Rekeying Locks on Residential Properties

Here is my story on rekeying locks on residential properties. There was a time when I would call a locksmith to change the locks on a property I just bought or when one of my tenants moved out.

Then as time progressed and in order to save some money and secure the property faster, I started removing the original locks and installing newly purchased ones and simply trashed the old door locks. I would then change the locks again when the rehab was completed, but before the new owner or tenant moved in.

As time passed and depending on the locks, I started removing the locks and taking them to Lowes or Home Depot and having someone rekey them.

NOTE: Sometimes there is no way to reuse the device so you must purchase new locks. I tend to buy Kwikset locksets as they are readily available and cost effective.

As I watched the guys at the big box rekeying locks, it was apparent this was difficult for them to do and in talking to them I found out why. It turned out they had very little instruction and this was their sideline. Stocking the shelves and helping customers was their primary job. By watching the guys more carefully, I realized it was actually quite a simple task.