Denver lock work
Rekeying locks in Denver
A rekey changes the pins inside the cylinder so the old keys go dead and a new key takes over, while the lock itself stays on the door. Fixr's survey has a rekey at $70 to $160 per visit, plus around $20 to $30 per additional cylinder; Thumbtack's range is $191 to $225.
Single company per request, named on the call, priced up front. Search that name with the Secretary of State ยท Who pays us
Good times to rekey
- Closing day, or the first week of a new lease. The last owner handed out keys, and the agents had one.
- A roommate, a tenant or an ex moved out.
- Keys went missing or were stolen.
- You're tired of a ring with five keys for five doors.
In the Denver ZIPs we chart, 140,809 households moved in during 2020 or later, 39% of the total (Census ACS 2020-2024). Rekeying after you move in.
Survey prices for a rekey
| What you need done | Survey says | Who published it |
|---|---|---|
| Rekeying existing locks | $70 to $160 a visit Each added cylinder about $20 to $30 | Fixr (Jan. 2025) |
| Rekeying existing locks | $191 to $225 Roughly $18 a keyhole | Thumbtack (Oct. 2026) |
A large share of the bill is the visit itself, so do every door in one trip, including the side door from the garage. Ask for a per-cylinder figure so you can check the arithmetic.
Rekey, or buy new?
| Rekey if | Replace if |
|---|---|
| The keys turn smoothly | The lock is worn or grinds |
| You like the hardware you have | You want a keypad or a smart lock |
| All you need is for old keys to stop working | It's a bargain builder lock and you want something sturdier |
ANSI/BHMA testing sets the grades; This Old House summarizes Grade 1 at 800,000 cycles, Grade 2 at 400,000 and Grade 3 at 200,000. Lock changes and deadbolts.
What Denver callers ask about this
Can every lock be rekeyed?
Most pin-tumbler locks can. Some very cheap ones aren't worth the labor, and some smart locks have their own reset procedure. The locksmith will tell you which you have.
Can I rekey a rental?
Check with the landlord first. Plenty of leases bar tenants from changing locks without permission, and the owner will want a copy of the new key.