24/7 · Ickenham & West London
Lock Rekey & Replacement
Just moved in, lost a set of keys, or had keys go unreturned? Rekeying or replacing the cylinders means only your keys work, often without replacing the whole lock.
- 24/7 cover
- 30–60 min
- No call-out fee
- DBS-checked
- Insurance-approved
Lock Rekey & Replacement: The Short Answer
Open-in Security Services rekeys and replaces locks for homeowners, buyers, landlords and tenants across West London, Hertfordshire and South Bucks, within 25 miles of Ickenham. Kenny, the DBS-checked owner, has done this work since 2006. Rekeying changes the pins inside an existing cylinder so previous keys stop working, from £45; replacement fits a new euro cylinder from £65, an anti-snap 3-star cylinder from £95, or a keyed-alike set so one key runs every door from £95. Rekeying suits a sound lock with keys unaccounted for, such as a new purchase or an unreturned tenant set; replacement suits a worn lock or a security upgrade. Most euro, rim and mortice cylinders can be rekeyed; a few budget locks are cheaper to replace outright. Either job is usually done the same day, with the price fixed on the phone and no call-out charge added.
Last reviewed by Kenny
Rekey or replace?
Rekeying changes the pins inside an existing cylinder so old keys stop working. It is cheaper, and ideal when the lock itself is fine but you cannot account for every key. Replacing swaps the cylinder or mechanism entirely, which is the move when you are also upgrading security or the lock is worn. We tell you which makes sense for your door.
Should you change the locks when you move in?
You never know who holds a key to a house you have just bought: previous owners, cleaners, estate agents, builders. Rekeying or swapping the cylinders on move-in day is cheap insurance. We can key all your doors alike so one key runs the house.
Upgrades at the same time
If the locks are coming apart anyway, it is the moment to move up to anti-snap cylinders or a BS3621 deadlock. Ultion, Mul-T-Lock and similar cylinders drop straight into most doors. See residential locksmith for the insurance-approved options.
| Comparison point | Rekey | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| What changes | Pins inside the existing cylinder | The whole cylinder or mechanism |
| Old keys after | Stop working | Stop working |
| Best when | Lock is sound, keys unaccounted for | Lock is worn, or you want an upgrade |
| Security level | Unchanged | Can step up to anti-snap / BS3621 |
| Typical cost | from £45 | from £65 |
Guide Prices
Lock Rekey & Replacement: Starting Prices
| Cylinder rekey | from £45 |
|---|---|
| Euro cylinder replacement | from £65 |
| Anti-snap cylinder upgrade | from £95 |
| Keyed-alike set | from £95 |
Starting prices per cylinder or per set. Everything is confirmed by phone first, so the price you hear is the price on the invoice, with no call-out fee on top.
See the full price guide →Our Work
Lock Rekey & Replacement in the Field
FAQ
Lock Rekey & Replacement: Your Questions
What's the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?
Rekeying re-pins the existing cylinder so old keys no longer work. It is cheaper, and fine if the lock is in good order. Replacing swaps the cylinder or whole mechanism, which suits worn locks or a security upgrade.
I've just moved house. Should I change the locks?
We would recommend it. Rekeying or swapping cylinders on move-in means no one from before the sale can get in. It is quick and inexpensive, and we can key your doors alike.
Can you make all my doors use one key?
Yes, that is a keyed-alike set. We match the cylinders so a single key runs the front, back and side doors.
A tenant didn't return their keys. What are my options?
Rekey or replace the cylinders. Either way the old keys stop working. Rekeys start at £45.
Can every lock be rekeyed?
Most euro, rim and mortice cylinders can be rekeyed. A few very worn or budget locks are cheaper to replace outright. We will tell you which applies before doing the work, not after.
Need Lock Rekey & Replacement?
Moving in this week? Rekeys and cylinder swaps are usually done the same day.