Frequently Asked Locksmith Question

These are the questions we get asked the most. Please feel free to call or e-mail us with
your questions.

I want to change my locks. What should I do?

First you have to decide if you want to change the hardware that is installed in your door or
just change the key that works your existing hardware. The term re key refers to having a
new key work your existing lock hardware. Usually you will re key your locks if they are
working fine but someone has your key that should not have one (i.e. You've just moved
into a new home or your keys were lost or stolen). You would usually change your locks if
they are worn out or you are upgrading to a higher quality lock.

I want one key to work all the locks in my home or business. What do I need to do?

This is called having your locks keyed alike. First the locks have to be all from the same
manufacturer. Although some keys from different lock companies will slide into another
company's locks it is not advisable to key different lock company locks alike as the pin to
pin distances are usually different.

Is keying my locks alike the same as having a master key?

No. Locks keyed alike have one key that will work them all. Master keyed locks have more
than one key that works them. In a typical master key system you would have a separate
key that turns for each lock AND one key that works all the locks.

I just bought a brand new home and the contractor said that as soon as I turn my key in
the lock the contractor's keys will not work anymore. Is that correct?

Yes, if the locks are construction keyed. No, if they are master keyed. The only way to be
positive a contractor's key will no longer work is to have a professional locksmith re key the
lock and drop out the master pins.

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