Rekey Padlock: What It Is, When You Need It, and How It Saves Money

When you rekey padlock, you change the internal pins so only a new key works, without replacing the whole lock. Also known as lock rekeying, it’s a quick, cheap fix for when you lose a key, move into a new space, or just want to stop someone else from having access. Most people think they need a new padlock — but often, they just need the old one reset.

A padlock rekeying, a service offered by local locksmiths and some hardware stores takes less than 30 minutes and costs a fraction of buying a new lock. You don’t need to drill out the old one or swap the whole mechanism. The locksmith pulls out the old pins, replaces them with new ones that match your new key, and tests it. It’s the same as getting a new key for your house door — just smaller. This works for most standard padlocks: combination locks, keyed padlocks, even some heavy-duty ones used on gates, sheds, or toolboxes.

Why do people skip rekeying? They don’t know it’s an option. Or they think it’s risky. But it’s not. If your padlock is in decent shape — no rust, no bent shackle, no broken parts — rekeying is safer than buying a cheap new one. A $15 lock from a big-box store might break in six months. A rekeyed $40 lock from a pro can last ten years. And if you’ve got five padlocks on your property? Rekeying all of them to use the same key saves you time, clutter, and confusion.

Real cases? A student moves into a shared dorm and finds the lock still works with the previous tenant’s key. A gardener loses the key to his shed after a storm. A small business owner gives a key to a helper who quits. In every case, rekeying is the smart move. You don’t need to call a locksmith for a whole new system. You just need one tool, one key, and one hour of your time.

And here’s the thing: rekeying isn’t just about locks. It’s about control. Once you rekey a padlock, you own the access. No more guessing who has a copy. No more hoping someone didn’t make an extra key. You decide who walks in. That’s power. And it’s not expensive. Most locksmiths charge between $20 and $50 per padlock. Compare that to $60 for a new lock, plus installation, plus the hassle of finding one that fits your hasp or chain.

Not every padlock can be rekeyed. Some cheap, no-name locks have non-standard parts. Others are sealed shut. But most brands — Master Lock, Abus, Kwikset, American Lock — support rekeying. Check the base of the lock. If you see a model number, you can look it up. If it’s a common type, a locksmith will know right away.

So if you’re sitting there with an old padlock, a lost key, or a stranger who used to have access — don’t buy new. Rekey. It’s faster. It’s cheaper. And it gives you real peace of mind.

Below, you’ll find real stories and advice from people who’ve rekeyed padlocks, saved money, and taken back control of their locks — no magic, no hype, just what works.