Rekeying a house is one of the fastest professional locksmith jobs. For most homes in Austin TX, a complete exterior rekey takes 30 to 60 minutes from the time the locksmith arrives. Here is what drives that timeline and what to expect.
Time Per Lock Cylinder
A skilled locksmith can rekey a single standard deadbolt in about 10 to 15 minutes. That time covers removing the cylinder, disassembling it, replacing the pins to match a new key, reassembling, testing, and reinstalling.
The total job time depends on:
- Number of locks: Most homes have 3–5 exterior cylinders. Each adds roughly 10–15 minutes.
- Lock brand: Common brands (Kwikset, Schlage, Defiant) are fast. Older or unusual brands may require special pinning kits that take longer.
- Lock condition: A stiff, dirty, or corroded lock takes more time to service properly.
- Keying alike: If you want all locks to work on one key, the locksmith needs to match all cylinders to the same key cut — adds a few extra minutes per cylinder but saves you from carrying multiple keys.
Typical Time Breakdown for a Austin TX Home
- 2-lock home (front and back): ~25–30 minutes
- 3-lock home (front, back, garage entry): ~35–45 minutes
- 4–5 lock home: ~50–65 minutes
- Full house with deadbolts + knob sets on each door: 60–90 minutes
What Happens During a Rekey
- Locksmith removes the lock cylinder from your door
- Disassembles the cylinder plug and removes the current key pins
- Installs new pins matched to the new key code
- Reassembles and tests operation with the new key
- Reinstalls cylinder and verifies smooth operation
- Provides you with new keys (typically 2–4 copies)
No Appointment Needed — We Come to You
Our mobile locksmiths carry full rekeying kits for Kwikset, Schlage, and most other common brands. We serve Austin TX and the surrounding area with same-day availability. Call (512) 412-3144 and we can usually arrive within 30–45 minutes.
Looking for professional locksmith help? Contact 1st Class Locksmith in Austin TX — available 24/7 at (512) 412-3144.