks are quoted upfront.

Is it better to rekey or replace locks?

Rekey if locks are in good condition – it’s much cheaper ( vs. + per lock). Replace if locks are damaged, outdated, or you want a security upgrade.

How many keys do I get when I rekey?

Standard rekeying includes 2 new keys per lock. Additional keys can be cut on-site for .

Can all my locks be rekeyed to one key?

Yes – this is called keying alike. As long as all your locks share the same keyway, we can rekey all of them to a single key. Very popular with new homeowners.

Last updated: 07/18/2026