Security Changes Without Replacing All Your Hardware
Lock Rekeying in Springfield and surrounding towns for situations where keys are lost, employees leave, or tenants move and old access must be revoked immediately
A.W. Gifford Inc provides lock rekeying in Springfield and across Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut for property owners who need to control access without replacing functional locks. You call when you move into a home and realize previous owners may have kept keys, when an employee with building access leaves your company, or when keys go missing and you cannot confirm who holds copies. We change the internal pin configuration in your locks so that old keys no longer work, and we issue new keys cut to the updated code.
Our work addresses the security gaps created when key control is lost, the cost inefficiency of replacing locks that still function properly, and the operational need to update access quickly without waiting for hardware orders or extensive installation. We disassemble each cylinder, remove the existing pins, and install a new pin stack that corresponds to a different key cut. In Springfield, where rental properties, small businesses, and multi-family buildings turn over regularly, rekeying allows property managers and homeowners to update security without the expense and downtime of full lock replacement.
If you need to revoke old keys and restore control over who enters your property, reach out to discuss rekeying services in Springfield and surrounding areas.
When you schedule rekeying, we remove each lock cylinder, extract the plug, and replace the pin stack with a new configuration that matches a key code you have not used before. You will see us use pinning kits that include springs, drivers, and bottom pins in various lengths, along with a plug follower to keep the cylinder intact during reassembly. Rekeying takes less time than lock replacement and preserves your existing hardware, finish, and door prep.
After rekeying, your old keys no longer operate the locks, your new keys turn smoothly in every cylinder, and you hold the only copies unless you authorize duplication. A.W. Gifford Inc ensures that all locks in the rekeying scope are pinned to the same key code if you want one key to operate multiple doors, and we confirm that no residual cuts or old pins remain that could allow unauthorized access.
We do not rekey locks that are worn to the point of mechanical failure, and we do not recommend rekeying if the lock body itself is damaged. If your hardware is no longer secure or reliable, we explain what replacement options make sense. Rekeying is most effective when the lock mechanisms are sound and you simply need to revoke access held by others.
Questions That Help Clarify When Rekeying Works
These questions address the practical and cost considerations that determine whether rekeying or replacement is the right approach for your security needs.
What is the difference between rekeying and changing a lock?
Rekeying alters the pin configuration inside the existing cylinder so old keys stop working, while changing a lock means removing the entire unit and installing new hardware. Rekeying costs less and leaves your door and hardware unchanged.
How long does it take to rekey a lock?
Rekeying a single cylinder takes between ten and twenty minutes depending on the lock type and condition. If you need multiple locks rekeyed, we can complete most residential or small commercial projects in Springfield & surrounding areas in a short period of time based on project needs.
Can all locks be rekeyed?
Most pin tumbler locks can be rekeyed, including deadbolts, knob locks, lever locks, and mortise cylinders. Locks that use wafer tumblers or electronic mechanisms may require different procedures or may not be rekeyable depending on their design.
Will rekeying make my locks work better?
Rekeying changes which key operates the lock but does not repair worn components or fix mechanical issues. If your lock sticks or binds, we address those problems separately, either through cleaning and adjustment or by recommending replacement if wear is severe.
Can you rekey locks so they all use the same key?
Yes, we pin each lock to match a common key code, which allows one key to operate your front door, back door, garage entry, and any other locks you include in the scope, providing the key way is the same for all lock manufacturers. This process is called keying alike and is common for homes and small businesses in Springfield & surrounding towns.
If you need lock rekeying to restore security and control access without replacing functional hardware, contact A.W. Gifford Inc to schedule service in Springfield or the surrounding areas we serve.
