How to Rekey a Deadbolt
Rekeying a Schlage or Weiser deadbolt takes about 30 minutes with a $10-25 keyway-matched rekeying kit — no locksmith needed, unless you’ve lost the current working key entirely. Skip a step and the new key either won’t turn or the old key will still open the door, which defeats the point of rekeying after a move-in or a lost-key scare. This guide covers the exact 9-step pin-replacement process, tool list, common mistakes, and when to call a locksmith instead.
What Does It Mean to Rekey a Deadbolt?
Rekeying changes a lock’s internals so it works with a new key while the deadbolt hardware itself stays exactly the same — old keys stop working entirely.
A deadbolt is a lock with a bolt that slides into the door frame’s strike plate. Rekeying adjusts the pins inside the lock’s cylinder to match a new key’s cuts — it’s different from (and far cheaper than) replacing the entire lock hardware. For more door hardware and lock guides, browse our full door security section.
Why Rekey a Deadbolt?
A few situations make rekeying worth doing:
- New Home: You don’t know how many copies of the old keys exist or who has them.
- Lost or Stolen Keys: Rekeying immediately voids any lost key, closing the security gap.
- Roommate or Tenant Moves Out: Ensures a former occupant’s key no longer works.
- Breakup or Divorce: A common reason to rekey and secure the home immediately.
- Save Money: Rekeying runs $10-$30 in parts versus $50-$200+ for a full lock replacement.
When Should You Rekey a Deadbolt?
- After Moving In: Do this immediately — you can’t verify who still has a spare key.
- Lost or Stolen Keys: Rekey right away to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Change in Household: A roommate or tenant leaving is a clear trigger.
- Old or Worn Locks: A lock over 10 years old often benefits from fresh pins and a lubrication pass.
- Security Upgrade: Standardizing every door in the house to one new key.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Gather these before starting:
- Rekeying Kit: A brand-matched kit (Schlage SC1/SC4 or Kwikset KW1) with pins, springs, and a follower tool — $12-$25.
- New Key: Cut from the hardware store or included pre-cut with some kits — $2-$5.
- Phillips Screwdriver: To remove the deadbolt from the door — under $5.
- Tweezers: For handling the small pins — under $3.
- Follower Tool: Included with most kits — holds the cylinder’s pins in place during the swap.
- Graphite Lubricant: Keeps the reassembled lock turning smoothly — around $4.
Total cost typically runs $25-$35. Most kits are brand-matched — a Schlage kit won’t work on a Kwikset lock and vice versa, so confirm your deadbolt’s brand before buying.
Choosing the Right Rekeying Kit
- Match the Brand and Keyway: Schlage locks use the SC1 or SC4 keyway; Kwikset uses KW1. Kits are not interchangeable between brands — if your deadbolt is a Kwikset SmartKey model, it uses a tool-free rekeying method instead of this kit-based process entirely.
- Check Compatibility: The model number is usually printed on the deadbolt’s edge or latch faceplate.
- Read Reviews: Check current Amazon ratings and review counts before buying — poorly made kits ship with pins that don’t sit flush.
- Price Range: Basic kits run $10-$25; larger master-pin kits with 1,000+ pins run $40-$60 and make sense if you’re rekeying several doors to match.
- Tools Included: Confirm the kit includes a follower and tweezers — some budget kits ship pins only.
Best Schlage Rekey Kit Pick
EAORBD SC1/SC4 Schlage Rekey Kit – $12.49
Matches the SC1/SC4 Schlage keyway this guide’s kit-selection section calls out, and sits right in the $10-$25 budget-kit range this guide recommends for a single-door rekey.
- Best for: A single Schlage deadbolt rekey on a budget
- Why we picked it: Keyway-matched to Schlage SC1/SC4 — the exact compatibility check this guide walks through
- Main drawback: Basic pin set only — not enough spare pins to rekey more than one or two locks
Compare more rekeying kit options
 Option 1 Schlage SC1/SC4 Kit, 0-9 Pins (50 Each) – $22.99
|
 Option 2 Prime-Line Re-Keying Kit with Pre-Cut Keys – $13.97
|
 Option 3 1,100-Piece Complete Schlage Rekey Kit – $46.99
|
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Preparing to Rekey Your Deadbolt
- Clear the Area: Move anything near the door out of the way.
