Non-destructive entry first, always - and we re-key Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin locks on the spot while you watch
You get a price before we start. It does not change when we arrive. No surprises.
Lock Rekey in Ashburn, VA
A professional lock rekey in Ashburn, VA, typically costs between $95 and $160, depending on the number of cylinders and the hardware brand, and can usually be completed in under an hour. When you rekey a lock, we do not replace the entire locking mechanism; instead, we replace the internal pins and springs within the existing cylinder to match a new key, rendering any old keys useless. At Novak Lock & Security, we provide firm, written price quotes over the phone before we ever dispatch a technician, ensuring you know exactly what the cost will be before we arrive at your door.
Whether you have recently moved into a home in the Broadlands or Brambleton areas, or you have simply lost track of who might have a spare key to your property, rekeying is the most efficient way to reset your home’s security. It is a fundamental procedure that we perform daily as part of our broader Residential Locksmith in Ashburn services. Because we operate under The Haven Standard, every rekey job we perform includes a documented photo record of the work, ensuring you have a clear paper trail of the security state of your property. If you need to secure your home today, call us at (571) 410-8874 for an upfront, written estimate.
When You Need Lock Rekey
Many homeowners in Ashburn assume they need to replace their entire door hardware when they want to change their keys. However, rekeying is often the more practical solution for functional, high-quality hardware. Here are the specific scenarios where we recommend rekeying:
- You just moved into a new home: Even if the previous owners turned over all their keys, you have no way of knowing if a neighbor, a contractor, or a previous tenant still has a copy. Rekeying ensures that only the keys currently in your possession will operate the locks.
- Lost or stolen keys: If your keys were lost in a public place like the Ashburn Village Center or a local park, rekeying is a necessary security measure to prevent unauthorized access.
- Ending a roommate or tenant agreement: When a roommate moves out or a rental agreement ends, rekeying the locks immediately prevents future access issues and protects your property.
- You want a single key for multiple doors: If your front door, back door, and garage entry use different keys, we can “key alike” these cylinders. This allows you to carry one key for all your exterior doors, reducing clutter and frustration.
- Upgrading to high-security cylinders: If you currently have standard entry-grade hardware, we can sometimes rekey your existing lock body with high-security cylinders from brands like Mul-T-Lock or Abloy, which are resistant to picking, drilling, and bumping.
If you are unsure if your specific locks can be rekeyed, call (571) 410-8874. We can often determine your hardware type over the phone and provide an honest assessment of whether rekeying is the right choice or if the hardware is too worn to be serviced safely.
Our Lock Rekey Process

We follow a strict, standardized process for every rekey to ensure the security of your home and the functionality of your locks. Our technicians are background-checked and uniformed, and they operate under the procedures established by The Haven Standard.
- Initial Assessment: Upon arrival, our technician inspects the existing door hardware to ensure it is in good working order. We check for signs of wear, internal damage, or loose mounting screws that could compromise the lock’s security.
- Cylinder Removal: We carefully remove the cylinder from your lock housing. This is a delicate process that requires specific tools to prevent damage to the door or the surrounding trim.
- Pin Replacement: We disassemble the cylinder and remove the existing pins and springs. We then install a new set of pins that corresponds to a brand-new set of keys. This step effectively deletes the old keys from the system.
- Testing and Verification: Once the new pins are installed, we reassemble the cylinder and test the operation multiple times with the new keys. The lock must operate smoothly without sticking or binding.
- Documentation: Per The Haven Standard, we create a documented photo record of the finished work. This record is left with you, providing proof that the work was completed according to our specifications.
Because we handle precision springs and pins, we strongly advise against attempting to rekey locks yourself. A single misplaced pin or a spring that isn’t seated correctly can cause the lock to jam, potentially locking you out of your own home and requiring an emergency extraction. If your lock is malfunctioning, call us at (571) 410-8874 to have a professional handle it safely.
Lock Rekey Pricing in Ashburn
We believe that pricing should never be a mystery. Under Clause 1 of The Haven Standard, the price we quote you on the phone is the price you will see on the invoice. We do not engage in bait-and-switch pricing or add-on fees once we are at your doorstep.
The cost for a lock rekey in Ashburn is based on the number of cylinders and the type of hardware.
| Service Item | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Single Cylinder Rekey (Standard) | $95 - $120 per cylinder |
| High-Security Cylinder Rekey (e.g., Mul-T-Lock) | $140 - $180 per cylinder |
| Service Call Fee (for onsite dispatch) | Included in the quote |
We provide free estimates for all residential lock services. If you have a competitor’s written estimate, bring it to us. We will provide a free second opinion on their scope of work, ensuring you aren’t paying for services you don’t actually need. Call (571) 410-8874 for your upfront, written quote.
FAQs - Lock Rekey

Can you rekey any brand of lock?
We can rekey most major residential lock brands, including Schlage, Sargent, and Baldwin, as well as high-security systems like Mul-T-Lock and Abloy. If you have a proprietary high-security lock, we will verify that we have the necessary pinning kits during our initial phone consultation. Call (571) 410-8874 to confirm your hardware type.
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace my locks?
Rekeying is almost always cheaper than replacing the entire lockset, as you are only paying for the labor and the new pins rather than the cost of new hardware. We only recommend replacement if your existing hardware is physically broken, rusted, or does not meet the security standards you require for your home.
How long does it take to rekey a standard house?
Rekeying a standard home with three or four exterior doors typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. This includes the time to properly disassemble, re-pin, and test each cylinder to ensure they all operate correctly with the new keys.
What if my keys are stolen and I need immediate help?
We provide 24/7 emergency response for situations where your security has been compromised. If you have lost your keys or suspect someone else has them, call (571) 410-8874 immediately. We will prioritize your call to ensure your home is resecured as quickly as possible.
Written by Daniel Novak, Owner at Novak Lock & Security Ashburn, serving Ashburn.






