Just closed on your new home in McKinney? One of the smartest moves you can make before you settle in is rekeying the locks. You have no idea how many copies of your house keys exist the previous owner, their kids, the neighbor who watered plants, contractors who worked on the place. When you rekey, you make all those old keys useless without replacing the hardware.
Here’s what you need to know about rekeying after a home purchase, when it makes sense, and what it actually involves.
Why You Should Rekey After Buying a House
The previous owner probably handed you a couple keys at closing. But those are almost never the only copies. Over years of ownership, keys get duplicated for family members, house sitters, dog walkers, contractors, cleaners, and real estate agents showing the property. Most people don’t track who has copies, and sellers rarely collect them all back.
Even if the previous owner was honest and well-meaning, they can’t account for every key. A landscaper may still have one in their truck. If the home was a rental at any point, there could be keys floating around from multiple tenants.
Rekeying changes the internal pins in the lock cylinder so only your new keys work. It’s faster and cheaper than replacing the locks entirely, and it gives you complete control over who can access your home from day one.
Which Locks Need to Be Rekeyed
Focus on every exterior door first. That means front door, back door, side garage entry, and any exterior basement or patio doors. These are the entry points someone could use without you noticing.
You don’t usually need to rekey interior bedroom or bathroom locks unless you’re in a unique situation. Exterior security is the priority.
If you’re upgrading security at the same time, consider whether any locks are damaged, loose, or outdated. Rekeying doesn’t fix a worn-out lock. In that case, residential lock replacement is the better move.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks
Rekeying works when the locks themselves are in good shape. A locksmith removes the lock cylinder, swaps out the pins inside, and cuts new keys to match. Takes about 20 minutes per lock. You keep the existing hardware, the door stays undamaged, and you’re done fast.
Replace the lock if it’s damaged, sticking, rusted, or outdated. Also replace if you’re moving from a basic lock to a high-security deadbolt or smart lock. If the hardware needs an upgrade anyway, there’s no point rekeying it first.
What Happens During a Rekeying Service
When we come out to rekey your home, here’s what the process looks like:
- We remove the lock cylinder from each door without damaging the hardware
- The pins inside the cylinder are replaced with a new set configured to a different key pattern
- We test the new keys to make sure they turn smoothly
- The lock is reassembled and checked for proper alignment
- You get a set of brand-new keys, and all the old ones are now useless
If you want all your exterior doors keyed alike so one key opens everything we can configure them that way during the same visit. Most new homeowners prefer this setup because it’s simpler and you’re not fumbling with multiple keys at the door.
When to Rekey Right Away
In McKinney, I recommend rekeying before you move in if at all possible. It’s easier to schedule when the house is empty, and you’ll sleep better knowing no one else has access.
If you’ve already moved in, do it within the first week. Don’t wait until you “get around to it” the longer you delay, the longer you’re vulnerable.
For more detail on what rekeying typically costs in McKinney, check out our cost breakdown article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to rekey if I’m buying a brand-new house?
Yes. Builders, subcontractors, inspectors, and real estate agents all had keys during construction and showings. Even new construction needs rekeying before you move in.
Can I rekey locks myself?
Technically yes, if you buy a rekeying kit and have some patience. But it’s easy to damage the cylinder or misalign the pins if you don’t know what you’re doing. A locksmith does it faster, guarantees it works, and can key all your locks to match on the spot.
How long does rekeying a whole house take?
For a typical home with four to six exterior locks, about an hour to ninety minutes. More locks or complications like stuck cylinders add time.
Will rekeying damage my doors?
No. We remove the cylinder from the lock without drilling or altering the door itself. The hardware stays intact.
Ready to Rekey Your New Home in McKinney?
Moving into a new house is exciting, but don’t skip the security basics. Rekeying your locks is a fast, affordable way to make sure you’re the only one with access. Local Runners Locksmith handles rekeyings across McKinney and surrounding areas with licensed, bonded technicians and quick turnaround times.
Call (469) 905-9092 or visit Local Runners Locksmith to book your McKinney appointment.
