Lock Change Service NYC

The first decision is almost always rekey vs. full lock change. They sound similar; they’re not.

Rekey means we keep the existing lock body and re-pin the cylinder so a new key works and the old keys don’t. Same hardware, same keyway, new key. Typical NYC pricing is in the $85–$175 range per cylinder, depending on cylinder type and pin material. Fast, cheap, and the right answer when the existing hardware is in good shape.

Full lock change means we remove the existing lock and install new hardware. Typical NYC pricing is $185–$325 per door installed for mid-grade hardware (Schlage B60N, Kwikset 980), and higher for high-security upgrades (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA, Schlage Primus with restricted keyways). The right answer when hardware is failing, when the cylinder was damaged in a break-in attempt, or when you’re upgrading the security grade.

When you should change or rekey:

• Just moved in. Almost always. Previous tenants, contractors, cleaning crews, and real-estate agents all may have copies. Rekey at minimum on day one.
• Break-in or break-in attempt. If the cylinder is pinned, drilled, or visibly chewed, replace — don’t rekey. Compromised cylinders often fail again under pressure.
• Roommate moved out. Rekey is usually sufficient unless they had time alone with the lock.
• Lost keys with address-identifying info on the ring. Rekey at minimum. If the key was on a high-control restricted keyway, you may not need to replace at all because the key can’t be duplicated. If it was a hardware-store-cuttable key, treat it as compromised.
• Property sale or rental turnover. NYC has no statute requiring landlords to change locks between tenants, but it’s a near-universal best practice and many leases require it. We rekey full multi-unit buildings in 90 minutes to a few hours.

Hardware grading (ANSI/BHMA A156):

• Grade 1 — commercial / heavy-duty residential. 800,000+ open-close cycles, highest impact resistance. Schlage B660, Medeco Maxum, Mul-T-Lock Hercular.
• Grade 2 — heavy residential. 400,000 cycles. Schlage B60N, Kwikset 980 Signature.
• Grade 3 — light residential. 200,000 cycles. Adequate for low-traffic interior or back doors; not what you want as your primary entry on an NYC apartment.

Brand recommendations for NYC:

• High-security: Medeco (M3, Maxum, BiLevel), Mul-T-Lock (MT5+, Interactive+), ASSA Twin Maximum, Schlage Primus — all restricted keyways, drill/pick/bump resistant.
• Standard residential: Schlage B60N deadbolt, Kwikset 980 (with SmartKey if you want quick re-keys).
• Avoid as a primary lock: ultra-cheap big-box deadbolts and any cylinder marketed as "high-security" without an ANSI grade and a published bump/pick rating.

Restricted keyways — standard for commercial, increasingly common in residential. The key blanks aren’t sold at hardware stores; duplicates require written authorization to the originating locksmith. Worth it any time you genuinely care who can make a copy of your key.

Same-day appointments are usually available for rekeys and standard lock changes when booked before mid-afternoon. Multi-cylinder and high-security jobs are usually scheduled for the next business day to allow parts pulls.