How to Rekey a Lock to Match Your Existing Key

Yes, you can often rekey a lock to match a key you already have, so one key works several doors. The catch: the locks need to take the same key blank (keyway), usually the same brand or compatible family. Mixed brands may need a cylinder swap or a new lock instead.

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Do I Really Need a Locksmith? · Bill’s DIY series

“I can do this myself.” Do I really need a locksmith?

Verdict: Maybe

Watch: can one key work every lock?

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What “keyed alike” means

Locks that open with the same key are called keyed alike. Rekeying changes the pins inside a lock cylinder so a different key works it. To match an existing key, the pins are set to that key’s cuts instead of a brand-new key. For the basics, read what is rekeying?

Will my locks match?

1. Look at the keys. Locks from the same brand often share a key shape. If your house has a mix of brands, look closely at the key heads and the keyway shape.
2. Check the keyway. The key must physically slide into every lock. If your existing key won’t go into a lock, that lock can’t simply be rekeyed to it.
3. Check the lock type. Some locks, like Kwikset SmartKey, have their own rekey process. See Kwikset SmartKey reset.
4. Count the locks. Front door, back door, garage entry and side gates are the usual ones to match.

How it’s done

A locksmith (or a careful DIYer with a matching rekey kit) takes the cylinder out, removes the plug with a follower so the springs and pins stay in place, swaps the bottom pins to match the cuts on your key, and reassembles. The full process is in how to rekey a lock. Bill’s video above covers whether one key can work every lock in your house.

When it won’t work

• Different keyways: a Schlage-type key won’t go in a Kwikset-type lock, and the reverse is true too. Options are re-pinning a compatible cylinder, swapping cylinders, or replacing the lock.
• Worn or damaged locks: rekeying doesn’t fix a sloppy, sticking lock.
• Electronic or high-security locks: many use special processes or restricted keys.
• Worn reference key: matching to a worn key copies the wear. Start from a good key or the key code.

After you rekey

Test every lock with the new key several times, with the door open and closed. Make a couple of fresh copies from the good key. Our After-a-Rekey Checklist walks through the follow-up. Not sure whether to rekey or replace? See rekey or replace a lock.

What does a rekey cost? See how much it costs to rekey a lock in 2026: service call, per-lock price and how to keep it cheap.