- Gather Tools: Lay out the kit, screwdriver, and tweezers on a flat surface.
- Check the Lock: Confirm the deadbolt currently turns smoothly with the existing key.
- Have the New Key Ready: Keep it nearby to test once the pins are swapped.
- Work in Good Light: The pins are small — a work lamp helps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Rekeying a Deadbolt
This process uses your current working key to remove the cylinder — if you don’t have a working key, see the FAQ below before starting.
- Remove the Deadbolt: Unscrew the two mounting screws on the interior side of the door. The deadbolt comes off in two halves.
- Take Out the Cylinder: Remove the set screw holding the cylinder, insert the current key, and slide the cylinder out.
- Insert the Follower Tool: Push the follower (a plastic tube from the kit) into the cylinder to hold the pins in place as the plug comes out.
- Remove the Old Pins: Turn the key to align the pins with the shear line, then dump out the old pins and springs.
- Match New Pins to the Key: Use the kit’s pin chart to select pins matching the new key’s cuts.
- Insert the New Pins: Drop the new pins into the cylinder holes with tweezers, followed by the springs.
- Reassemble the Cylinder: Slide the cylinder back into the housing, remove the follower, and replace the set screw.
- Reinstall the Deadbolt: Mount it back on the door and tighten the screws evenly.
- Test with the New Key: Lock and unlock several times, then lubricate the keyhole with graphite spray.
Rekeying Steps and Tools at a Glance
| Step | Tool Needed | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remove Deadbolt | Screwdriver | 5 min | Keep screws in a small dish |
| Remove Cylinder | Screwdriver, key | 3 min | Turn key fully to release cylinder |
| Insert Follower Tool | Follower | 2 min | Push gently to avoid dropping pins |
| Remove Old Pins | Tweezers | 5 min | Work over a tray to catch parts |
| Match New Pins | Kit chart, key | 5 min | Double-check each pin depth |
| Insert New Pins | Tweezers | 5 min | Confirm each pin sits flush |
| Reassemble Cylinder | Follower | 3 min | Don’t let pins shift during reinsertion |
| Reinstall Deadbolt | Screwdriver | 5 min | Tighten screws evenly, not too tight |
| Test and Lubricate | New key, graphite | 2 min | Test at least 5 times before trusting it |
Troubleshooting Common Rekeying Issues
- Key Won’t Turn: Usually a pin installed upside down or in the wrong hole — redo that pin using the kit’s chart.
- Pins Fall Out or Get Lost: Work over a tray or shallow dish so dropped pins don’t disappear.
- Lock Sticks After Reassembly: Usually a dry cylinder — a few seconds of graphite spray fixes it. If the deadbolt is stuck fully in the locked position, that’s a separate mechanical issue, not a rekeying mistake.
- Deadbolt Won’t Sit Flush: Often over-tightened mounting screws — loosen slightly to let the mechanism self-align.
- Old Key Still Works: A pin was missed during the swap — recheck every pin position against the chart.
Testing Your Rekeyed Deadbolt
- Try the New Key: Lock and unlock at least 10 times to confirm smooth operation.
- Test the Old Key: Confirm it no longer opens the lock at all.
- Check Bolt Movement: Watch the bolt extend and retract fully with no sticking.
- Test From Both Sides: Confirm it locks and unlocks properly from inside and outside.
- Have a Second Person Test It: A second set of hands with the new key confirms the fix independent of the person who did the rekeying.
Maintaining Your Rekeyed Deadbolt
- Lubricate Yearly: A quick graphite spray into the keyhole keeps pins moving smoothly.
- Clean the Lock: Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to remove dirt buildup.
- Check the Mounting Screws: Tighten every six months to prevent wobbling.
