DIY Rekey: How to Rekey Locks Yourself and Save Money

When you DIY rekey, the process of changing a lock’s internal pins so it works with a new key while keeping the same lock body. Also known as lock rekeying, it’s a smart way to regain control of your home’s security without replacing entire locks. Most people think they need to call a locksmith every time they lose a key or move into a new house. But that’s not true. With the right tools and a little patience, you can rekey your own door locks—and save $50 to $100 per lock.

Rekeying, the act of adjusting the pin stack inside a lock cylinder. Also known as keying a lock, it’s not magic. It’s mechanics. Every standard pin tumbler lock has five to six tiny pins that line up with the grooves of a key. Change the pin heights, and the old key won’t work anymore. A new key, cut to match those new heights, will. This is exactly what professional locksmiths do—and it’s something you can do too, using a rekey kit, a set of tools including pinning kits, plug followers, and key blanks. Also known as lock rekeying toolset, it typically costs under $30 online. You don’t need to be a handyman. Just follow a step-by-step guide, take your time, and label everything. Many people rekey their front door, back door, and garage lock in a weekend.

Why does this matter? Because DIY rekey isn’t just about saving money. It’s about control. If your old roommate had a key, or your landlord didn’t change the locks after you moved in, you’re living with someone else’s access. Rekeying removes that risk. It’s also useful after a break-in, if you’re renting and want to upgrade security without landlord approval, or if you’re selling your home and want to leave only one set of keys behind. And unlike buying new locks—which often come with cheap cylinders—rekeying lets you keep a solid, well-made lock body that’s already installed and weatherproofed.

Some locks can’t be rekeyed. High-security brands like Medeco or Schlage B60 require special tools or dealer access. But most standard locks from Kwikset, Schlage, or Yale? They’re perfect for DIY. You’ll find plenty of tutorials online showing how to remove a doorknob, extract the cylinder, and swap out pins. The hardest part? Keeping track of which pin goes where. That’s why most kits include color-coded pins and a pinning chart. Just take a photo before you start, and you’ll be fine.

And if you’re wondering whether this is worth your time—think about this: a professional rekey job costs $40 to $75 per lock. Do three locks? That’s $150. A rekey kit? $25. You’ll have tools left over for future jobs, and you’ll know exactly how your locks work. That’s real value. No one’s going to teach you this in school. But if you’ve ever lost a key, felt unsafe, or just wanted to take charge of your home, this is one of the simplest, most powerful skills you can learn.

Below, you’ll find real guides, step-by-step breakdowns, and honest reviews of the best rekey kits used by homeowners across India and beyond. Whether you’re a first-timer or just looking to confirm your approach, these posts have the details you need—no fluff, no upsells, just clear advice from people who’ve done it themselves.