Hey everyone! My husband and I are considering changing our locks or possibly rekeying them, but I'm a little lost on the process. I have a couple of questions:
1. If I buy three completely new locks, will I need a locksmith to rekey them so they all use the same key?
2. If I get three new locks that are keyed alike, does that mean each lock opens the others? Also, could that mean they might be able to open someone else's house too?
Thanks for any help you can give!
3 Answers
Check out Kwikset Smart Key locks! They let you rekey the locks yourself, which makes the process super easy. Just follow the instructions that come with it and you won’t need a locksmith!
You can definitely buy different brands and have them rekeyed to work with the same key, especially if you go to a store with a lock specialist. It tends to be cheaper this way, too! You could also consider getting locks with rekey kits, but keep in mind they might be pricier and require a bit of time to set up. Schlage deadbolts are a solid choice if you're looking for something sturdy. Just remember, it's usually free at some retailers to get your locks keyed alike if they offer that service!
When you get new locks, they usually come with a key code that corresponds to what key opens them. If you buy a set from the same manufacturer that shares that key code, then a single key will open all of them. Just make sure to buy the same brand!

Yeah, and make sure to also get longer screws for hinges and strike plates to avoid issues with non-secure installations!