- Test All Key Copies Monthly: Catches a developing issue before it becomes a lockout.
- Avoid Forcing the Key: Turn gently — forcing a stiff key bends pins and shortens the lock’s life.
Costs of Rekeying a Deadbolt
- Rekeying Kit: $10-$30 depending on brand and pin-set size.
- New Key: $2-$5 if not included pre-cut with the kit.
- Tools: Screwdriver, tweezers, and graphite typically add $10-$15 if you don’t already own them.
- Professional Locksmith: $50-$100 per lock if you’d rather not DIY it — see full lock-change cost comparisons if you’re weighing rekeying against replacement.
📊 DIY rekeying with a kit typically costs $25-$35 total in parts, versus $50-$100 per lock for a professional locksmith visit — a savings of roughly $25-$75 per door for a project that takes most people 20-40 minutes.
Safety Tips for Rekeying
- Work Over a Tray: Keeps tiny pins from rolling away and getting lost.
- Hold Tools Firmly: A firm grip on the screwdriver prevents slipping and scratched hardware.
- Keep Small Parts Away From Kids and Pets: Pins and springs are a choking hazard.
- Wear Gloves: Protects hands from sharp cylinder edges.
- Test Before Relying on It: Don’t consider the door secure until you’ve confirmed the new key works reliably.
When to Call a Locksmith
DIY rekeying works for most standard deadbolts, but call a professional if:
- Complex or Smart Locks: Electronic and smart locks often can’t be pin-rekeyed the same way — see whether a smart lock upgrade makes more sense than rekeying an aging mechanical deadbolt.
- No Working Key at All: The standard kit method requires a working current key to release the cylinder — without one, a locksmith can pick or drill the lock.
- Lost Kit Parts Mid-Job: A locksmith carries spare pins and springs you won’t find at a hardware store on short notice.
- Multiple Doors on a Tight Timeline: A pro can rekey five doors faster than most people can do one on their first attempt.
- High-Security Requirements: Commercial-grade or restricted keyway locks are best left to a licensed locksmith.
“The step people skip is testing the old key afterward — a new key that works isn’t proof the rekey is complete. If the old key still opens the door, at least one pin didn’t get swapped, and that’s the whole point of doing this after a move-in or a lost key.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to rekey a deadbolt?
Most people finish in 20-40 minutes once tools are gathered. First-timers should budget closer to 45 minutes to work through the pin-matching step carefully.
Do I need a locksmith to rekey a deadbolt?
No — a brand-matched rekeying kit ($10-30) lets most homeowners do it themselves in under an hour. A locksmith costs $50-$100 per lock and is worth it mainly for smart locks or if you’ve lost the current working key.
Will a rekeying kit work on any deadbolt?
No. Kits are brand- and keyway-specific — a Schlage SC1/SC4 kit will not work on a Kwikset KW1 lock. Check the model number stamped on your deadbolt before buying a kit.
How much does rekeying a deadbolt cost?
A DIY kit runs $25-$35 total including tools. A locksmith charges $50-$100 per lock, so DIY typically saves $25-$75 per door.
Can I rekey a deadbolt without the original key?
Not with the standard kit method — it requires the current working key to release the cylinder for pin replacement. Without a working key, a locksmith will need to pick or drill the lock instead.
Can I use the same key for multiple locks?
Yes — rekey each lock’s pins to match the same new key’s cuts, a process locksmiths call ‘keying alike.’ Most kits include enough pins to do two or three doors.
Conclusion
Rekeying a Schlage or Weiser deadbolt is a 20-40 minute project with a $10-25 brand-matched kit, a screwdriver, and tweezers. Remove the deadbolt, pull the cylinder with the current key, swap the pins to match your new key’s cuts using the kit’s chart, then reassemble and test thoroughly — including confirming the old key no longer works. If your deadbolt is a Kwikset SmartKey, or if you don’t have a working current key, the process differs enough that a dedicated guide or a locksmith is the better route.
