Do all our new locks need to be keyed alike, or can we choose differently?

Either approach is available — we'll walk through the tradeoffs and set up whichever makes more sense for your household or business.

Is it actually cheaper to combine installation and rekeying into one visit?

Generally yes, since it avoids the overlapping cost and time of two separate service calls.

Can you standardize old, mismatched locks from different renovations into one key?

Yes, this is a common request, particularly for older homes with hardware installed at different times.

Does this work for a business fitting out a new space?

Yes, we can install and key an entire space's hardware before opening day.

How long does a multi-door installation and rekey typically take?

It depends on the number of doors involved, but we can give you a realistic estimate once we know the scope.

Can we add smart locks to this same visit?

Yes, that's a common addition, and we're happy to discuss it as part of the same project.

How long does rekeying take?

A single lock typically takes well under an hour; whole-house rekeying depends on how many doors are involved.

Can all my locks be keyed to a single key?

Yes — this is one of the most common requests and is usually done in the same visit.

Can old keys still work after a rekey by accident?

No — rekeying specifically removes the old pin configuration, so previous keys stop working entirely once the job is done.

Is there a limit to how many times a lock can be rekeyed?

Not really, as long as the hardware itself stays in good condition. Locks can typically be rekeyed multiple times over their lifespan without issue.

Do you supply the new locks for installation, or can I provide my own?

Either works — we carry commonly requested hardware, but we're glad to install a specific lock you've already purchased if that's what you'd prefer.

What's the actual cost difference between rekeying and replacing?

Rekeying is reliably less expensive since it reuses existing hardware. We'll give you both numbers on site so you're comparing real options, not guessing.

Rekey and Lock Installation

Mobile locksmith key-cutting machines and LAB pin kit for master keying and rekey work

Master keying and on-site key cutting setup

On-site residential key cutting

Rekeying is one of the most common Ottawa calls we handle — new homeowners in Riverside South or Findlay Creek, landlords after tenant turnover in Vanier or Centretown, and businesses resetting access after staff changes. We pin cylinders on site so previous keys stop working without forcing a full hardware replacement when the lock body is still sound.

For city-specific rekeying detail, visit lock rekeying in Ottawa.

Some jobs call for more than a simple rekey or a simple installation on its own — a renovation with several new doors going in, a full security upgrade across a property, or a homeowner who wants both fresh hardware and full control over who holds a key, handled together in one visit rather than as two separate calls.

When This Combined Service Actually Makes Sense

Installing new doors as part of a renovation, all needing hardware fitted and keyed to work together
Upgrading multiple locks across a property to a higher security grade, keyed alike for convenience
A property changing hands where both old hardware needs replacing and access needs resetting
Standardizing mismatched locks from different eras of a home's history into one consistent, keyed-alike system
A business fitting out a new space that needs hardware installed and immediately rekeyed before opening

Keyed Alike vs. Keyed Differently

When installing multiple locks at once, one practical decision is whether every lock should open with the same key (keyed alike) or whether different doors should require different keys (keyed differently, sometimes paired with a master key that opens everything). Keyed alike is simpler day to day — one key for the whole property. Keyed differently offers more granular control, particularly useful for a business or a property with distinct zones. We can talk through which fits your situation.

What the Combined Process Involves

Assessment of every door and lock involved, existing or new
Installation of new hardware where needed
Keying — either matching new locks to existing keys, or setting up a new keyed-alike or keyed-differently system from scratch
Testing every lock for smooth, reliable operation
Key handoff, with a clear explanation of what opens what

Why Doing This Together Saves Time and Cost

Handling installation and rekeying as separate visits means paying for two service calls and often duplicating some of the assessment work. Combining them into one visit, when the situation calls for both, is simply more efficient — one technician, one visit, one coordinated result.

A Natural Moment to Consider Broader Upgrades

If you're already having multiple locks installed or rekeyed, it's a reasonable time to also ask about smart locks, higher security-grade deadbolts, or access control for a business. We'll walk through what's actually worth adding versus what would just increase the cost without meaningfully improving your situation.

Why Choose Can-Lock Security for This

Can-Lock Security is a mobile, family-owned locksmith comfortable coordinating installation and rekeying together across an entire property or a single door, whichever your situation calls for. We quote the full scope clearly before starting.

Book Your Rekey and Lock Installation

Whether it's one door or an entire property, Can-Lock Security can handle installation and rekeying together. Reach out to discuss your project.

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