When is lock change better than rekey?

When hardware is worn, damaged, or you want a different grade or style — e.g., upgrading to a stronger deadbolt or smart lock prep.

Will installation fit my door?

Standard preps are common, but odd doors may need adapters — the locksmith assesses on site.

Who supplies the locks?

Some pros stock common sets; others install customer-supplied hardware. Clarify when you speak with the locksmith.

I just moved — is this the right page?

Often paired with rekey; if you want new grades, finishes, or smart hardware, lock change is the better hub — say how many openings you are touching.

Does smart lock install belong here?

Overlaps when you replace a deadbolt with a smart unit — our smart lock install page covers keypad/Wi‑Fi specific expectations.

Hardware • LA County

Lock change in Los Angeles, when rekeying is the wrong job

Change the lock, or rekey it?

Rekey locks when the hardware still works and you only need the old keys to stop working. Change the lock when the cylinder is worn, drilled, broken, or you want a different deadbolt. Those are different parts and different prices.

Count the doors, and say if a knob and a deadbolt are both keyed.
Mention a damaged frame, a smart lock, or hardware the building will not allow.
Expect a call from a locksmith. They'll confirm the price and arrival time.

What happens next

You submit your ZIP and a short note about what happened.
We send it to locksmiths who cover that ZIP, or nearby.
Expect a call from a locksmith. They'll confirm the price and arrival time. You pay the locksmith directly.

What to include

How many doors need new hardware
Deadbolt, knob, or smart lock — and if the frame is damaged
Every door on one key, if you want that

Useful next steps

If the locks are fine, start with lock rekeying in Los Angeles.

Rekey or a full change?

If the locks are fine and you only want the old keys to stop working, rekeying is cheaper — same hardware, new pins. Change the lock when it's worn, low-security, or you want something different like a deadbolt or a smart lock.

Ask for everything "keyed alike" and a single key can open every new lock on the house, as long as the hardware matches. Count the exterior doors before you submit so the locksmith brings enough of the right parts.

Need a locksmith? Start with your ZIP

Request a locksmith

Takes about a minute. No account and no upfront payment.

Sometimes a lock has just had enough, or you've moved somewhere and don't love the idea of strangers holding old keys. Swapping the hardware is straightforward — the main thing to sort out first is how many doors and what kind of lock you want on them.

Request lock change

Match the new lock to the door first

Measure

Backset and door thickness decide compatibility — text photos beat guessing over the phone.

Decide

If cylinders still feel great, rekey may save money — we keep both pages honest so you pick the right SKU.

Install

Strike alignment fixes many “lock won’t latch” calls — mention if the jamb is weather-shifted.

Smart locks

For keypad and Wi‑Fi lock installs, see our smart lock installation page — many jobs overlap with general lock change routing.

Why customers use LockUnlocked

Requests go to locksmiths who cover your ZIP, not a national call center.
Expect a call from a locksmith. They'll confirm the price and arrival time.
You pay the locksmith directly. We do not add a fee on the job.
Cancel via link in your SMS if plans change.

Guides & Los Angeles resources

Start from your situation or county-wide service page, then open your neighborhood when you want local detail — the same request form and ZIP routing apply everywhere.

Quick definitions

Car lockout: professional entry when keys are inside the vehicle — see LA County car lockout.
Rekeying: repin the cylinder for a new key — see Rekey (LA County) and rekey vs change.

If the lock itself is the problem

Rekey is cheaper when the lock still works. Change it when it is tired, drilled, or you want different hardware.

Should I rekey home locks or change them? +

Rekey if you only want new keys. Change it if it sticks, looks wrecked, or you hate the hardware. Mixed doors on one house can mean both.

Is a lock change part of door unlocking services? +

Only if you ask, or the lock dies during entry. An unlock should not quietly become a new lock. Confirm that on the phone.

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Open the area closest to you, or submit the form above with the ZIP where you need service.

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