The short answer
If the lock works well and you only want the old keys to stop working, rekeying is usually enough: we swap the pins so only a new key turns it. If the lock sticks, spins or won't latch, it needs a repair or a replacement instead. Portside's guide price for residential rekeying is $195 for the first lock and $55 for each extra compatible lock.
Key points
- Rekeying swaps the pins inside the lock, so the old keys stop working and the hardware stays on the door.
- It suits a new home, a tenant moving out, or lost or stolen keys.
- A worn, damaged or sticking lock needs a repair or a replacement, not a rekey.
- Most standard key locks can be rekeyed, but it depends on the brand and type.
- Compatible locks can be keyed alike, so one key opens every door.
- Residential rekeying is $195 for the first lock and $55 for each extra compatible lock.
If the lock works well and you want the old keys to stop working, rekeying may be enough. If the lock sticks or won't latch, have it checked for repair or replacement.
That is the short answer. Here is how to tell which situation you are in.
A quick way to decide
Ask yourself two questions.
- Does the lock work properly? If it turns smoothly, locks and unlocks without fuss and has no damage, rekeying is likely to be enough.
- Are you happy with the type of lock? If you want a different lock, such as a deadlock or a smart lock, ask which options suit your door and existing hardware.
If the answer to both is yes, rekeying is usually the place to start. If either is no, talk to us about a repair or a replacement.
What rekeying actually does
Inside a key lock is a cylinder with a set of small pins. The pins only line up when the right key is in the lock, and that is what lets it turn.
Rekeying swaps those pins for a new set. The lock then turns for a new key and not for any of the old ones. The lock body, the handle and the deadbolt all stay where they are. Nothing on the door changes except which key works.
When rekeying is the right choice
Rekeying makes sense when the lock itself is fine and the problem is the keys. That covers most of the situations people call us about:
- You have bought or moved into a home and have no idea how many copies of the key are out there.
- A tenant, housemate or partner has moved out.
- Keys have been lost or stolen.
- A tradesperson or cleaner had a key and you would rather they did not.
- You are carrying a different key for every door and want one key for all of them.
That last one is called keyed alike. While we rekey, compatible locks can be set up to share one key, so the front, back and side doors all open with the same key. It is done at the same time as the rekey.
When a lock needs repair or replacing instead
Rekeying changes the key. It does not fix a lock that is worn out or damaged. If a lock is sticking, spinning, hard to turn or not latching properly, new pins will not help.
A lock may need repair or replacement when:
- It is worn, damaged or has been forced.
- The key is hard to turn even when it is the right key.
- The lock is a type or brand that cannot be rekeyed.
- You want a different kind of lock on the door.
Sometimes a repair is enough, where the lock or its hardware can be made reliable again. If we see a problem while we are there, we will tell you and explain whether a repair or a replacement makes more sense before any work starts.
If you are thinking about a smart lock, the door and its existing hardware decide what will fit. That matters even more on fire-rated doors. We check the door first and explain the options that suit it.
Can every lock be rekeyed?
Most standard key locks can, but not all of them. It depends on the brand and type of lock. We check each one before confirming the job, and if a lock cannot be rekeyed we will say so plainly.
You can speed this up by sending a photo of each lock, or the brand name stamped on the key. That way we can usually tell you before we come out whether your locks will suit.
The same goes for keyed alike. Not every lock can be matched to another, which is why the brands get checked first.
What it costs
Rekeying is priced per lock. Portside's guide price for residential rekeying is $195 for the first lock and $55 for each additional compatible lock.
As an illustration, rekeying two compatible locks would come to $250 at those guide prices. Your actual total depends on the job, including how many keys you need and whether a call-out fee applies, and we confirm it before any work starts.
Lock replacement and installation is priced differently: a $195 minimum for call-out and labour, plus parts. A photo of the lock helps us quote.
The things that affect your total are:
- How many locks you want rekeyed
- Whether those locks are compatible
- How many keys you need
- Whether any lock needs repair or replacing
You can see all our guide prices on the pricing page.
What happens on the day
Tell us how many locks and keys you need, and we check each lock and confirm the price before starting. We then rekey each lock, test it with the new key and hand over the keys. Once a lock is rekeyed, the old keys stop working straight away.
Get a rekeying quote
Call the Portside team on 0403 232 113 and tell us how many doors and keys you need. We are based in O'Connor and come to you across Fremantle and the southern suburbs. We are available seven days, and after-hours help is subject to availability.
