Why you should rekey your locks when moving into a new home
Moving into a new home or rental? Why rekeying the locks is a quick, affordable way to control who has keys, and how it differs from replacing locks.
Residential locksmith in Millbrae, CA
Home lock problems rarely wait for a convenient moment. From a jammed front door to a full rekey after moving in, a Millbrae residential locksmith can sort it out at your house and explain the options before any work starts.
- Phones answered every day
- Price quoted before work
- Major credit cards
Home lock services
Most residential calls in Millbrae fall into a handful of jobs. The locksmith arrives with the tools and common hardware needed to finish many of them in a single visit:
- House and apartment lockouts – opening the door with non-destructive techniques wherever the lock allows.
- Rekeying – changing the pins inside your existing locks so old keys stop working. Popular after a move, a lost key or a break-up.
- Lock changes and new installs – replacing worn or low-grade hardware, or fitting a lock to a door that has never had one.
- Deadbolt installation – adding a bolt that the latch alone can't match for strength.
- Spare keys and key cutting – duplicates for family, tenants or a trusted neighbor.
- Broken key extraction – removing a snapped key without forcing the cylinder.
Other residential work
Beyond the everyday jobs, the residential team can also help with:
- Master key systems for multi-unit homes
- Mailbox and garage door locks
- Door hardware installation
- Peephole installation
- Digital and keypad locks
- Eviction lock changes for landlords
- Home security advice
- Lock consultations
Choosing a stronger lock
Locks sold for homes are graded by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Grade 1 is the toughest rating and suits exterior doors such as the front door and the door from the garage. Grade 2 is common on residential entry doors, and Grade 3 is fine for interior rooms. If you aren't sure what is on your doors now, ask the locksmith to check during the visit and recommend upgrades only where they make a real difference.
Prefer keyless entry? Electronic and keypad locks let you share codes instead of keys. They do need batteries, so pick a model with a physical key or an external power option. Read more in our guide to deadbolt locks.
Just moved in?
You can't know how many copies of your old keys exist. Previous owners, tenants, agents and contractors may all have had one. Rekeying is usually the quickest and most affordable fix; see why rekeying matters when you move and check the rekey coupon before you call.
FAQ
Common questions
How much does a house lockout cost in Millbrae?
The published price list shows a $29.00 service call fee plus lockout labor starting at $19.00. The final price depends on the lock and is quoted before work begins.
Should I rekey or replace my locks?
If your locks are in good condition, rekeying is usually cheaper and makes old keys useless. Replace the lock if it is worn, damaged or a low security grade.
Can you match all my doors to one key?
Often yes, as long as the locks share a compatible keyway. The locksmith will check your hardware and tell you what is possible.
Related reading
Helpful articles
Deadbolt locks: why they're a smart choice for home security
What a deadbolt lock is, how single and double cylinder deadbolts differ, what ANSI grades mean, and why every exterior door in your home needs one.
Locked out of your apartment? What to do next
Locked out of your Millbrae apartment? Common causes, why forcing the door costs more, what a locksmith does on arrival and simple ways to prevent it.
Need a locksmith in Millbrae?
Call for an estimate. A dispatcher answers every day and quotes the service call fee up front.