About Rekey Service
Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pins of a lock so that old keys no longer work and only new keys operate the lock. It is the most cost-effective way to secure your New York City apartment or home when you move in, lose a key, have a roommate move out, end a relationship, or dismiss an employee who had keys. Unlike full lock replacement, rekeying preserves your existing lock hardware—the same deadbolt and knob stay in place—but the lock mechanism is reconfigured to accept a completely new key. HandyMen NYC provides fast, affordable rekeying service across all five boroughs. Our licensed locksmiths rekey standard pin tumbler locks, high-security locks, and commercial lock systems. We can rekey multiple locks to work with a single key for convenience, or set up a master key system where one key opens all locks while individual keys work only on their assigned lock. For anyone moving into a new NYC apartment, rekeying should be one of your first tasks—you have no way of knowing how many copies of the previous tenant's keys exist.
Common Issues
- Just moved into a new apartment and want new keys
- Lost a key and want to ensure no one can use it
- Roommate moved out and had a copy of the key
- Ended a relationship where the other person had keys
- Employee terminated who had keys to the business
- Want all locks to work with the same key
Our Process
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1
Schedule a rekeying appointment at your convenience
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2
Locksmith arrives and removes the lock cylinder
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3
Internal pins reconfigured for a new key combination
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4
Lock reassembled, tested, and new keys cut
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5
Old keys confirmed non-functional; new keys provided
When to Call a Professional
Rekeying requires removing the lock cylinder and changing the internal pins—a task that requires locksmith tools and knowledge. Attempting to rekey a lock without the proper tools will likely damage the lock. Professional rekeying is fast (typically 10-15 minutes per lock), affordable, and provides the security of knowing that no previously distributed keys will work. In NYC, where apartment turnover is frequent and keys may have been copied multiple times over the years, rekeying is an essential security step.
Price Range
Exact pricing depends on scope, accessibility, and materials. Get a free, detailed estimate for your specific project.
Why Choose HandyMen NYC
- Fast service—most locks rekeyed in 10-15 minutes each
- Fraction of the cost of full lock replacement
- Multiple locks keyed alike for single-key convenience
- Master key systems for commercial properties
Customer Reviews
"Got locked out of my apartment at midnight after losing my keys. The locksmith arrived in under 30 minutes and got me in without damaging the door. Lifesaver!"
"I needed new locks on every door after a break-in. The locksmith installed heavy-duty deadbolts and a smart lock on the front door, all within a few hours. I feel safe again."
"They re-keyed our entire office suite after an employee departure and installed a master key system. Quick, professional, and gave us a great price for the volume."
Frequently Asked Questions
We serve all five NYC boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Our technicians are dispatched from multiple locations across the city so we can reach you quickly no matter where you are.
Yes. HandyMen NYC holds all required New York City and State licenses for plumbing, electrical, and general contracting. We carry full general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage on every job.
You can request a free estimate by calling us, filling out the form on our website, or sending us a text with photos of the job. For straightforward repairs we can often quote over the phone. Larger projects typically require a brief on-site visit.
We offer service seven days a week, including most holidays. Weekend and holiday appointments are subject to availability, and emergency services are available 24/7/365 with no extra scheduling fees.
For routine work, we recommend booking 3-5 business days ahead, though we often have same-week availability. Emergency services are dispatched immediately. Larger renovation projects should be scheduled 2-4 weeks out.
Every job comes with a minimum one-year workmanship warranty. Specific warranties vary by service — for example, bathroom and kitchen renovations carry a two-year warranty. Manufacturer warranties on parts and materials apply separately.